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BanjoAdam - Posted - 03/23/2025: 10:52:19
Just wanted to say thank you to the folks here at the forum. I don't post much, but I really benefit from all the discussions here.
I'm a novice player who plays clawhammer style. I focus mostly on bum-ditty strumming chords I find for any song I like. I've learned how to sing in my lower register which is more pleasant to the ears ( I hope LOL ). Tuning my banjo down to what I think most people would call Open E ( e,B,E,G#,B ) has helped a great deal. I can keep the chord shapes from Open G tuning and focus on learning how to sing a song in that lower key. I've learned a bunch of things along the way from folks here.
- there are indeed other tunings and why they might be used
- Open E might be useful for me banjohangout.org/archive/221102
- lighter strings can be floppy and might be hard to keep in tune in Open E
- new strings do make a difference
- there are heavy string sets you can buy to help (I'm trying out John Hartford strings by John Pearse, D Tuning Low Strung Set)
banjohangout.org/archive/319410
- playing strings open ( vs fretted ) provides a unique resonance (?) that I really enjoy
- these heavier strings seem to be a good sonic(?) match for my banjo
- some music theory about chords, pitch, keys, etc (various posts and articles)
- love the recommendation for this site
Theo's Chord Generator
- etc.
I'm have a great time with these new heavy strings in Open E. Thanks to the community here for sharing your insights 
Edited by - BanjoAdam on 03/23/2025 11:05:00
Keith Baumann - Posted - 03/23/2025: 11:34:14
Try Deering's Julia Belle String sets. They are designed for open E tuning.
kimmattis123 - Posted - 03/30/2025: 07:28:32
I also tune low- to "F" [ it was in "E" but I found "F" sounds better. ] I use a regular GHS P160 set with a .26 bronze- [frailing set] I then order a .18 wound/,18w bronze for the 3rd string. I use the set's .11s for 1 + 5, and a .14/.15 on the 2nd. I also use a Keyser guitar capo that is a Drop "D" with a cut out for the 4th. I tune to fret 2 for "G" [Dgbd] and with the capo I can move it over to tune to Cgbd with an open C- when playing down the neck I use 2 capos the drop and a regular Keyser banjo capo just for the 4th string.
