scotty22 - Posted - 02/09/2007:  23:30:28

I play a bit of plectrum style on my five string, and it works out pretty well. I'm considering getting a plectrum because I enjoy the style, but I'm thinking that, after I get used to playing it, I might yearn for the 5th-string on occasion just to liven things up a touch. To what great advantage is the plectrum over the 5-string. Is it primarily convenience, efficiency, and aesthetics? (Other than, of course, not having a 5th-string if one isn't wanted).

After a bottle of wine and a night of relaxation, I've found the answer to my question: yes, I do need one. (I have about six tenors, so I better get at least one plectrum).

Thanks.

Edited by - scotty22 on 02/10/2007 01:01:55

stanger - Posted - 02/10/2007:  06:21:09

Hi, Scotty...
The plectrum came about as 5-string players wanted a banjo that could be played in any key as a strummed rhythm instrument. They were popular in early jazz and dance bands. The all-key ability of the plectrum, combined with the rich voice of the classic C tuning is what kept it alive. While the C tuning is the standard, sometimes using open G offers advantages in some songs, and works just as well as on a 5-string.

Some plectrum players use the 'Chicago ' tuning, which is raising the pitch of the first string from D to E, as on a guitar, but I've never liked it much- never found any advantages to it. It works for guitar players, though.

Herry Reser played plectrum and tenor equally in his band. He used a tenor for rhythm, and used the plectrum for solos.

You can always just take the 5th string off your present banjo to play it plectrum style, but if you have 6 tenors, I would swap one for a plectrum if it was me. It's possible to play the plectrum finger style, too, just as you would play a guitar.
regards,
Stanger

mainejohn - Posted - 02/10/2007:  07:56:32

Not much I can add to what Mike said. I play plectrum and "play at" the 5 string, and although playing plectrum style on a 5 string is doable, the 5th peg gets in the way as there is so much up-and-down-the-neck movement with the left hand. In addition, if you leave the 5th string in place, it gets in the way of using the flatpick on the 4th string.

I have seen threads here about tuning a tenor to plectrum tuning, but I don't think there really is a substitute for having a real plectrum if you want to play that style.

Cheers,
John
Scarborough, Maine

billmill22 - Posted - 02/10/2007:  08:53:40

Everything has been said very well about the pros and cons of a plectrum---I would just add, if you are playing with just the first five frets when you play plectrum style then a 5 string would probably be all that is needed, and be very versatile in that you can still play in the great 5 string style on the fly. But if you are wanting to play using the entire fret board--playing to the 22nd fret , then I would highly recommend an actual plectrum banjo. Again, an actual plectrum is the best for solo chord melody using all frets on the entire length of the neck, without the 5th string width added, it will be easer to play the standard plectrum tuned chords.
Bill

http://www.banjoseen.com
"Where there is a Tu-ba-phone Banjo,
there you will find musical happiness."

scotty22 - Posted - 02/10/2007:  10:26:28

Thank you all--fine info as I expected from the scholars here. As I stated above, I'm going to get one pretty much simply because I am a bit of a banjophile. I find myself getting into instruments that I never thought I would have an interest in learning (e.g., I recently became infatuated with ukulele)--I think the musical style is driving my interest for the most part. I never thought I'd be interested in plectrum-style banjo, being a 5-string player. Then lo and behold, I got very into tenors last year; was pretty easy: mando/mandola player + interest in early "jazz age" music + easy availablility of tenors. Voila.

Thanks again.

stanger - Posted - 02/10/2007:  16:55:00

You're welcome, Scotty.
In addition to Bill and John, there are other regulars who play both banjos. Cliff Fitch is one, as is Mercedes, our siren of the bossa nova banjo. And many others, too.

One of the neatest things about plectrums for me is discovering new things that will also work on the 5-string. My music in my homepage shows some of the plectrum stuff I've crossed onto the five over the years. I first played one tune, Brazil, on the plectrum.
regards,
Stanger

Edited by - stanger on 02/10/2007 16:57:17

mainejohn - Posted - 02/10/2007:  17:30:48

Mike: I didn't realize you were playing a plectrum on "Brazil". I knew you were doing some finger-style on the plec in general, but now I'll have to go back and listen to it again now that I know it's not a 5string.

Cheers,
John
Scarborough, Maine

stanger - Posted - 02/10/2007:  17:53:31

Hi, John...
I learned Brazil on the plectrum, but played it on a 5-string on the recording. Sorry for any confusion!
regards,
Stanger

banjofanatico - Posted - 02/10/2007:  22:37:37

quote:

---

Herry Reser played plectrum and tenor equally in his band. He used a tenor for rhythm, and used the plectrum for solos.

---

dougjonz - Posted - 02/15/2007:  10:54:16

Hey all, I'm relatively new to playing the banjo but I have been approached to play plectrum style in a local polka band. I am still considering it, as apparently the banjo is basically a rhythm instrument in polka.

My question is how would I go about tuning my 5-string to sound like a plectrum banjo? Any other hints on polka-style would be appreciated as well.

mainejohn - Posted - 02/18/2007:  07:26:35

Scotty: It would be my recommendation to tune your plectrum in conventional 5 string c tuning (CGBD). Assuming you already know that, it makes plectrum style not that difficult. If you're already comfortable using a flatpick, then you're that much farther along. As far as polka style goes, the plec lends itself quite well not ony for rhythm, but also for melody. You can get some idea by listening to my rendition of "Beer Barrel Polka" on my profile page. I apologize for the tinny quality, as I used a cheap mike. You should also check out Billmill's site, as he has some good info. Have fun!

Cheers,
John
Scarborough, Maine

scotty22 - Posted - 02/18/2007:  12:56:07

Thanks for the recommendations John, Mike and Bill. I tuned one of my tenors CGBD and it sounds pretty good. I like the fact that I can switch between this and CGDA on one instrument--makes gigging that much more convenient (I perform on several other instruments, so lugging another banjo wasn't going to be favorable).

I aspire to get a real 22 fret plectrum, someday. Meanwhile, it's more obscure stuff...like this newly acquired electric mandolin on the left. I played a little surf gig with it on Friday--I tune it as a uke and played slide. Fun.

Edited by - scotty22 on 02/18/2007 17:42:59

jon - Posted - 03/02/2007:  18:25:36

Scotty,
I play both styles and for years I have used one banjo for both styles. I have filed a small notch at the first loop of the strecher band near the heel and pull the 5th string into it to pull it out of the way. I used to have a brass hook glued to the head (Doug Mattacks helped me with this) but my new way works better.
I also have a leather pick holder that holds my finger picks into position. I can change from bluegrass to plectrum style in 15 seconds. I have done this on my Deering Calico and Gibson RB3 and it works great. I often play on the streets by myself and with doing this I can play a variety of styles. I also pick over the B string and play Irish style.
Thought I have 2 nice plectrums, I'll often take one of my 5strings to play a 4 string job.

Edited by - jon on 03/02/2007 18:36:05