Frailing
Frailing is a way of playing the
banjo also known as
claw-hammer. To frail a banjo, hold the right hand with the middle finger bent stiff:
- Hit a string with the back of the middle fingernail, plucking it.
- Optionally, pluck a string with the thumb.
- Strum several strings with the back of the middle fingernail.
- Optionally, pluck a string (usually the 5th) with the thumb.
The result is melodic but can have a strong strummed rhythm which allows the frailed banjo to stand well as a solo instrument. The dynamic range of the instrument is quite good when played in this way.