Strumming Along
Playing the Chords & Bum-Ditty for the A Section of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Now that you've gotten a handle on switching chords you're ready to add in the Bum-Ditty. If you don't know what the bum-ditty is and how to play it, then click the button below to check out the Beginning with Clawhammer lesson to learn about the Bum-Ditty rhythm pattern and how to play it.
If you don't know how to play the bum-ditty then click the link below to learn all about that and some other banjo basics.
Getting Started with Clawhammer Banjo
If you do know about the Bum-Ditty rhythm pattern and how to play it then you are in the right place. All we're gonna do here is play that rhythm pattern and add in some of the chord switches you've gotten used to. We'll be playing the backup chords to the first part of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star as an exercise and example. The A part is great practice in switching between the open string G, C and D7 chords. Use the focus feature to practice measures 1 and 2 separately and repeatedly. Measure 1 will give you practice switching between G and C. Measure 2 will give you practice switching between C, G & D7. First, practice the measures counting aloud while playing. We recommend counting 1, & a; 2 & a, 3 & a; 4 & a. You'll strum on numbered beats and "&". Your thumb will pop the 5th string on "a". You can also vocalize the rhythm pattern by saying "Bum-ditty. Bum-Ditty, Bum-Ditty, Bum-Ditty,". You'll strum on "Bum" and "dit". Your thumb will pop the 5th string on "ty". Remember to plant the thumb as you complete each strum.
Something else to think about: If you sing the song as you play, almost all the words will be sung at the same time a chord is strummed - except for the last word of each measure("star" & "are").
mix licks, be original.
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Whenever you are learning a new tune, pay attention to the chords above the tablature. Click on the chords to learn how to form the chord, and practice playing through with the basic bum-ditty pattern.