Introduced by the band Vibe 45 in the late 1900's, the 'Paw Claw' is an advanced strumming technique for the bass guitar, wherein the elbow and forearm are situated subtly perpendicular to the strings from the butt end of the instrument allowing for flexibility to float/position the strumming hand ('Paw') so that the index, middle and ring fingers are able to intersect frets 15, 17 and 19 over the E, A and D strings respectively. The 'Claw' represents a uniform, pulsing hammer motion executed intermittently and hastily at a 70 degree attack angle, snap depressing the string(s) as if to 'Claw' it deep into the neck of the guitar. Commonly used to pocket lock midrange to low mid frequency rhythmic, funk house drops with the intent to uniquely accentuate drum kicks, hits, stacks and jabs in collaboration with Chuck and Hambone.
Scenario Form
{New fan of Vibe 45 } "Dude, what the heck was D Dog doing with the bass guitar during the song "Millennium Summer"? {Chuck from Vibe 45 replies} "That's the 'Paw Claw' jack."
{D Dog to Hambone of Vibe 45} "Hey Hambone, thanks for showing me the 'Paw Claw' technique!"
{New fan of Vibe 45 } "Dude, what the heck was D Dog doing with the bass guitar during the song "Millennium Summer"? {Chuck from Vibe 45 replies} "That's the 'Paw Claw' jack."
{D Dog to Hambone of Vibe 45} "Hey Hambone, thanks for showing me the 'Paw Claw' technique!"
by Charitable Disguise November 10, 2019