Beginner Clawhammer Banjo

8 Wednesdays, 7 - 8PM:

Sept 9 - Oct 28, 2026

Clawhammer banjo is the driving force behind an old-time string band. It’s part melody, part rhythm, and completely consuming. Clawhammer is an old style of banjo that precedes bluegrass and has been used by folk musicians for decades.

Students in this class will learn the basics of the banjo and the clawhammer technique. This will include how to hold the instrument, how to make basic chords, how to play the bum-dit-ty (the basic clawhammer stroke and foundation of this style), and how to pick out simple melodies. Students will also learn how to start developing their aural skills to allow them to learn new melodies in a jam setting, and function with other old-time string band musicians. 

  • Tuition: $196 per participant

  • Apply for a scholarship

  • Materials Fee: none

  • Required supplies: Participants need to bring their own banjo and tuner (tuner can be an app on phone).

  • Optional supplies include:

    -Strap

    -Banjo Capo

    -Extra strings

  • Age / Ability Level:This class is open to all people with a banjo, ages 14 and up.

  • Participants in this weekly, 8-session series will become more comfortable with holding the banjo, forming basic chords, how to play the bum-dit-ty (the basic clawhammer stroke and foundation of this style), and how to pick out simple melodies. Students will also learn how to start developing their aural skills to allow them to learn new melodies in a jam setting, and function with other old-time string band musicians. 

  • CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. As we launch our first workshop series, we are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.

    Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply.  Apply here

  • CPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.

    If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.

meet your instructor

Caleb James Hall is a clawhammer banjo player, fiddler, and organizer in the old-time music community. He has been performing in bands for square dances, for captive audiences, and for background music in bars and breweries for over a decade. He has a repertoire of fiddle and string band music from the Appalachian and Midwest regions with a particular affinity for Kentucky tunes. Caleb teaches banjo lessons and hosts the Old-Time Happy Hour jam at Padraigs Brewery in North Minneapolis.