Courses  Instructors  How It Works Plans & Pricing Blog Resources 
x

Log In

Log In 
Don't have an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submit 
An email has been sent with instructions on how to reset your password.

Get Started

Continue 
Thanks for creating your account with ArtistWorks.
Already have an account? Log In
Instruments > Banjo > Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot

Clawhammer Banjo
with Allison de Groot

Join clawhammer banjo master Allison de Groot as she teaches her comprehensive approach to the instrument through hundreds of online banjo lessons designed for players of all levels. In this detailed, 9-section course, Allison breaks down all of her clawhammer banjo techniques, including her approaches to improvisation, performing with a fiddle player, and connecting musical ideas. In addition to the lesson videos, students can swap videos with Allison to receive direct feedback that will elevate their skills as banjoists and musicians.

Old-Time, Traditional, Celtic StylesBanjo Tab + Notation

Music Theory + ImprovDozens of Play-Along Tracks

About Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot


Unleash your inner clawhammer banjo virtuoso and embark on a transformative musical journey with acclaimed banjoist and educator Allison de Groot. Welcome to the world of “Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot” at ArtistWorks, where aspiring banjoists of all levels can master clawhammer techniques and reach new heights of musical prowess.

Allison de Groot, known for her extraordinary technical abilities, diverse improvisational style, and holistic approach to playing, is here to guide you through every step of your banjo adventure. Allison has decades of experience as a professional musician and revered banjo instructor and is the ideal mentor to help you refine your skills and unlock your full potential.

This online clawhammer banjo course is designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals to intermediate and advanced players seeking to expand their repertoire and push the boundaries of their abilities. Whether you aspire to play old-time, folk, Celtic jigs, or any other traditional-inspired genre, Allison de Groot’s versatile teaching approach will equip you with the tools, techniques, and knowledge you need to excel.

One of the standout features of “Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot” is the interactive video exchange platform. This unique system allows you to submit videos of your playing directly to Allison herself, who will provide personalized feedback, guidance, and encouragement. This invaluable one-on-one interaction ensures that you receive tailored instruction that caters to your specific needs, enabling you to progress rapidly and overcome any challenges you may encounter along the way.

Inside the course, you'll find an extensive library of high-definition video lessons covering a wide range of topics, including banjo basics, scales and modes, improvisation, alternate tunings, rhythmic awareness, melodic ornamentation, music theory, and much more. Each lesson is meticulously crafted, breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible segments, so you can learn at your own pace and build a solid foundation of skills.

In addition to the comprehensive video lessons, you'll gain access to a wealth of supplementary learning materials. These include downloadable play-along backing tracks, sheet music, and banjo tablature, allowing you to practice the techniques taught by Allison de Groot in a variety of musical contexts.

Join a vibrant community of clawhammer banjo enthusiasts from around the world through the course's active forum. Engage in discussions, seek advice, and connect with fellow learners who share your passion for banjo, traditional music, and more. The supportive environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides an additional avenue for learning and growth.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the world's greatest banjoists and educators. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the “Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot” course at ArtistWorks will unlock your true potential and revolutionize the way you approach the banjo. So, grab your banjo and start your musical journey today!


About Video Exchange® Learning



What ultimately sets these banjo lessons apart from other offerings is the ability to submit a video for review using the ArtistWorks Video Exchange Learning® platform. Allison reviews each submission and records a video response, offering specific guidance to take your playing to the next level. All students can access the Video Exchange library and watch each other’s interactions with Allison. This library is constantly expanding and may contain the key to unlock your banjo playing skills.


About Allison de Groot


On clawhammer banjo, Allison de Groot has become a significant voice in the North American traditional, Americana, and roots music scenes. Her style is adventurous and grounded, and No Depression writes it “transports the listener to a different plane”. Starting out on banjo in her hometown of Winnipeg, MB, Allison’s grown into a career of exciting collaborations and continued musical exploration. She has performed and recorded alongside some of the most renowned traditional musicians in North America and Europe and was nominated by the Americana Music Association for 2023 ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’. Collaboration is at the center of Allison's music. Bandcamp Daily has described her duo with fiddler Tatiana Hargreaves as “one living, breathing organism.” Allison and Tatiana create an adventurous, masterful, and original sound. They expand on the eccentricities of old songs, while never losing sight of what makes them endure. Their latest release ‘Hurricane Clarice’ won two Canadian Folk Music Awards and was nominated for ‘Traditional Album of the Year’ at the Juno Awards. Alongside bandmates Tatiana Hargreaves, percussive dancer Nic Gareiss, and legendary fiddler Bruce Molsky, Allison has performed at festivals such as Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, Red Wing Roots, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Hardly Strictly and Celtic Connections. For a second year in a row, Allison and Tatiana are working in the Celtic Connections Transatlantic Sessions house band led by Jerry Douglas. Allison has taught at ArtistWorks since November 2024.


Clawhammer Banjo Lessons


+
Section 1

Welcome to the Course
Holding the Banjo
Double C Tuning (CC) - gCGCD
Bum-Ditty
Bum-Ditty Exercise 1: Changing Strings
Bum-Ditty Exercise 2: C Major Scale Pattern
Working with Tablature
The Nashville Number System
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category
I-IV-V Chords in Double C Tuning
"Old Molly Hare" - Bum-Ditty - Key of C
Split Bum-Ditty
"Old Molly Hare" - Split Bum-Ditty - Key of C
"Mississippi Sawyer" Part A - Split Bum-Ditty - Key of C
Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs
Bumpa-Ditty
"Mississippi Sawyer" Part B - Bumpa-Ditty - Key of C
"Mississippi Sawyer" Complete Tune - Key of C
"Old Molly Hare" - Faster Tempo - Key of C
"Mississippi Sawyer" - Faster Tempo - Key of C

+
Section 2

Allison's Instrument & Strings
Finger Placement, Strumming & Tone
G Tuning - g-D-G-B-D
"Ida Red" - Key of G
Slides
Bumpa-Ditty with Pull-Off / Return
I-IV-V Chords in G Tuning
"Sail Away Ladies" - Key of G
Drop Thumb / Double Thumb - Double C Tuning
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category
Double Thumb Exercise
"Old Molly Hare" - Double Thumb - Key of C
The Cross Over Pattern
"Jack Wilson" - Key of C
Rhythm

+
Section 3

Old Time Jams & Tunings
Using a Capo & Playing in Different Keys
"Old Molly Hare" - Key of D
"Mississippi Sawyer" - Key of D
A Tuning - a-E-A-C#-E
I-IV-V Chords in A Tuning
"Pretty Little Widow" - Chords - Key of A
"Cluck Old Hen" - Key of A
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category
"Late for the Dance" - Key of A
The Roll Pattern
"Late for the Dance" - Adding the Roll Pattern - Key of A
4 Interchangeable Patterns
Rhythm Exercise with Tatiana Hargreaves

+
Section 4

"Down the Road" - Key of D
I-IV-V Chords in D Tuning
Thumb for Melody Notes
"Sourwood Mountain" - Key of G
G Modal Tuning - g-D-G-C-D
"Twin Sisters" - G Modal
Alternate Tunings
"Peach Bottom Creek" - f#-D-F#-A-D Tuning
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category

+
Section 5

F Tuning - f-D-G-C-D
I-IV-V Chords in F Tuning
"Will Davenport's Tune" - Key of F
The Galax Lick
"Old Molly Hare" - Galax Lick - Key of C
"Across the Sea" - Key of C
"Across the Sea" - Galax Lick - Key of C
"Sugar Hill" - Key of D
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category
Ghost Notes
"The Rabbit Skipped" - Key of C

+
Section 6

"Big Eyed Rabbit" - f-F-G-C-D Tuning - Key of F
Crooked Tunes
Micro Slides
"Who's Been Here Since I've Been Gone" - Key of A
"Buck Creek Girls" - Key of C
"Buck Creek Girls" - Variations - Key of C
"Farewell Whiskey" - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category

+
Section 7

"Mississippi Sawyer" Part A Variations - Key of D
"Mississippi Sawyer" Part B Variations - Key of D
"Mississippi Sawyer" Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of D
The Rhoda Rake
Festival Versions vs. Specific Versions
"Soldier's Joy" - Key of D
"Backstep Cindy" - Key of D
"Backstep Cindy" - Variations - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of D
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category

+
Section 8

The X Shape
"Cumberland Gap" - X Shape - Key of G
"Sail Away Ladies" - X Shape - Key of G
"Touch Me if You Dare" - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of G
Chord Inversions
"Jenny Lind Polka" - Chord Inversions - Key of G
"Pretty Little Widow" - Key of A
Mapping the Fretboard
Diatonic Chord Exercise
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category
Useful Non-Diatonic Chords - G Tuning

+
Section 9

2 Note C Chord Shapes
3 Note Diatonic C Chord Shapes
"Lonesome Blues" - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of C
"Ducks on the Millpond" - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of D
"Rabbit Where's Your Mammy?" - Demo with Tatiana Hargreaves - Key of D
"Jaybird Died of the Whooping Cough" - Key of G
"Augusta" - Key of F
Altered F# Tuning - f#-B-E-A-D
"Cumberland Gap" - f#-B-E-A-D Tuning - Key of D
Miscellaneous Topics - Video Exchange Category

Select a Plan:





*Promo and discount codes cannot be applied to this membership purchase


Add to Cart

What's In This Plan


  • Unlimited Access to Lessons
  • Unlimited Access to Video Exchange Library
  • Unlimited Video Submissions to Teacher
  • Music Theory Workshop
  • Backing Tracks across Instruments
  • VIP Bonus Content
  • 100s of banjo lessons at your own pace
  • All levels and styles of playing welcome
  • Deep dive into single string banjo

Get Free Sample Lessons


Enter your first name and email below and we'll send you free video lesson samples from this course, plus exclusive offers, updates on our courses, and more!



X