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kidtulsa - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:09:32
Hi,
I recently picked up an old 5 string from the 19th c., strung up with nylgut strings and I love it! I'm hooked...
Anyways, I just bought the Banjo Picker's Fakebook and I have a basic question for y'all;
When a tune has 'capo 2nd fret' written up top, what do I do with the 5th string?? Do I need rr spikes to play these tunes, or is that string left alone?
I'm sure this has been covered before, so my apologies if this question is redundant!
Pete
chip arnold - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:16:03
Capoing to the 2nd fret raises the pitch one whole tone. You should be able to tune your 5th string a whole tone higher with no problem. Lots of us do it all the time.
**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken
Chip Arnold
Mark Johnson - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:17:10
The 5th string does likely need to be changed in some way to compliment the key you are playing in. Usually, when you are told to "capo 2nd fret" that means you need to move the 5th string note up two half-steps.
There are a variety of ways of doing so, including the spikes. But a great many of us get by just fine by simply tuning the string up that step. It can be scary at first because the string gets way tighter than what you're used to, but it'll hold.
Check this craziness out: http://zeppmusic.com/Temp/c_on_the_5th.wmv
Mark
chip arnold - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:18:45
By the way, Welcome to the Banjo Hangout Pete. I'm not familiar with the book you mention. Are you interested in finger style or clawhammer style playing? And what sort of music do you want to play?
**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken
Chip Arnold
minstrelmike - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:26:27
What they say about the 5th string is true; however, if you are just learning to play, I wouldn't bother capoing and retuning the 5th string. Do that when you play with a mandolin or fiddle.
The fingering's the same with or without capo and that's what you need to be practicing. If you stick with it, then you'll definitely want spikes or some kind of 5th string capo (there are a few varieties--read some threads about them).
Mike Moxcey
http://moxcey.net/mike/minstrel/index.html
george craciun - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:30:10
You can also get a Reagan 5th string capo for around $10, from Elderly Instruments or Janet Davis. You could tighten the 5th string as suggested by others, but I prefer to use a capo or spike rather than risk breaking a string or overstressing the 5th string tuner. Good luck and happy pickin'.
Back Porch Picker
French - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:35:36
the easiest thing i've found from another thread was to take a pen cap, nip the fat end down a bit, then snip a little off the thin end, and pop that thin end over whatever fret you need for the 5th string. (it should have a groove in it already) just make sure it's short enough to balance and not interfere with the 4th string. works like a charm.
kidtulsa - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:48:03
Hey, thanks for the info everyone! That was quick! The book I mentioned is called the Banjo Picker's Fakebook... I had read that the fiddle version is a great resource for repertoire, and wanted to have a resource for banjo.
I'm honestly kind of on the fence about this book, as I'm not a huge fan of TAB w/o audio examples -- I learn best by ear.
I really like Clawhammer and Round Peak style, and would like to learn both.
The banjo, btw, is very small and has a brass plate on the back reading "The E. Perry Allen ; New York". It has a wonderful cloud-shaped head stock and celluloid pegs. I love it.
Thanks again for your help!
Pete
BANJOJUDY - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:49:18
quote:
Originally posted by French
the easiest thing i've found from another thread was to take a pen cap, nip the fat end down a bit, then snip a little off the thin end, and pop that thin end over whatever fret you need for the 5th string. (it should have a groove in it already) just make sure it's short enough to balance and not interfere with the 4th string. works like a charm.
That sounds cool -but I cannot picture what it looks like - would give it a try if you could send me a picture - or preferably upload one to this thread. ********************************************************************' Adam Hurt is coming to Albuquerque to perform a solo gig on October 8th. Also will be holding fiddle and banjo classes. Balloon Fiesta Week - you might want to plan a trip and join the fun and lovely weather. Email me for more information: inquiry@siliconheights.com*********************************************************************
chip arnold - Posted - 09/25/2009: 10:59:31
Of all the 5th string capos I've used over the years, I definately like the rr spikes best. But again, if you're only capoing one tone (two frets) you can easily tune the 5th that far. I and many others have done this for years and have never had any sort of problems with stress or breakage. Do what you like but don't be afraid of tuning up one tone.
As for capoing the other four strings. many old time pickers tune the whole banjo up to A or D tunings rather than use a capo. But if you plan to use a capo then I suggest that you practice with one. As Mike says above, the fingering is the same either way. But there is a sizable difference in reach and if you get to fooling around up past the 7th fret, you'll want to get used to the right position dots. Putting on the capo only takes a second. Practicing within the configuration in which you'll be playing later with others is simple and just makes sense. But no, it's not the end of the world if you practice w/o capo.
**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken
Chip Arnold
EggerRidgeBoy - Posted - 09/25/2009: 13:49:22
I've only been playing for about a year. For the first few months I basically ignored that "capo 2" bit, since I was always playing by myself, in G or C. As soon as I tried to play with someone else, however, I realized I needed to play most tunes in A or D. It was simple enough to capo at the second fret (and in my case use a spike for the 5th string), but even though the fingerings were all the same, it was surprisingly difficult for me to play at a new position on the fingerboard. If I had it to do over again, I would have been practicing with the capo much earlier. I still prefer playing in G or C - it is just a bit more comfortable to me (although that might be because I am more used to it) - but now when learning a new tune I go back and forth between keys, so my fingering patterns aren't getting "locked into" one specific position on the neck.
I use a rr spike because my banjo came with one, and it is faster (for me) than retuning. But if I didn't have the spike, I would just retune the fifth string.
oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 09/25/2009: 14:08:12
quote:
Originally posted by oldwoodchuckb
I don't recommend tuning the 5th string from G up to A with new nylon strings. There seems to be a better chance of breakage with new strings. Once they have aged in a bit it seems to be better. This has been my experience of nylon and nylgut strings and a few others have made the same comment. If there is a good repairman in your area he could set an rr spike for you. Or you could just stick with open strings for a while.
You might give Rocket Science Banjo a try. The ebook is absoutely free and available from the website below. There are videos and about 40 tunes in tab as well as techniques both basic and advanced. I feel teh easies course id to find a teacher, but I realize there are many places where this can be nearly impossible.
Rocket Science Bnjo's tabs are playable by you computer's MIDI. Set it to repeat, set it to a slow enough speed and then play along with it (fiddle banjo whatever) for as long as you want. MIDI is no great shakes as a musician, but he never gets bored or tired and he never makes a mistake. When I'm writing tabs I sometimes end up playing along with the MIDI for hal an hour or more.
http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site
http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.comRocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes. & check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at: http://www.pricklypearmusic.netbanjo brad's great banjo site
buskyboy - Posted - 09/25/2009: 19:07:12
thank you i just made one of those pen cap capos in 2 minutes and it work perfectly how simple /
Just getting the beat
jduke - Posted - 09/25/2009: 19:15:36
On my steel strung banjo, I use spikes (and love them), but I've always been hesitant to use them on my Nylon strung banjo for fear of shortning the life of the string. Instead, I like a 5th string capo call Earl's Suspender. It's easy to use and seems the least likely capo to damage a Nylon or Nylgut string.
I don't know if Elderly has them, but Janet Davis does for sure.
JD Uke
MarkRough - Posted - 09/26/2009: 08:53:18
That pen cap capo is genius, I tell you, absolute genius. Wish I knew about it sooner.
Mark
Some days you're the dog. . . other days you're the hydrant.
French - Posted - 09/26/2009: 09:41:51
that's what i thought! it's a true lifesaver.
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