a few questions from a newcomer

[HardboiledRosie]

Hi

Im just barely getting going with classic style and have a few questions--

Is there an equivalent in this style to the minstrel Briggs Banjo instructor? The introductory level tunes are extremely** basic in that book and I am looking for this in the classic style repertoire. I am just beginning to read and want to work methodically from the ground up.

What is the overlap between minstrel and classic style repertoires? Considering that the right hand technique is so different, I would have thought that one simply cannot play as many notes in the same patterns with stroke style. But yet I have seen a number of minstrel players working from some of the same instructional books uploaded on this site, like Converse for instance.

Lastly, could someone point me to which nylon weight and brand strings to replace my steel ones with (assuming this is recommended?)? 

If I understood correctly, the Grimshaw book specifies that the tuning is set to eAEG#B-- is it standard to actually tune up to this? If I may ask-- why? And so will the main keys then be E and A? 

Thank you in advance!

Mara

[Jody Stecher]

eAEG#B is a nineteenth century American tuning. Grimshaw was a 20th century English player and composer. The tuning in his books is gCGBD.   Yes, in the simplest repertoire  the main keys of eAEG#B would be A and E but the repertoire is by no means confined to those keys, just as the classic repertoire in gCGBD is in nearly all keys.   ( I haven't found anything in G flat….yet. )

Most of the 19th century banjo tutors (books) contain basic tunes. Grimshaw's books contain melodious "exercises" (they are really musical compositions) that equip a banjoist to play almost anything. They coordinate well with developing reading skills.  The Ellis books have good simple tunes. Also you can use the library here and try the tunes that are marked "Easy".

To give an accurate estimate of the repertoire overlap between stroke and classic styles one would have to be familiar with tens of thousands of compositions. Or….it would be a simple job for a computer into which all titles have been entered and a suitable program applied.

To give a string recommendation one would have to know something about the banjo to which they will be attached. What is the vibrating string length (nut to bridge)? what kind of banjo?  what sort of bridge, head and tailpiece are being used? Read all about it on this website using the Search function in the upper right hand corner.

[Trapdoor2]

The "Converse Analytical" has considerable crossover between Stroke Style and Finger Style. It was published when both were popular. If you're a stroke-style player and comfortable with reading in the old "A notation" (for the eAEG#B tuning) then you may be better served by working out of any of the American tutors. Joel Hooks is the only person I know who has done such (and quite well).

Frankly, most of the Classic Banjo repretoire available today is in C notation and you would probably be better served by using the Grimshaw tutor. Another common "C-Notation" tutor is the Bradbury (which is still being published by Mel Bay).

The most common nylon string sets used today are those sold under the "Chris Sands" brand...and I usually recommend the "heavy" gauge for people who come from steel-string playing...but mediums are also popular.

Alternatively, Aquila sells their "nylgut" in sets designed for Classic Banjo. I like them a lot (though I'm currently playing on natural gut sets from Clifford Essex).

When you switch over to nylon, you'll want a pretty light bridge...no ebony top, simply maple. There are a variety to choose from. Tailpieces vary considerably also. Almost any will work but nylon and nylgut strings are very sensitive to sharp edges. Any tailpiece to be used needs to be carefully checked and de-burred or it will cut the strings.

 

[Jody Stecher]

To add to Trapdoor's reply, the repro No Knot tailpieces (which required a knot) are particularly dangerous to soft (nylon etc) strings. They often have rough spots.  About bridges: I have found that there are exceptions to the three footed ebony topped bridge being unsuitable for classic banjo. It's not my first choice but I have found they work well on some banjos.

[HardboiledRosie]

Thank you to you both for the very valuable information!

It will make things easier for me to work in gCGBD tuning. I see now that it is the Converse instructor that uses the A tuning.

Thanks for pointing me towards the 'easy' tune list-- I will begin there and with the Grimshaw exercises.

My banjo is an SS Stewart Thoroughbred. The scale measures 26 inches. The tailpiece is ivory. The bridge is ebony topped with white inset sections where the strings make contact, giving it a checkered look. I think I will order a couple sets of medium and heavy "Chris Sands" to begin with. 

Your advice is much appreciated :-)

[Jody Stecher]

26 inches is on the short side so I recommend Chris Sands Heavy rather than medium. they are not actually heavy.  I've had good luck on SS Stewart banjos using D'Addario rectified nylon. I don't know who actually makes the Sands strings but they are good.  

HardboiledRosie said:

Thank you to you both for the very valuable information!

It will make things easier for me to work in gCGBD tuning. I see now that it is the Converse instructor that uses the A tuning.

Thanks for pointing me towards the 'easy' tune list-- I will begin there and with the Grimshaw exercises.

My banjo is an SS Stewart Thoroughbred. The scale measures 26 inches. The tailpiece is ivory. The bridge is ebony topped with white inset sections where the strings make contact, giving it a checkered look. I think I will order a couple sets of medium and heavy "Chris Sands" to begin with. 

Your advice is much appreciated :-)

[HardboiledRosie]

Hey Eric,

Wonderful! The Rob Mckillop videos are a very helpful guide for the Grimshaw exercises.

I will try to get a hold of the Mel Bay.

Thanks for your recommendations

Mara

[David Wade]

Hi Mara,

The latest editions of both the Grimshaw tutor and How to Excel both come with CDs. They are obtainable either from me at UK Rallies or mail order from Clifford Essex Music:

http://www.cliffordessex.net/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=54

David

[HardboiledRosie]

Hi David, Thanks! I may order them soon.

Mara

[Hal Allert]

Don't forget classicbanjo.com. The music section has many pieces in it along with MIDI recordings of the piece. The tutors section has many instructors and song books with easy to play pieces, all free.