Buckinator - Posted - 06/02/2020:  11:36:07

I just got an old Penco banjo banjo from a family friend and I would like to start learning. However, I can't tell if it is plectrum or tenor. it has 21 frets and a scale length of 23 inches. If any of y'all can identify this banjo and send me a chord chart it would be much appreciated.

 

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 06/02/2020:  12:02:13

I count 20 frets, which puts this more in the tenor range. There have been several Asian made banjos with an extra fret. I'd guess the scale length to be about 23 1/2 half inches; a plectrum banjo usually has a scale of 26-28 inches.



It is possible to tune to plectrum tuning, but that may not give you the desired sound and playability (of course. that's a matter of preference).

BrooksMT - Posted - 06/02/2020:  12:03:43

I'm not an expert, nor a player of 4 string (got one as a kid 50 yers ago, did not learn to play it, though).

This site has an explanation:
banjo.com/looking-4-string-5-s...g-banjos/

site says: " the plectrum banjo is the same scale as the 5 string banjo, but played with a flat pick."

If the site is correct, you have a tenor banjo due to your scale length being less than my 26" scale 5 string banjo.

deestexas - Posted - 06/02/2020:  12:23:30

You can find many examples of tenor banjo chord charts by a google search.

Buckinator - Posted - 06/02/2020:  12:55:17

quote:

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Originally posted by deestexas

You can find many examples of tenor banjo chord charts by a google search.

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I am well aware, but I started running into some issues when the videos I was watching to learn tenor banjo started using different forms for the chords than my chart. 

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 06/02/2020:  14:46:08

quote:

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Originally posted by Kajetan

quote:

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Originally posted by deestexas

You can find many examples of tenor banjo chord charts by a google search.

---

I am well aware, but I started running into some issues when the videos I was watching to learn tenor banjo started using different forms for the chords than my chart. 

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For a start, I'd go by the charts, not the videos. One's eyes can fool a person, 

I'd also check to see if what you are watching is even true tenor tuning or a variant such as "Chicago,"or maybe a Uke variant. Even Irish tuning would look different because the chord forms, though the same, would appear on different strings. Standard tenor is CGDA, while Irish is GDAE.

Edited by - G Edward Porgie on 06/02/2020 14:51:44

Buckinator - Posted - 06/02/2020:  14:55:54

quote:

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Originally posted by G Edward Porgie

quote:

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Originally posted by Kajetan

quote:

---

Originally posted by deestexas

You can find many examples of tenor banjo chord charts by a google search.

---

I am well aware, but I started running into some issues when the videos I was watching to learn tenor banjo started using different forms for the chords than my chart. 

---

For a start, I'd go by the charts, not the videos. One's eyes can fool a person, 

I'd also check to see if what you are watching is even true tenor tuning or a variant such as "Chicago,"or maybe a Uke variant. Even Irish tuning would look different because the chord forms, though the same, would appear on different strings. Standard tenor is CGDA, while Irish is GDAE.

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You're absolutely right. I suppose I'll just stick to the charts, I got it in standard tuning. any advice on how t overall get better at banjo? I'm hoping to be able to play some ragtime/dixieland and in the near future maybe learn 5 string of ukelele

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 06/02/2020:  15:45:06

My only real advice is to practice as much as possible, find some good teaching tutorials, take a few online lessons (there are several people who offer lessons on Skype) and to listen closely to the tunes you hope to play.

And once again, practice! (It doesn't make perfect, but it does make "much better.")