Posted by Ian Nichols on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Hi Guys
Iv'e just recieved my first banjo today and i am full of excitment but already iv'e hit a wall in as much trying to tune it. I have bought a digital tunner but dont quite understand it plus i have a book called Hal Leonard banjo method book 1 The tunner an ASR LT-1000 if this means anthing to anyone. Maybe sombody could help.
Many thanks guys in advance.
Ian
Joanchek Says:
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 @3:19:47 PM
I don't know what kind of tuner you have, Ian--but I can give some general guidance. Remember that the fifth string is the highest in pitch, and it should sound like the first string fretted at the fifth fret. Turn on the tuner, clip it to the peghead if it's a clip on type, or set it next to the banjo if it's stand-alone. I usually perch mine on my knee. Pluck the fifth string, and adjust the tuners until the note you're plucking registers as a G on the tuner. Mine has a little light that shows green and a needle gauge that points upright when I'm in tune. Remember this is a high G. The next string, the lowest, is a D. Third string is another G, one octave lower than the fifth string. Second string is a B. First is a D, one octave higher than the fourth string. The four long strings all go up in pitch. When you're done, you should be tuned to gDGBD, which should sound nice when you strum all at once, since this is a G chord. Alternatively, you can tune to a tone on the piano, on an instructional CD, or anything else that will give a clear single tone. Good luck, let us know what happens.
LParker Says:
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 @8:44:05 PM
Hi there from Canada
Great to have another banjo player on the planet.
If you are thinking of using the 3 finger bluegrass style of playing then I would remommend "Earl Scruggs and the 5 string banjo" as a beginner book. It takes you right from the beginning how to tune, hold, playing paterns. all you need to get started. I hope this helps.
Cheers. . .Lee
PruchaLegend Says:
Thursday, October 11, 2007 @2:45:10 AM
I can't add anything to what Joanchek has said. I believe she got it all. However, you may want to be careful about what she tells you. She is talking about taking her banjo apart to clean it. Oh noooooo!!
Anyway, by now you've figured out how to tune that drum on a stick and are playing it just fine, I'll bet. Good luck and keep at it.
Jerry
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