Banjo tuning

[Andrew 'blind boy' Butler]

Hello everybody!

I'm a banjo player from England. I'm new to classic banjo. Can we please have a discussion on the tunings employed in this style.

Many of the tabs and sheets I've come across don't say what tuning the banjo is in.

Thanks

[Trapdoor2]

gCGBD is the #1 tuning, with gDGBD (raised bass) being the second most common.

Welcome! I've just responded to your query on the Banjohangout as well.

edit: figuring out what tuning to use is often a problem, esp. for music published in America. Generically, I look at the notation (dots) and based on the lowest note used, determine the tuning used. For instance, if the lowest note shown is "middle C" then one would assume the gCGBD tuning. Same for the D above middle C, if it is lowest, then assume gDGBD.

For American publications, the music may be in "A notation" (where the A below middle C is the lowest shown note). In that case, the banjo is still tuned gCGBD but one is required to transpose. Not difficult for the trained mind and fingers... ;-)

[Trapdoor2]

Rob,

We had some discussion regarding a place to put files (perhaps that was over on the Minstrel site)...but evidently this system doesn't really have a spot for such stuff. I believe John Masciale sent 'em a query and they replied that it would be some time before they addressed it.

Ah well. No worries, I guess. If anyone wants a specific bit, we tend to be "Johnny On The Spot" here...we'll find it somehow!

[Andrew 'blind boy' Butler]

Will the nyglut strings tune to GCGBD without snapping?

[Trapdoor2]

Andrew 'blind boy' Butler said:

Will the nyglut strings tune to GCGBD without snapping?

I've been using them for years now (in that tuning) and have never broken one thru tuning. I have also had them up a full tone (aDAC#E/aEAC#E). Beware, they are very, very sensitive to nicking from sharp things: fret ends, tailpieces, tuners...make sure you go over all the metal for burrs and sharp corners. Last time I put a new set on, I went thru three 5th strings before I discovered I was catching a sharp fret-edge when putting them on. Buffed the burr off of the fret and no worries!

[Joel Hooks]

Marc, why don't we just put them on my site? I do not use a fraction of the bandwidth I get.

On the topic, I actually tune to pitch of American notation. I like the way it sounds.

Historically, It seems that it was ones choice at the time. That is unless one plays with a guitar, mandolin, or piano.

[Jody Stecher]

That depends on the scale length (nut to bridge) of the banjo. Once it gets longer than 28 inches, some breakage may occur. As I understand it Aquila Nylgut strings were designed specifically to be tuned gC(D)G B D on normal string lengths (about 25 and a half inches through 27 and a half inches, somewhere in that range).

Andrew 'blind boy' Butler said:

Will the nyglut strings tune to GCGBD without snapping?

[janolov]

Jody Stecher said:

That depends on the scale length (nut to bridge) of the banjo. Once it gets longer than 28 inches, some breakage may occur. As I understand it Aquila Nylgut strings were designed specifically to be tuned gC(D)G B D on normal string lengths (about 25 and a half inches through 27 and a half inches, somewhere in that range).

Andrew 'blind boy' Butler said:

Will the nyglut strings tune to GCGBD without snapping?

Isn't there two kinds of nylgut from Aquila. One is Minstrel Nylgut that should be tuned d G/A D F# A (Brigg's tuning) or e A/B E G# B. The other is the usual Nylgut intened for the normal tuning g C/D G B D.