In my newest video, I build on what I covered in my first clawhammer tutorial and show you how to play the clawhammer strum with Cindy, a jaunty folk tune that’s probably hundreds of years old. When I share these American folk songs, I'm frequently conflicted as to how much history to share. I want to properly give credit when I can, but I'm not a music historian and worry about spreading incorrect information. So here's a little of what I do know: Clawhammer strumming is typically associated with the banjo, and both the instrument and this form of strumming originated in Africa. Enslaved African Americans were the first to play the instrument and strum this way in the American South and, in so doing, they created most of the catchiest American folk songs. Cindy is one of those songs, and when I sing it I'm overwhelmed by its simple genius and its modern feel. By sharing these songs, I hope to extend their lives and honor their authors, whose names and stories we'll never truly know.
After you’ve tried out the clawhammer strum with Cindy, try pairing it with one of these folk classics, all of which were created by Black Americans:
What song will you play the clawhammer strum with?
