What kind of pick do you recommend for clawhammer banjo?
While most banjo players prefer using their natural nail, picks are a great alternative if nails are too soft or prone to breaking. Two top choices for clawhammer picks are the Fred Kelly “Freedom” Pick and the Propik Clawhammer Pick.
Published:
May 15, 2025
Updated:
July 22, 2025
.png)
Most banjo players prefer to use their natural nail, as do I.
However, if you have issues keeping any nail at all, or if they’re too soft to generated a good sound, then using a pick is a great option. I personally keep a pick as a backup in case a nail breaks during a gig (or I need extra volume).
My two favorite picks are:
.png)
.png)