Russian Rag Key

[Hal Allert]

Hello all. I have been arranging Russian Rag for 3 banjos. I have a solo banjo part arranged by W.C Chester as well as the piano part. They are both in the key of Dm or F. Is this the usual key that banjoists play this tune? It seems a little awkward to me. I tried transposing it to Am or C but was left with several low notes at Bb.  I have even considered tuning down my fourth string a whole step to accommodate these few notes but prefer to leave the fourth in C. Any thoughts?

[Jody Stecher]

Here is a link to a video of The Old 78s playing Russian Rag in a 3 banjo arrangement and the key is D minor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6TBWIbBQw

[Trapdoor2]

Clarke Beuhling (playing CB in the video) may have their arrangement in his stacks. Couldn't hurt to ask him.

[e-mail]

[Hal Allert]

Thanks, Jody. It looks like Curly is playing some measures that were in a high register at a low register and other measures vice versa. This song lends itself to that kind of moving around.

Jody Stecher said:

Here is a link to a video of The Old 78s playing Russian Rag in a 3 banjo arrangement and the key is D minor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6TBWIbBQw

[Hal Allert]

Thanks Marc. You don't happen to have this song in your TEF collection, do you? I will contact Clarke.

Trapdoor2 said:

Clarke Beuhling (playing CB in the video) may have their arrangement in his stacks. Couldn't hurt to ask him.

[e-mail]

[Hans Straub]

Hello

[Hal Allert]

Thanks, Hans.

Hans Straub said:

Hello