I'm in need of some sound advice. Our local community has a group of musicians, mostly 4 string, tenor, plectrum, banjo players that perform locally each week. The members are all senior citizens who perform a repertoire of songs from the 20s to the 50s. I own a 5 string banjo and I was wondering what I would need to do to transition to their tuning and style with my 5 string. They said it would not be much of a problem.
Would a capo be adequate or does such a transition involve more detail ? I am a relatively new player so if this involves something beyond my
current capabilities I would appreciate that feedback.
Thanks for the great advice.
It depends on what tuning they are using. Tenor and plectrum players vary in tuning. Even tenor players vary if they are set up for Irish tuning. That said, a plectrum is just a 5 string without the fifth string. The tuning is the same otherwise... unless they are tuning their plectrums in Chicago tuning (like guitar players).
Long and short - any idea of what tuning they will use? Then we can get the 5 string where it needs to be.
@Coalcraker,
Given the traditional repertoire that you mentioned, those guys are all using the standard tunings for tenor and plectrum. So.....Take off your fifth string and lower your low D string to C. You will then essentially have a plectrum banjo with the standard tuning of CGBD. For more information on chord formation in that standard tuning, see the Charles McNeil link in the following blog:
Edited by - Omeboy on 04/27/2023 07:59:46
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quote:
Originally posted by coalcracker2I'm in need of some sound advice. Our local community has a group of musicians, mostly 4 string, tenor, plectrum, banjo players that perform locally each week. The members are all senior citizens who perform a repertoire of songs from the 20s to the 50s. I own a 5 string banjo and I was wondering what I would need to do to transition to their tuning and style with my 5 string. They said it would not be much of a problem.
Would a capo be adequate or does such a transition involve more detail ? I am a relatively new player so if this involves something beyond my
current capabilities I would appreciate that feedback.
Thanks for the great advice.No problem for old time jazz played on a five string banjo.
Much thanks to SandChannel, Omeboy, and MarcoLevi for your valuable input and advice.
