Steve's Spinal Column #13

The Full Sticktet

"The Claw", so named by a student of mine, many years ago, is an extremely important Stick technique. Basically, it's the use of the right hand thumb in conjunction with the four basic fingers. The action of this movement on the strings, imitates a crab dancing across the sand, hence the name "The Claw". (there was a bad guy on TV's Get Smart called "The Craw not The Craw" but that's another story). Emmett has chosen a different name, commonly alluding to this style as "FingerSticking". Hey "A rose by any name would smell as sweet". (Mo Howard). Call it what you wish. Let's explore the possibilities.

First example: (I use the standard Grand)
Tap the third string at the eighth fret with the index finger of the right hand.
Now tap the 11th string at the eighth fret with the thumb of same hand.
Should be the same tone.
Play rhythms between the two notes.
Move the thumb, up or down two frets and continue rhythmic play.
Move the index up or down two frets and do the rhythm thing.
Move the index finger and/or thumb to different strings.

Now we get a little fancier:
Play the second string eighth fret with the middle finger.
Follow this by the third string and eleventh as before, so rotation is middle, first, thumb.
Change the fret of any of the notes.
Change the strings likewise.
Change the sequence of notes.

Third idea:
Play the thumb in conjunction with a triad on the treble side.
The triad can be played harmonically or arpeggiated.
Think of it with a Chet Atkins approach (hence "FingerStickin")

Advanced:
Play "the Claw" on only one side of the fingerboard, be it treble or bass.
Move to unknown areas on the board.
Play this style on the lower frets, behind your left hand bass.
Play these notes on the fret for a muted, percussive sound.
Attempt a lefty Claw
Do a Claw in each hand
Try a Lobster (Just kidding)

So many possibilities to explore. And it's a natural feel on the Stick. Combine unique melodic skips with intricate rhythmic patterns and sophisticated harmonies. A true Stickism.

Keep in mind, "Fingersticked Rules but Clawed Reigns."