Haunting minor sound

[GHK]

Hey guys.

Looking to develop that haunting minor sound, like the banjo picket in the Steeldrivers.

Haven’t found good lessons.

I’d love some advice or even better if Ben did a series on creating this sound.

Thanks!
G

[JKL]

Several classic Clawhammer songs (old time) have a haunting sound. Typically they are played in sawmill tuning (tune the second string up to a C), or double C tuning (second string up to a C and the fourth string down to a C). G minor tuning can also work (tune the second string down to B flat). Of course you’ll need to figure out some new chord shapes. You can look those up for sawmill and double C as they are both popular in old time music. Good luck with this pathway—it can become an obsession.

[BanjoBen]

Depends on the song and sound you’re talking about @GHK. Can you let me know a particular song title, perhaps drop a youtube link here? I may have lessons on it.

[GHK]

Hey Ben,

Here are a couple songs:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4qMWGjTsvyvA9hJIudeKNv?si=mxququrjROe58dIxunyIPw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4nUdfrrNg6lSJyDX6LW332

https://open.spotify.com/track/0iy2OMCmBh7ReWrzuACePb?si=UjKNUp6ARo-bfqFurojc4A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0OS5KGJUIqhhDQk9QKvRp3

I think they are using minor or minor blues keys. But the banjo sound is really cool, laidback, and tasteful.

Thanks!
~g

[BanjoBen]

Ahh, gotcha. Yeah, I have several songs on the site that teach that type of “feel”…try this one first:

https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/man-of-constant-sorrow-banjo