beezaboy - Posted - 11/03/2009:  16:13:00

Yes, I have been reading about the mis-tuning (altered tuning)
of the tenor banjo (CGDA) here on hangout. Irish, Chicago, who knows what all.
Well, in reviewing the October 1948 issue of BMG magazine I finally discovered
the word that describes this phenomenon. SCORDATURA. To quote: " "Scordatura" originated with the lute and viol and has been employed on all tunable instruments thoughtout the ages, and, in the fretted instrument world, solos for banjo, mandolin and guitar with "altered tuning" are not unknown."
So, those of you who have wandered from the proper CGDA tuning of the tenor
banjo have engaged in an act of Scordatura. Should be a felony in most states.

Beezaboy

NYCJazz - Posted - 11/03/2009:  20:22:27

I just tried tuning my banjo uke GDF#A.

Same intervals as a plectrum. Does that count?

Would I stray from CGDA on my tenor?

Never!

Another aspect of scordatura involves notation and is explained here;

cranfordpub.com/tunes/scordatura.htm

banjopaolo - Posted - 11/06/2009:  10:38:25

I have played scordatura on violin when I was studing baroque music: very intersting!!
on tenor sometimes I have tried this tuning CGDG, it was nice in some pieces but I broke so many frist strings going up and down from G to A!
best
paolo

Charles E. - Posted - 11/06/2009:  18:11:24

That's going to be the name of my next band! Thanks.

Charles E.