Banjo question

[OHIOSTEVE]

I would like to add banjo to a couple of our songs. I have a 5 string but cannot play anything on it. I have tried and failed over and over. I am thinking of buying a 6 string but am clueless. Do any of you have any insight? Preferably an acoustic electric....$500 or close.

 

[VictorB]

How are you tuning it?

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

How are you tuning it?

Would be tuned just like a guitar but will add the banjo twang

 

[VictorB]

A 5 string banjo is tuned to open G...

 

[redking]

you could leave the 5th string off the banjo you have and tune it to 5ths (CGDA) then there are an entire pattern of common chords available to you. A 5 string banjo as Victor has noted is typically for the 5 finger picking style of banjo, but the 4 string banjo is more geared towards strumming, which is what I think you are wanting to do. It's worth giving it a shot before buying a new instrument.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

A 5 string banjo is tuned to open G...

Yep....I just cannot get it in my head. I am friends with arguably two of the best banjo players in the country. One actually gives lessons but is in ky. One is local but doesn't give lessons I don't think .

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

you could leave the 5th string off the banjo you have and tune it to 5ths (CGDA) then there are an entire pattern of common chords available to you. A 5 string banjo as Victor has noted is typically for the 5 finger picking style of banjo, but the 4 string banjo is more geared towards strumming, which is what I think you are wanting to do. It's worth giving it a shot before buying a new instrument.

Yep the finger roll is just beyond me for some reason.

 

[DavGrape]

 

[Chango Malo]

A six string banjo tuned like a guitar is just a really shitty sounding guitar.
The tuning of the instrument matters and contributes more than you think to the character of the sound. Just as much as the notes you play, if you're strumming, doubling the melody, fingerstyling the hell out of it, or whatever.
I've seen a few guys hacking away at 4 string banjos tuned Chicago style in 'plastic paddy' bands, they all sounded like garbage. Tune the damned thing how it's traditionally tuned if you're going to play it. For Irish stuff, that will be G/D/A/E, an octave below the fiddle. It makes a difference.
For jazz, it'll be Chicago tuning or C/G/D/A, same as a viola.
Take the time to learn the style. It matters. A LOT.

 

[VictorB]

A six string banjo tuned like a guitar is just a really shitty sounding guitar.

depends on what brand strings you use. And pick as well.

 

[fett]

This is probably not the time to mention pick guard on or off.

 

[LP121]

depends on what brand strings you use. And pick as well.

And whether it's too damn loud.

 

[Chango Malo]

And whether it's too damn loud.

a six string guitar-banjo abortion is ALWAYS too loud. It's even too loud when it hits the bottom of the dumpster.

 

[TheX]

I would take the time to figure out 5 string banjo. One good thing about 4 string though, you can play tenor guitar too.

 

[CB91710]

a six string guitar-banjo abortion is ALWAYS too loud. It's even too loud when it hits the bottom of the dumpster.

But it's got great tone when the accordion lands on top of it

 

[TheX]

But it's got great tone when the accordion lands on top of it

Hopefully they all land softly on the bagpipes.

 

[fleahead]

Find a Line6 Variax 300. You can get them for $300-$350. Run it off of 6 AA battery pack, since you're not going to use it much. Gets a GREAT banjo sound and you don't have to relearn. Plus Dobro, sitar, etc.

 

[Tone deaf]

The banjo is the devil's instrument. Better off spreading that $500 around to pay for accompaniments.

 

[MikeyTheCat]

A six string banjo tuned like a guitar is just a really shitty sounding guitar.

And a five string banjo sounds like, well a banjo.

Full Disclosure: There is a banjo in my house. I keep it away from my guitars just in case.

 

[MikeyTheCat]

The banjo is the devil's instrument. Better off spreading that $500 around to pay for accompaniments.

Or hookers.