I am delighted that a discussion about clawhammer guitar is taking place on Mudcat. It's a great technique for guitarists to explore. I am sorry that the discussion has focused more that I would like on my referring to the Travis pick as 'the Prince Charles pick.' As for why I did that, Rob Naylor gets it right in his October 16 post. I'll direct the curious to that post (thanks Rob), though I think the matter is sooooooo trivial it does not warrant the effort. On the other hand, it is a serious matter when someone gets their feelings hurt and feels culturally sleighted. I regret that that happened here.

I also don't want to divert people from the important stuff, which is that, as some posters have noted in this thread, frailing and clawhammer are interchangeable; they both refer to a DOWN picking 'bum ditty' pattern where the thumb (contra Travis picking) sounds on the PICKUP to the downbeat. This creates a unique groove that one rarely hears on the guitar. Sadly, in the guitar world use of the term 'frailing' has been rather free-wheeling and it now means whatever people want it to mean. I have been very guilty of loose use of that term also. I wish I hadn't.
In any event, claw guitar is a unique way to create groove, bass and melody with one simple, ergonomically elegant, flowing right hand motion. The world needs more guitar players to give it a try. I hope it happens.
Thanks for the thread.
Steve Baughman