Help please! I'm a beginner-ish player (and already LOVE it) and am playing a Goldtone CC100R, but I'm very uncomfortable reaching up the neck. Do shorter necked, 5 string, open G tuned banjos exist out there? But I don't want a baby banjo. And is an open-back banjo only used for clawhammer style? (the head would be smaller without the resonator, right?) Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  10:54:03    

Capo up the neck and that will make the neck shorter.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  10:57:53    

How are you holding the banjo? Is it in your lap? Are you using a strap so your hand will be free to move up and down the neck? What's the angle of the banjo when you hold it? If the angle is too high, it might be uncomfortable, if it's too low, it might be uncomfortable. We need more information in order to be able to help you.

There are shorter necked banjos, but most are tuned in either A or C.

An open backed banjo can be used for any type and style you want to play; however, if you're going to play bluegrass and be heard in a jam situation, you really need a resonator type banjo because it's much louder.

Let's Pick!
Texas Banjo

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  11:57:32      

Try holding the banjo on your right thigh. That will shorten the reach for the neck.

Bill

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  22:06:54  

There4 is an article by Diane Jones about short arms and banjos somewhere here

http://www.banjosessions.com/backissues.html and there might be something else you might like to peruse.TC

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  17:02:40      

Buy the new Deering goodtime parlor openback banjo, the neck is 2 frets shorter than standard scale. And they sound and play great!

Brian

Posted - 11/05/2009 :  06:39:14  

thanks for the help everyone!

Posted - 11/06/2009 :  20:36:36        

It's all in how you old the banjo. The scale is only about an inch longer than a guitar, but all my banjos are shorter and thinner than any of my guitars. I never noticed a problem - it's mostly in how you hold it. The small boy and long neck makes it look imposing, but it shouldn't be.

Bill

Posted - 11/06/2009 :  23:11:32    

Its just a matter of getting used to it.

Bill.O

www.bluegrassminstrels.co.uk

Posted - 11/06/2009 :  23:46:39            

amyloowoo. I have an old arm stretching machine I can sell you - it's not too rusty - and it really does not hurt too much - unless you set it for one of those Pete Seeger style long neck stretches. I will throw in a finger pulling attachment gratis! Interested?

Or.... just keep playing you will adjust -

" Short necks!! Short necks! We don't need no stinkin shortnecks"

Howard

Posted - 11/07/2009 :  00:12:35          

I mostly suggest beginner's use lap position, since the banjo is easier to control than on a thigh. Good capos are under 20 dollars these days.

The best solution would be someone to show you how to hold the banjo, but I recognize old time banjo teachers are rare. If you have a friend who plays banjo or guitar have them advise you in getting the position right. Withut actually seeing you, your banjo, and your practice chair, I cannot begin to tell what you might need.


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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