Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: 4-String (Tenor & Plectrum) Styles Forum Feed

Funky Sounding Tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:08:40 CST

I've just recently started playing an old tenor banjo (Early 1920's)that was given to me by my Grandmother over 20 yrs. ago and finally found an interst in. I have it tuned to a Chicago tuning ,DGBE ,since I already play a little acoustic guitar. I mostly play flat pick a single note at a time ,picking out song's by ear, and trying to learn some chords.The banjo just sounds like it's alway's a little off tune or too twangy. I've evenly snugged up all the nuts on the drum,which helped with the sound, but I think it has the wrong strings on it. When I first got it I brought it to a Guitar shop where they must have installed electric guitar strings. They are .028w,.020w,.012,& .010. Only the lowest 2 strings were wound. From reading another thread I found I should have more like a .036w,.026w,.017w & .012 . I'm hoping New strings will help. Thank's - Dave Wasik

plectrum or tenor for DGBD tuning?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:31:08 CST

so im trying to teach my girl friend the banjo and although i do play the five string (scrugs style) she is just interested in learning on a four string so she can strun along and maybe pick a little in the future. So i wanted to get a four string banjo for her and tune it to DGBD. Is a tenor or a plectrum better for this. Any input would be appreciated.

banjo for playing dixie, blues and ragtime

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:33:07 CST

Hi folks! I´m from Spain and new in this forum. I want to buy a 4 string banjo. I want it for play dixie, ragtime or country blues music, I dont know wich kind of banjo is the best for those styles, tenor or plectrum?? I´m professional musican, I play arabic music and blues music, and I love the sound of banjo so I decide to buy one banjo and begin to study. Please help me an sorry if my english is not good

How often should I change strings/head etc

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:23:12 CST

Hi All I have been playing for about 6 months now (with a 2 month break in the middle due to ilness). I am wondering if there is anything I should be changing/checking/tightening etc to keep my banjo on song so to speak? Should I be for example be changing the strings as a matter of course every X amount of months? Should I just leave it well alone unless I can tell something is amiss or do I need to keep on top of regular maintenance? With thanks Richard

jug band playing/chords

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:10:33 CST

Does anyone have chords and/or links on how to play some jug band songs. I'm thinking of Memphis Shakedown or some Gus Cannon stuff. I'd guess I'm talking about I IV V progressions, but the key would be helpful also ways to jazz up the songs. Thanks a lot for any advice you can pass along. db

bill bailey

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:25:12 CST

here's the sound file: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp?id=33207 here's the sheet with standard notation and tablature http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/tabs/tab-bill-bailey-12241-206414112009.pdf If someone is intersted I have a booklet with nine of my arrangement of jazz classics fo tenor banjo in chord melody with standard notation and tablature and a cd with me performig them, I can sand it for a little contribution... best paolo

Scar on left hand 2nd finger

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:49:18 CST

Hi All Does anyone have a scar/injury on their left hand that causes pain from the pressure of the strings? About 2yrs ago whilst doing some DIY I drilled through the end of my left hand 2nd finger tip about 1/3 of the way across. This went all the way through and right across the 1/3 section to look as though it was a laceration. (sorry to the squeemish) Over the last 2 yrs it has healed well on the outside and the scar can only be seen when my finger is turned around to the right position. I have now started to use the violin grip more and this is causing my scar to come into contact with the strings more. Luckily this does not cause pain whilst playing now. It did do when I started to play the banjo at first but as my finger tips got used to the strings so did the scar. The thing that bothers me is the scar area does get painful through the day, from a dull ache to a sharp pain but only lasts a couple of mins at a time. I am hoping that over the years with more banjo practice my scar will continue to heal and my fingers will get more used to the strings. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar problem that they have had to overcome/get used to? With Thanks Richard

Playing plectrum style on a five-string?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:11:48 CST

Hi, I'm a novice banjo player, who just recently got interested in Dixieland/old jazz banjo playing. The only instrument I have right now is a Goodtime II from Deering. Is it possible to still play songs meant for a four-string banjo on a five string, if I just remove the fifth string? Also, what resources can I turn to for tabs, cd recordings, etc?

tone on Don Vappies Banjo a la creole

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:47:32 CST

i'm usually bored to tears with discussions of tone, but.....i'm just curious, is the tone on the banjo don vappie is playing on the album Banjo a la Creole a good tone and a desireable tone? seems to me it's different from on the Creole Banjo album - which i much prefer both tone wise and musically (not that either album gives much to not love musically!). i'm asking because i've been trying to make a cheap old tenor playable and the tone on it seems to my ear to be close to the one on Banjo a la Creole and that really surprises me. i know i must be wrong on that but in my tinkering i've got at least a listenable and playable second instrument now. i was not really satisfied with it until i noticed that it kind of sounds like don's tonewise.

New resource site for the Irish banjo.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:54:38 CST

Welcome to the new resource site for the Irish banjo! Here you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about the banjo in Irish (and other European) traditional music, artist portraits, discography, a presentation of the different banjo types, how to play, maintain and buy a banjo, links, a message board etc. etc. etc. Most think of the Irish tuned tenor banjo played the way Barney McKenna of Dubliners fame plays it when they talk about Irish banjo. That style is the main focus of this site, but I also want to show that there are other banjo styles (and banjo types) apropriate for Celtic music, and also the opposite: the low ("Irish") tuned tenor banjo can be used very effectively in many other music styles as well. Since classic Irish tenor banjo technique and playing style is virtually identical to Irish octave mandola, and very similar to how they play the mandolin, the mandola, the Irish cittern and the Irish bouzouki, most of the content here is useful for these instruments too, and at least one part os the site (the accompaniment section) is also very relevant for the guitar and virtually all other stringed instruments. My name is Frank Nordberg and I'm a guitarist/banjoist/multiinstrumentalist from Northern Norway. I know it's kind kind of strange for a Norwegian to build a site like this, but somebody have to do it, and nobody else would. ;-) Hope you enjoy my humble site! [url]http://www.irish-banjo.com/index.html[/url] David

advice on a banjo upgrade

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 13:43:05 CST

hi everyone i've been playing irish tenor banjo for about 6/7 years on and off. i have a £200 vintage banjo which has served me well over the years , but i'm now intrested in upgrading to something a little bit better and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what sort of instrument to look for. i am looking to spend around £500. i would be gratefull for any advice. many thanks blue boy

Possible upgrade Lange Craft?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:00:14 CST

Hi All I currently play a Deering Goodtime Special 17 fret Tenor and am looking at an upgrade. I also want to have have a banjo on two floors. Lazy me LOL! I have come across a pre war Lange Craft produced by Lange of Paramount fame. It has had new frets, head, new bridge, neck and resonator refinished and new geared tuners. It does look well and is from a vintage banjo dealer not ebay etc. It seems to have 24 hooks instead of my 16 on the goodtime. I am sure this is not the only thing to look for in an upgrade, so I am hoping you may be able to shed some light on it? Has anyone had any deelings/owned one of these. I am trying to make sure it is a good step up from the goodtime so I am at least going in the right direction. I was also looking at a Vega Little wonder, I have been told that the Little wonder has a sharper tone so cuts through better but the Lange Craft has 'probably a more characterful tone but does not project as well'. To be fair I don't need more 'cut' I already give my wife a headache LOL! So If the Lange craft has a nice pleasing tone and a better build and playability than my goodtime it may suit me better. Many Thanks Richard

Top 20 Irish-Banjo-Prominent Albums ???

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:56:13 CST

Hey all - I'm wanting to develop a fun wish list of say ... 20 well-known Irish albums/CDs which "prominently" feature the tenor banjo ... to purchase over the coming years and burn onto my iPod as a playlist. Can you help? I've purchased a handful already, but would like to acquire more based on popular favour out there. Thanks in advance and below are some mere suggestions, in NO particular order, to get the string going. I only have several of these. Feel free to add/revise/agree/disagree/etc. in your suggestions. Cheers - Rob (Note - I've found that many are available from Claddagh Records, fewer are from Amazon.com and fewer still from iTunes) - Angelina Carberry -> An Tradisiun Beo - John Carty -> I will if I can - Gerry O'Connor -> High Up-Low Down - Gerry O'Connor -> No Place Like Home - Brian McGrath -> Pure Banjo - Tom Walsh -> In Company - Eamonn Coyne -> Through the Round Window - Mick Moloney -> Strings Attached - Brian Kelly -> The Plain of Jars - Enda Scahill -> - The Dubliners -> - Kieran Hanrahan -> - etc. - etc. - etc.

Finger naming/counting (?)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:53:59 CST

I´m shortly going to set up a new chart - a little like my one-page chord chart for 5th tuned 4-stringers: http://www.acoustudio.dk/TENOR%20BANJO%20CHORDS.htm The new chart will focuse on chord settings using the thumb also - partly with added colorations, small scales within a chord etc., which will be possible due to the "extra" finger. However I may have a problem - LOL! I know, that US citiziens are naming their fingers T-1-2-3-4 (on both hands). In an all metric country like Denmark we name them 1-2-3-4-5 (on left hand plus 6-7-8-9-10 on right hand - starting with the thumbs). All non-US players, How do you name/count fingers in your countries? LOL! Regards Polle

The better Plectrum banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:04:03 CST

Hi all. I'm new to this group and this is my first post. Years ago I had a Vega tenor banjo with goatskin head. Stupid me, I trade it for a Pete Seeger 5 String Vega. Both great banjos but that tenor was outstanding and I didn't know it would have been even more so with a "plastic" head. Live and learn. My main reason for this post is to ask your opinions on the better Plectrum banjos. Is one considered to be the best of all by most or many:? I think a plectrum has a less plunky sound and think I'd like to go that way with my next banjol. Plec

SCORDATURA!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:13:00 CST

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

strings question

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 14:54:01 CST

Any difference between d'addario strings for tenor and for five string? I have a set of medium gage strings for five string and my tenor needs new strings. Thanks, db

Tenor Ball End Strings?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:20:29 CST

I'm looking for strings with ball ends for 17 fret 1920s Slingerland tenor, standard tuning. Any suggestions would be appreciated? Can't seem to find ball ends readily available. I guess I could also go with loop ends, but the tailpiece is really designed for ball end strings. I did find La Bella strings at Juststrings(dot)com. Opinion? Thanks in advance.

Now that I own it, what is it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:45:07 CST

I bought a banjo today at a used furniture store. I have pictures of it on my homepage under the title "tenor" It has 4 string and 17 frets. I am kind of surprised at how nice the tone is one it. Anybody have any idea who made it or when? Is it indeed a tenor or is it something else? There was also a banjo mandolin in the shop but it was in pretty rough shape. I realize this isn't really playing advice but I thought it might be the best place to get a good answer. Thanks. Pete If there is money in farming, it's very well hidden.

Plectrum or tenor?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:49:49 CST

Okay, I've only visited this section a couple of times in my life (no offense...It's just that I've played 5 string exclusively since I took up the 'jo 5 or so years ago), so this may be a potentially stupid question. Anyway, I am thinking about dabbling in the 4-string world, just for the sake of dabbling in the 4-string world...want to see what I can make a 'jo do with a flatpick (I used to play guitar and have a box full of picks). I don't have my heart set on any specific genre...main thing is I want to go the route which would be the easiest transition (sounds lazy...I know) from a 5-string. I know that there would be countless variables to take into consideration, but generally speaking, i.e. OVERALL, between tenor (tuned, say, to CGDA) and plectrum (tuned, say, to CGBD) which would be the easiest to transition to from the 5-string? "This is the best of all possible worlds" - Leibniz 1710 "If this is the best of all possible worlds, I'd hate to see what the others look like" - Voltaire (paraphrased) 1759

Mute/Tone Brightener

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:26:42 CST

Some jazz banjo players here in the UK use a mute consisting of two metal strips above and below the strings screwed tightly together behind the bridge. Often there is felt or rubber sandwiched between the metal strips. Close up and touching the bridge the banjo sounds quiet and harp-like. Placed a quarter of an inch behind the bridge though, the sound is loud and clean. I've heard that the reason for using such a mute/tone brightener is that more vibrations are forced through the bridge, and vibrations are not lost through the tailpiece. The result is a less plunky sound. I think that some of the typical banjo overtones are lost, but the sound can be brighter, and can cut through a jazz band more efficiently. Any comments please? John

New Eddy Davis Videos on Youtube

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:59:49 CST

Jim Robinson ("wyatturban") has posted many more videos by Eddy Davis on Youtube. Eddy is playing a Gibson which he told me was owned by the father of a friend so it isn't Eddy's banjo. But there is no doubt who is doing the playing when you hear any of these wonderful solos. We all owe both Eddy and Jim Robinson a big debt for making these. (Sorry they aren't live links. I've tried a couple of things but neither worked. Anybody know how to put up this long list as live links? HELP!) New Videos from wyatturban • Banjo Music "How About You?" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The Heebie Jeebies Dance" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "It's Nice Work If You Can Get It" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "I'm Gonna Stomp Mr. Henry Lee" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Girl Talk" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Fly Me To The Moon" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The Days Of Wine And Roses" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Weary Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Cuddle Up A Little Closer" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "By Myself" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music5" Beale Street Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Autumn Leaves" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Aunt Hagar's Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "At The Jazz Band Ball" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "A Shanty In Old Shanty Town" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music " 's Wonderful" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Two Deuces/Baby Your The Best" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Tin Roof Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "There's A Cabin In The Pines" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Eddy Davis "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The One Note Samba" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "When Joanna Loved Me" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Yellow Dog Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music 'Yard Bird Suite " Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "That Dada Strain" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "St. Louis Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Somebody Loves Me" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "So Long Deary" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Smile" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Potato Head Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Ole Miss Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "New Orleans Stomp" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Mandel Medley" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "King Chanticlear" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Memphis Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Make Me A Pallette On The Floor (Altanta Blues) Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Learnin' The Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Laura" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Jelly Roll Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music " Willie The Weeper " Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo Frank Geiger frank.geiger@yahoo.com www.geigeracousticdevices.com

Virtual Session

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:54:22 CST

Here is a great link to something called "Virtual Session", from BBC 2. You can select from the included pieces and play along as well as print out the music. Just click on the Welcome to Virtual Session area of the Web page. Examples include: Reels Jigs Barn Dance Hornpipes Polka Planxty Slow Reel Slip Jigs Waltzes Scottish Jigs I sent the BBC 2 a thank you for their work using their contact link at the bottom of the page of their web site. Have fun! [:)] Here is the original link which I forgot to include. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/sessions/ The link provided by Judy is direct and a better choice.

Should my 2nd finger hit the first string

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:30:01 CST

Hi all I have started to focus more on my right hand technique now I have been playing a few months. I am noticing that when I play with my fingers down on the head as I come back over the strings to strum the fourth string my 2nd finger touches the first string. Is this normal? Or do I need to spread my first finger and thumb holding the pick away from my second finger so it makes more space? Any help to stop me getting into a bad habit much apreciated. With thanks Richard

Tone ring or not?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:41:07 CST

Hi All I play a 17 fret short scale Tenor Deering Goodtime Special. I am after a lightweight version just to pick up and have a quick practice and for ease of travel. I would like another Deering so I seem to be down tho the Goodtime open back version. Just to decide between the 'special' or not. The special seems to be the same but has an armrest and a tone ring. My question is :- Does the tone ring add much weight and will I get a much quiter sounding banjo if I go for the basic version without the tone ring? I dont suppose it needs to sound like a B & D Silver Bell as it is a second instument to help me to practice more often but I want to be reasonably happy with the sound. I should imagine the basic version is 100 times better sounding than I am at the moment anyway [:I] Many thanks for any help in easing my decision. Cheers Richard

Anybody got any tenor/plectrum tabs?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:12:16 CST

I just added several tenor/plectrum tunings to the tab archives...now I just need people to post tabs under those tunings! http://www.banjohangout.org/tab/ If you've got any, please post 'em. _eric Banjo Hangout Webmaster Rules and Guidelines: http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/rules.asp

Jig Picking

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:27:35 CST

I'm trying to improve my technique on picking jigs and there's loads of differing advice out there... The "easy method" is DUD UDU....Mike on Banjosessions this month is advocating DUD DUD... wheras in Enda's book, he advocates that the first note of the bar should be D. I sit for hours trying to get the DUD DUD going, and am fine when only playing it on a single string... when it comes to cross picking i get all confused and couldn't really tell you what i play, it's all fairly random... Any suggestions on practice technique for cross picking (and where there are only sat 2 notes in a bar.. is that DU or DD?????)... And then of course there's triplets to be thrown into the equation....... which I can quite often manage okay, but where does the DUD DUD fit in there????.... but maybe that'll be a separate discussion.. I really want to get my jigs more "rhythmic".. Thanks in advance Chris "There's always one listening" - Gerry O'Gorman, Bacup (RIP)

snuffy tenor bridge

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:18:43 CST

I'm getting a new bridge for my banjo and was about to order the standard Grover Minstrel 3ft bridge,till i spotted a Snuffy Tenor bridge on eagle music website. As it's nearly 3 times the price, i was wondering if anyone could suggest if it is worth the extra money... item is here http://www.eaglemusicshop.com/details1.asp/ProductID/5982/snuffy-smith-style-1-tenor-banjo-bridge.htm Thanks Chris "There's always one listening" - Gerry O'Gorman, Bacup (RIP)

Need Help

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:26:34 CST

I have a four string plectrum and I am having trouble finding books and or dvds on how to play. Can any body help?

fingerpicking in cgda

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:16:14 CST

Any resources out there for learning...sure cant find any tabs for it...dont have high speed so I cant check youtube....I dont read notation (not in realtime anyway) and am not anxious to learn...I'd sure like to learn an easy rag or two, if there is such a thing.

Strumming advise

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:38 CST

Hi all Sorry I am after some more advise. I have just watched my Buddy wachter DVD as I thought I should start trying to get to grips with Tremelo practice. I have been practicing my chord melody playing and feeling as though I making reasonable progress. But I have now seemed to pick up a bad habit. Due to spending all my effort on left hand placement I have not been keeping my finger ends down on the banjo head whilst single string and chord melody placement. I have now been practicing to play my tunes tonight with the fingers down. I am now finding I am hitting strings I don't want to as I pass back over the top of them. I am also unsure of if I should be moving my pick finger and thumb away from the string as I go back past a string I don't want to hit or should I raise my fingers off the head as I pass instead? Oh, one more thing as I keep my fingers on the head and go to strum the 4th string my middle finger touches the first string. Do I need to spread my pick finger away from my middle finger? Hope the above makes sense. Many thanks Richard

Beginner Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:43:21 CST

I am looking for a tenor banjo in the lower scale of the price range. I was wondering if anyone here had some good experiences with cheaper tenor banjos designed for beginners and if they could point me in the right direction to buying one.

Basic 4-string banjo playing information

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:09:53 CST

I am a newbie to Banjo hangout. I joined to learn more about clawhammer playing. However, I have played tenor banjo for years. I read through many of the postings and I got the impression that many people are not at all familiar with 4-string playing. I am posting a URL to a website that has simple playing information, links to chord charts for both tenor and plectrum banjos and many songs that are in the "standard" 4-string repertoire. This does not include the Irish genre. Most commonly, a flat pick is used for striking the strings, either individually or as a chord. Rhythm players use chord charts that show the sequence of chords for a given tune. Melody players read from a music sheet. The melody and chords are usually combined into what is called a lead sheet. Tab is not generally used. Players can learn to combine the melody and chords to play "chord melody". This requires that you learn all the postions on the neck for many chords. Any particular chord and be found in several positions on the neck. The chords frequently used are major, minor, dominate 7th, minor 7th, augmented, and diminished. Occasionally, a major 7th, 6th and 9th might be found. On the west coast, plectrum banjos, 22 frets, are the most popular. They are a bit easier to play in the chord melody style. Their tuning (CGBD) allows most melody notes to be played on the 1st string. I have been told that tenor banjos, 17 or 19 frets, are more popular in the east. Their tuning (CGDA) places many melody notes on the 2nd string. That is a bit harder for most people. Tenor banjos are considered by many to be more effective rhythm instruments when playing in a jazz band. A tenor banjo can be tuned as a plectrum, but not the reverse due to the longer scale length of the plectrum. Another common tuning, sometimes called "Chicago" tuning, is like the top 4 stings of a guitar, DGBE. Irish playing, using tenor banjos, is mostly (all?) single string playing. The tuning is usually GDAE. I am not familiar with playing it. I hope this is useful as a starting point for some of you. Here is the link: http://www.jbott.com/

No name 40 year old tenors

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:09:33 CST

A local shop has 2 tenor banjos-he says they are probably 60s-70s. Both have been sitting for a few decades and are not currently playable. Both are no namers. One has a flowery inlay on the resonator and 19 frets, and appears to have been played quite a lot from the fingerboard. Seems like a solid instrument and I know I can pick it up very cheap. The resonator trim/binding needs glueing. Its not beat though, just well used. The other one was a 17 fret (I think...it looked shorter) and also looked playable but had no strings and the tailpiece had been modified. I would like to have an idea what these are, but I dont have any pictures....anybody have some names I can research for who made no-name tenors during this period, or how to ID them? I just like to have an idea what they are before buying, if I buy...

Tenor pick thickness

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:21:37 CST

Hi all I am a begginer and only been playing tenor banjo a few months. I am getting advise through books and the Buddy wachter DVD that you should use a medium pick thickness. I have picks from about .46 to .88 in various jumps in size but I just want to know what range is the right thickness? Many thanks Richard

Tubaphone Banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:43:49 CST

I have seen references to Tubaphones. I was at a guitar show yesterday and saw a few Tubaphones. What sets them apart from other Joes? Forgive a New Bean's question. Tibilt

Now that's an Irish tenor banjo -- and Irish box

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:07:59 CST

Two great photos, John Maloney with a Paramount, and Johnny Bresnahan with (I think) a Baldoni, Bartoli & Co. Irish-American accordion: http://www.msp.umb.edu/MassMemories/Hibernian%20Hall/album/photos/photo23.html http://www.msp.umb.edu/MassMemories/Hibernian%20Hall/album/photos/photo22.html PG

New old tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:23:58 CST

Just finished restoring this old tenor. It's been laying around for a few years now. More info and pics here [url]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/tenor.html[/url] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor1-467x346.jpg[/img] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor5-396x529.jpg[/img] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor8-506x669.jpg[/img] Doug Edwards http://hillcountrystringworks.com "In Heaven, even the banjos will stay in tune."

Another Banjo Recommendation Question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:10:41 CST

Hey there, and thanks in advance for any help. I'm looking for any advice y'all might have in my search for a tenor banjo. I'd be playing jazz and swing on it, and would like to build a good repertoire of New Orleans stuff as I'm down there a few times a year gigging and would like to sit in with some local musicians. I like a warm sound and larger necks, and would prefer a vintage instrument from the 20's. Let's put a cap of $2500 on the banjo. What would y'all recommend? Any suggestions on what to look for? Again, my thanks! Pete

Sean Moyses and Lee Floyd

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:42:16 CST

I just thought I would alert everyone to some new videos of these two great plectrum players playing together that have been posted recently on youtube. Go to youtube.com and then do a Sean Moyses and Lee Floyd search. By the way, Lee also now has his own web page (plinkfloyd.com). --Cjazz

tenor setup question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 06:08:19 CST

i have a question for someone here who knows how to set up an old tenor banjo. anyone here willing to be emailed about that?

Good deal on a nice Fender plectrum, Anaheim

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 08:26:03 CST

Pete's music in Anaheim CA has a unplayed condition Fender Allegro plectrum banjo. I played it for a while and if someone is looking for a great player or a something inexpensive for a "street" banjo this is a good grab. They were made in the 70's and are pretty decent. This model is very plain, rosewood neck, dot pearl position markers an Fender in a gold decal-a Plain Jane but a player and a professional performing quality-a good leap above even Gold Tone. $299. Pete's is on Euclid and Katella by Disneyland, I have no connections except I have bought 2 of my favorite instruments there-both on just wondering in-my 76' Martin D35 and a beatup Weymann tenor. Jon

Tablature and chord diagrams for 4 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 01:43:25 CST

Hi I'm happy four string players are getting more space on the hangout, maybe it could be nice to upload tablatures, chord diagrams etc in the tablature archive having the possibilty to choose the right style (plectrum or tenor) and the proper tuning (CGDA, GDAE, CGBD, DGBE for exemple...) best to all, strummers and pickers! paolo

notion that 17 fret = irish tenor !?!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 20:16:44 CST

Hello - I'm wondering how the notion has come about, outside of Ireland, that the 17 fret is an "Irish Tenor" per se? Discussions have suggested that banjo makers have effectively branded the shorter tenor as being preferable to 19 fret tenors for Irish playing. And yet, we know that within Ireland that virtually 90% (if not more) of tenor banjo players opt for the 19 fret. So my question is ... what has motivated banjo makers to brand the 17 fret in such a misleading manner? And how is it that they have been successful in misleading so many (albeit not all) of us? Thanks in advance for the replies. "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity." Charles Mingus

Tenor banjo chords

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 03:28:23 CST

Hi, I was recently given a book '500 chords for the tenor banjo' by Keith Papworth - '1960'. The person that gave it to me knew that I play the banjo, but I play the 5 string & not tenor! The book contains twelve pages of diagrams for all the chords, in all keys & demonstrates up to three inversions of each chord. The book is in reasonable condition considering it's age (though well thumbed) & would obviously be of interest to someone learning the tenor banjo. If anyones interested in having the book let me know as I'd much rather see it go to someone that'd use it!

Howard Alden plays Nola ...

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 16:15:19 CST

Nicely done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWsAgQkDOjU&feature=channel Thanks, Mark If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went... Will Rogers

Plectrums

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 07:25:12 CST

While I've been playing 5 string the past 2 years, I keep comming back to wanting to strum. I just enjoy it more, less frustrating and I can sing along with it, which is all I've really wanted to do all these many years. I've been looking at plectrums and would like a mahogany plectrum. All I seem to be finding is the Gold Tone PS 250, which is maple except for the resonator, and the Gold tone CC Plectrum. Who else makes a nice plectrum, mahogany preferably, and I suppose one could put rail road spikes on these as I have on my CC-100R plus and use a capo for other tunings? Thank you, and any other thoughts on plectrum would be appreciated. _______________________________________________________ Learning the Banjo isn't a race, so slow down and enjoy the ride. 2006 Gibson - Earl Scruggs Standard 2009 Gold Tone CC100R Plus

would like a few bits of help

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:43:35 CST

first i was wondering if anyone knew of some blank chord diagrams for the tenor. the ones that show the 4 strings and frets, with no chord marks on them. i think it would help me to write out my own chords to learn from. also, does anyone have a tabbed out version of "oh boy what a girl"?

CD's That Feature 4-String Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:36:52 CST

A friend just emailed me a request. He wanted me to give him the names of my favorite CD's that feature 4-string banjo. He doesn't know much about our instrument, and he wants to know more. Off othe top of my head I listed these nine (in no particular order--I wrote them down as I thought of them.) I'm sure that if I had time, I'd come up with many, many others. Please give me some of your favorites so that I can pass them along to him. Also, I'm curious. What did you think of my selections? Cynthia Sayer The Jazz Banjo of Cynthia Sayer (Vol. I & II) Narvin Kimbell Narvin Kimbell & Friends Elmer Snowden Harlem Banjo Don Vappie Banjo A LA Creole Eddy Davis Just Sitting Here Strumming This Ole Banjo Cynthia Sayer String Swing Cynthia Sayer Jazz At Home Cynthia Sayer Attractions (with Bucky Pizzarelli) Eddy Davis From Broadway to Hollywood

Advice on practicing strumming inside strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:43:15 CST

Well, I'm still working on strumming and whether to mute the A or strum carefully (see Wachter tutorial) the three inside strings without touching the A. My strum through all four strings sounds smooth (I'm practicing at 130 bpm). My attempt at strumming just the three inside strings sounds stilted because I can't get the bounce when just striking the inside strings. Practice advice, please. Beezaboy