Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors

  • The Murphy Method
  • Elderly Instruments - Since 1972
  • CROSSROCK
  • Deering Banjos
  • Gold Tone


 All Forums
 Playing the Banjo
 Music Theory
 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Review Request for Harmonics on the Banjo Slides


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/402931

The Eclectic Banjo - Posted - 04/23/2025:  04:29:35

Hi, I'm creating a Harmonic Series video for my YT channel and trying to make sure I'm posting accurate information (please see slides). I think I have everything correct and have been checking harmonic locations on my banjos for accuracy.

I can't seem to get any other harmonics on the 5th string beyond the first few harmonics. That's why I titled it "Usable Harmonics".

Advice/recommendations/corrections appreciated. Thanks


Harmonics 5th String


Harmonics Strings 1-4


Ira Gitlin - Posted - 04/23/2025:  06:28:53

You can also get your 5th harmonic at fret # 16. I've never found that one to be all that usable on my banjos--it's a bit too soft and finicky--but students should know it's there.

banjopicks - Posted - 04/23/2025:  07:05:18

That's a great representation. I learned something today. Thank you.

davidppp - Posted - 04/23/2025:  12:15:09

"Usable" is certainly relative. I can easily get the 5th string harmonic that you label 5 at the 10th fret, but it doesn't ring out as well as the lower ones. A lot depends on technique, the shape of your finger calluses, and availability of harmonics of other strings to resonate in sympathy. (So, that last thing is tuning-dependent).

On the long strings, when I'm demonstrating natural harmonics to students, I routinely get three more than you list, i.e., dividing the string into 6, 7, and 8 equal lengths. The finger positions are not all that close to fret locations. Those are major 5ths, flat 7ths, and octaves of the open string pitch. If I want to play a tune, e.g., like a bugle call, they work best on the lowest string of a banjo or guitar. However, I wouldn't call them usable if you're playing real music.

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 04/24/2025:  07:03:28

But it you're plugged in and the amp is overdriven, you can get those higher harmonics much more easily.

;^)

youtube.com/watch?v=nJCnqdBkSaM

The Eclectic Banjo - Posted - 04/24/2025:  08:22:05

quote:
Originally posted by davidppp

I routinely get three more than you list, i.e., dividing the string into 6, 7, and 8 equal lengths. The finger positions are not all that close to fret locations. Those are major 5ths, flat 7ths, and octaves of the open string pitch.





I assume you mean Major Thirds and not a "Major Fifths" but yes I considered listing those harmonic locations but it sounded so faint on my banjo that it didn't seem practical, hence Usable. Also the major second's location. Both of those did not line up with fret locations.



I do have the first and second Octaves listed in the chart though, represented by the green and blue lines. 


Harmonics Strings 1-4


 

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent
Copyright 2025 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

1.367188E-02