Brought to you by WorkshopLive.com
ACOUSTIC
Pretty Polly is a traditional banjo tune that is well known in old-time and bluegrass circles. Many of the fingerings and riffs in this example are the
same as those used in clawhammer or frailing (a technique involving strumming down with the backs of the fingernails) banjo players. The following shuffle rhythm is built into the rhythm of the clawhammer banjo style:
You can throw in the shuffle to “keep time” whenever the melody reaches a long note. Try Pretty Polly slowly at first. If you keep your wrist loose
and use lots of “snap” when you strum, you should be able to build up the speed to a brisk pace.
Pretty Polly
