LESSON TEN
Six String Clawhammer
The basic clawhammer pattern uses the p, m and i fingers. The clawhammer patterns in this lesson also use the a finger and can be used to play all six strings.
Fingerpicking Pattern 8
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37 |
The following example is a turnaround in the key of G and uses fingerpicking pattern 8. Practice this new pattern on each chord separately at first, then play the entire progression. When using the pattern on the C major chord shape, play the C and G bass notes with the third finger of the left hand alternating between the 5th and 6th strings.
The other fingers of the left hand remain in position. The D7 chord shape only uses five strings, so you will have to adapt the fingerpicking pattern to fit the chord. For example, instead of the a finger, use m as seen in bars 7-8.
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38 | El Condor Pasa |
This popular South American song is in the key of E minor. Use fingerpicking pattern 8 throughout.
Fingerpicking Pattern 8
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39 | Camptown Races |
Apply the same pattern to the song Camptown Races. Pick the bass notes that sound the best to your ear. When playing the F chord in bar 11, do not use the a finger, but instead use m as shown in the pattern 8 variation. Depending on what chord shapes are used to accompany a song, you may have to adapt the fingerpicking patterns to fit.
Fingerpicking Pattern 8
Pattern 8 variation
Here is another interesting variation on the clawhammer and pinch technique. Once again all six strings are played.
Fingerpicking Pattern 9
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40 |
Here is fingerpicking pattern 9 applied to a C chord. The second bar contains a bass note run which leads back to the same C chord. Bass note runs are played with the thumb (p). This bass run is used in the accompaniment to the song Mussi Den. Bass note runs can also be used to connect two different chords. Try creating your own bass note runs to connect different chords together.
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41 | Mussi Den |
Mussi Den is a well known song from Germany. Try to include some bass note runs in the accompaniment to this song. The F and Dm chords use only five strings, so adapt the pattern as discussed earlier in the lesson.
