I know all of this, but you are so good at teaching I love listening to you. I have been really inspired by your videos. I play everyday, but there is something about you that has lit a fire under me.
A pick, plectrum, and also a "plec" my long departed dear old uncle who was a territory band tenor banjoist, called them "plec" too, I don't know where he picked that up but it was out there in the territories.
It's really fun how easy it is to play so many useful chords with CGDA tuning. I'm using a baritone ukulele tuned to CGDA to learn the chords before I switch to the MUCH LOUDER tenor banjo.
Hi, I was given a tenor banjo today ... after hearing your opening tune, I wanna learn it! Glad you explained the different tuning types .... looks like I need the standard strings so I just ordered the from Amazon. Can't wait to get started. 😊
Amazing explanation, I really appreciated you talking about C major and minor. I'm new to instruments so it really helped, since I didn't know about the automatic assumption.
Thank you. Yes, it puzzled me when I was a beginner (all those years ago), it's just one of those assumptions that is made, and then almost every book, etc. fails to mention it!
My first banjo arrived this week and i use your videos to study. I'm already at lesson 3 and oh boy, my fingers werent ready for this. :) In the meantime a question; i've find turorials for classics banjos where to put the bridge in. Same "rules" goes for the tenor as well? I'm afraid mine might not in the right place. 🤔
Don't worry, it'll come! Yes, the bridge is set in exactly the same way. A good rough guide is to measure from the nut to the 12th fret, the measure the same distance from the 12th fret to the bridge. It might take a little adjusting to get exactly right, but that will put you pretty close.
Hello! I am an absolute beginner to playing an instrument and appreciate your video so much! I have the heavier strings you mentioned in the beginning of the vid and I need to get my hands on a set of strings that you have on your tenor banjo. Can you direct me to the specific type of strings? thanks! xx
hi PHIL could you give me a pointer to a good learner bargain tenor banjo, i carnt wait to get the fustrating part over with, and play something, your a great teacher just the pace i need, cheers.
Hi, They're not really cheap (but banjos can be pretty expensive!), but I highly recommend the one I'm playing in the video. They're around £450 in the UK but they crop up second hand now and again. It's a Deering Goodtime 17 fret tenor. They're well made, play well and the slightly shorter neck than many of the models mean that the string tension is a little lighter and the stretches a little easier! Cheers, Phil
Hi Phil, my interest in tenor banjo is for jazz/ragtime accompaniment, with occasional single note picking, and an overall brighter tone. I like your tone in CGDA tuning. Is your banjo a 17-fret (shorter scale) banjo or a 19-fret? I was thinking about getting a 19-fret Deering, for no particular reason, but I just saw a video by a builder recommending shorter scales for CGDA. I want a bright bark and a good snap to the chords.
Hi, Mine is a 17 fret. Lots of people play CGDA on a 19 fret, but that A string can get awfully tight and close to breaking point on a 19 fret. If it's a brighter tone you are after then something with a metal tone ring might help (the Goodtime 'Special' models have one, and they have a resonator too).
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for the prompt reply, Phil. I believe the 17-fret will be the scale length for me. As for the tone ring, I'll give it some thought. I have an old Gibson 5-string with a tone ring that is really loud, even with an open back. I like the sound you're getting.
They come in two sizes, 17 and 19 fret. Personally I'm a fan of the slightly shorter scale, but you might like the 19 fret. I love my Deering Goodtime, it's light, sounds great and they are relatively inexpensive, certainly for a US made banjo. Have a look at Gold Tone banjos too. I depends where in the world you are- if you're in the UK, andybanjo.com and Eagle Music are the places to look.
Absolutely, just string it upside down and away you go! You'd most likely need to have a new nut recut to get the slots the right size, but other than that, no problem.
Hi Phil, I recently started to try and learn to play my late partner’s 5 string banjo. I have ukuleles. I’m old and find it a ton weight to pick up. I started learning a couple of rolls from Jim Pankey on YT, but struggled to keep the wretched finger picks on. Would you recommend a tenor, or a smaller 5 string to try bluegrass again? 🙏 Many thanks🌷
HI Penny, Definitely a 5 string for bluegrass, the four string tenor really doesn't lend itself to fingerpicking. Those big old resonator banjos weight a ton, though! I play a Deering Goodtime open back 5 string which is about as light as a 5 string banjo can get (and they actually make a 'junior version' which has a shorter neck). Whilst fingerpicks are traditional for bluegrass, there are lots of banjo players who don't use them. All the best, Phil
@@PhilDoleman Oh thank you for responding Phil, that’s really helpful. I’m still persevering with my baritone ukulele, even though switching back and forward does my head in. Hopefully it’ll keep Alzheimer’s at bay🤪🤪🌷
I'm confused why is there 2 G cords the 2nd open string from the top was a G and then the last cord you showed us was also a G can you explain this. Thanks. Besides this this one one of the best tutorials I've seen thanks for the help keep it up! Hope I end up learning lots!
Ah, I see what's happened. The open string is the NOTE of G, but the last shape I showed was the CHORD of G. It is confusing that notes and chords use the same letters! The chord of G contains the note of G, but other notes as well. Thank you!
OK, so the first question is are you left handed? If not, a left handed banjo can be restrung upside down and played as a right handed one. If you are left handed, the best thing to do is treat this video as if you are looking in a mirror. You'll need to get used to reversing chord diagrams, to begin with you could draw them out yourself, but personally I think you are better off in the long term getting used to doing that in your head rather than writing them all out backwards, as you'll end up having to do it for every single chord diagram you come across. The good news is that tablature, if you find that online in or books, works exactly the same way for left or right handed people.
Hi John, I do have a Patreon page, but at the moment it's only for ukulele, not tenor banjo. Right now these lessons on UA-cam are the only ones I have.
Heya, i was wondering if you had any tips for wrist pain? Ive only played through this tutorial and already my left wrist is sore. Im probably doing something wrong with my position, but i dont know what
@NoavanNoort The main thing is to stay relaxed and keep your wrist as straight as possible. Check your action too, and your string gauge, to make your instrument as east to play as possible. It's for ukulele, not banjo, but I do have a video called 'playing without pain' that might help.
The scale length of a 5 string is too long to get that A string up to pitch without breaking, plus the stretches would be really big. However, a 5 string without the short string is a plectrum banjo! Common tunings are CGBD, DGBD or DGBE (same as the highest 4 strings of a guitar).
I have a republic tenor banjo 19/20 fret i bought the tenor light gauge strings you use and my first string snapped after setting it up any advice please
The first string in CGDA tuning is really tight. Your banjobis ability lobfer than mine, so it'll be even tighter for you. If there are any rough spots on the tailpiece, nut, bridge or tuning pegs it can cause it to break. A heavier string doesn't really help as, although it's stronger, the tension will be even higher.
Keep following the lessons and you'll get to that really soon, but I believe in teaching what's going on rather than just 'here's a song, copy me'. If that's what you want, try this... ua-cam.com/video/ZqNS9hdrUPc/v-deo.html
![Irish Banjo Lesson 1 - [The Basics] Start Here](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y_e6atT9Pa4/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks Phil I found your lesson today after false starts. Trying to learn to play my late husband's tenor banjo.
Thank you very much Phil! Brilliant lesson!!!
Thank you Phil. These lessons are going to be just what I was looking for.
I know all of this, but you are so good at teaching I love listening to you. I have been really inspired by your videos. I play everyday, but there is something about you that has lit a fire under me.
@@guyluca7361 Thanks, I'm really pleased to hear that!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Phil, I’ve just been gifted a 19 fret tenor banjo and this video is a Godsend. So clear and easy to follow. 😊
Out of all the tutorials on UA-cam I choose your because of the hat an the thumbnail. Thank you
Ha ha, it's as good a reason as any!
Thank you!!!
Thank you Phil. Today I've picked up my musima banjo I've bought in a local store. Thanks for the clear lesson and take care
Wow that was absolutely superb and very clearly explained thank you very much
Thank you Phil, just bought a tena banjo and your instruction are brilliant.
Thanks for the tip on wrist action Phil. Great advice.
Thank you so much, this helped me get started. the best starter tutorial i've seen.
Thanks for your instructions on lesson 1 really helpful
Thank you Phil! just got a tenor banjo for Christmas! I like your presentation thank you!
A pick, plectrum, and also a "plec" my long departed dear old uncle who was a territory band tenor banjoist, called them "plec" too, I don't know where he picked that up but it was out there in the territories.
It's really fun how easy it is to play so many useful chords with CGDA tuning.
I'm using a baritone ukulele tuned to CGDA to learn the chords before I switch to the MUCH LOUDER tenor banjo.
Excellent lesson thank you 😊
Cheers!
Great lesson so well explained all good phil.
Excellent instructions, thank you so much!
The pick can also be called Dorito plectrum.
Hi, I was given a tenor banjo today ... after hearing your opening tune, I wanna learn it! Glad you explained the different tuning types .... looks like I need the standard strings so I just ordered the from Amazon. Can't wait to get started. 😊
Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks a lot Phil! Let's see if I can make mom's old banjo sound nice and jazzy. 😊
Amazing explanation, I really appreciated you talking about C major and minor. I'm new to instruments so it really helped, since I didn't know about the automatic assumption.
Thank you. Yes, it puzzled me when I was a beginner (all those years ago), it's just one of those assumptions that is made, and then almost every book, etc. fails to mention it!
Большое спасибо за видео!!! Все максимально четко и понятно!! Сразу все получилось!! :)
Well done Phil spot on as ever without TMI !
Excellent video! I am a saxophone player and I would like to learn tenor banjo to play 1920s Jazz. Thank you!
My first banjo arrived this week and i use your videos to study. I'm already at lesson 3 and oh boy, my fingers werent ready for this. :)
In the meantime a question; i've find turorials for classics banjos where to put the bridge in. Same "rules" goes for the tenor as well? I'm afraid mine might not in the right place. 🤔
Don't worry, it'll come! Yes, the bridge is set in exactly the same way. A good rough guide is to measure from the nut to the 12th fret, the measure the same distance from the 12th fret to the bridge. It might take a little adjusting to get exactly right, but that will put you pretty close.
great video!
Hello! I am an absolute beginner to playing an instrument and appreciate your video so much! I have the heavier strings you mentioned in the beginning of the vid and I need to get my hands on a set of strings that you have on your tenor banjo. Can you direct me to the specific type of strings? thanks! xx
Hi Alice, I use these gauges www.eaglemusicshop.com/light-jazz-tenor-banjo-strings?pv=7353
You, my good sir, is a llife saver :)
Tenor banjo, tenor guitar, and mandola all have same default tuning.
hi PHIL could you give me a pointer to a good learner bargain tenor banjo, i carnt wait to get the fustrating part over with, and play something, your a great teacher just the pace i need, cheers.
Hi,
They're not really cheap (but banjos can be pretty expensive!), but I highly recommend the one I'm playing in the video. They're around £450 in the UK but they crop up second hand now and again. It's a Deering Goodtime 17 fret tenor. They're well made, play well and the slightly shorter neck than many of the models mean that the string tension is a little lighter and the stretches a little easier!
Cheers,
Phil
Uh, you can tune an Irish Tenor to GDAE and put a capo on the 5th fret to get CGDA
Yes, you can, though you would lose a big chunk of fretboard!
Fantastic Phil. Great job. Really enjoyed this.
Would you be in a position to recommend a tenor guitar for beginners? Many thanks and keep it up.
@Paul Harrison thank you very much Paul. Will have a look at the Ashbury ones. As I am just starting...don't want to go crazy.
Brilliant! Do you plan to continue with these tenor banjo/guitar lessons?
Thanks! Absolutely, hopefully this will be weekly.
Hi Phil, my interest in tenor banjo is for jazz/ragtime accompaniment, with occasional single note picking, and an overall brighter tone. I like your tone in CGDA tuning. Is your banjo a 17-fret (shorter scale) banjo or a 19-fret? I was thinking about getting a 19-fret Deering, for no particular reason, but I just saw a video by a builder recommending shorter scales for CGDA. I want a bright bark and a good snap to the chords.
Hi,
Mine is a 17 fret. Lots of people play CGDA on a 19 fret, but that A string can get awfully tight and close to breaking point on a 19 fret. If it's a brighter tone you are after then something with a metal tone ring might help (the Goodtime 'Special' models have one, and they have a resonator too).
@@PhilDoleman Thanks for the prompt reply, Phil. I believe the 17-fret will be the scale length for me. As for the tone ring, I'll give it some thought. I have an old Gibson 5-string with a tone ring that is really loud, even with an open back. I like the sound you're getting.
Hi loved it... can you recommend a tenor banjo for a beginner ?
They come in two sizes, 17 and 19 fret. Personally I'm a fan of the slightly shorter scale, but you might like the 19 fret. I love my Deering Goodtime, it's light, sounds great and they are relatively inexpensive, certainly for a US made banjo. Have a look at Gold Tone banjos too. I depends where in the world you are- if you're in the UK, andybanjo.com and Eagle Music are the places to look.
Great stuff... Can I set up a tenor banjo to play left-handed?
Absolutely, just string it upside down and away you go! You'd most likely need to have a new nut recut to get the slots the right size, but other than that, no problem.
Hi Phil, I recently started to try and learn to play my late partner’s 5 string banjo. I have ukuleles. I’m old and find it a ton weight to pick up. I started learning a couple of rolls from Jim Pankey on YT, but struggled to keep the wretched finger picks on. Would you recommend a tenor, or a smaller 5 string to try bluegrass again? 🙏 Many thanks🌷
HI Penny,
Definitely a 5 string for bluegrass, the four string tenor really doesn't lend itself to fingerpicking. Those big old resonator banjos weight a ton, though! I play a Deering Goodtime open back 5 string which is about as light as a 5 string banjo can get (and they actually make a 'junior version' which has a shorter neck). Whilst fingerpicks are traditional for bluegrass, there are lots of banjo players who don't use them.
All the best,
Phil
@@PhilDoleman Oh thank you for responding Phil, that’s really helpful. I’m still persevering with my baritone ukulele, even though switching back and forward does my head in. Hopefully it’ll keep Alzheimer’s at bay🤪🤪🌷
I'm confused why is there 2 G cords the 2nd open string from the top was a G and then the last cord you showed us was also a G can you explain this. Thanks. Besides this this one one of the best tutorials I've seen thanks for the help keep it up! Hope I end up learning lots!
Ah, I see what's happened. The open string is the NOTE of G, but the last shape I showed was the CHORD of G. It is confusing that notes and chords use the same letters! The chord of G contains the note of G, but other notes as well.
Thank you!
Hi Phil. I play tenor banjo Irish tuning. Is the C in jazz tuning above my G or below?
It's above. If you capo at fret 5 you've got my tuning!
Really good but I have a left hand banjo please can you help me
OK, so the first question is are you left handed? If not, a left handed banjo can be restrung upside down and played as a right handed one. If you are left handed, the best thing to do is treat this video as if you are looking in a mirror. You'll need to get used to reversing chord diagrams, to begin with you could draw them out yourself, but personally I think you are better off in the long term getting used to doing that in your head rather than writing them all out backwards, as you'll end up having to do it for every single chord diagram you come across. The good news is that tablature, if you find that online in or books, works exactly the same way for left or right handed people.
Phill can i join you lessons.
Giv me some info
Thanks
John
0
Hi John,
I do have a Patreon page, but at the moment it's only for ukulele, not tenor banjo. Right now these lessons on UA-cam are the only ones I have.
Heya, i was wondering if you had any tips for wrist pain? Ive only played through this tutorial and already my left wrist is sore. Im probably doing something wrong with my position, but i dont know what
@NoavanNoort The main thing is to stay relaxed and keep your wrist as straight as possible. Check your action too, and your string gauge, to make your instrument as east to play as possible. It's for ukulele, not banjo, but I do have a video called 'playing without pain' that might help.
White gauge strings do you use?
Pretty standard set of gauge 9s
9, 12, 20 (wound), 30 (wound). I like these... www.eaglemusicshop.com/light-jazz-tenor-banjo-strings?pv=7353
Phil can a Banjolele be tuned like a Banjo with the correct strings ?
Yes, in fact Aquia make a set for this tuning for concert uke (set 31U).
Can I tune my 5 string Banjo to tenor. My 5th string peg keeps coming out.
The scale length of a 5 string is too long to get that A string up to pitch without breaking, plus the stretches would be really big. However, a 5 string without the short string is a plectrum banjo! Common tunings are CGBD, DGBD or DGBE (same as the highest 4 strings of a guitar).
@@PhilDoleman Thanks mate, love you Chanel
@@PhilDoleman They are the tuning of a Baritone Uke. as well.
@@blueykoala2687 Cheers!
What brand of banjo is this?
It's a Deering Goodtime 17 fret.
I have a republic tenor banjo 19/20 fret i bought the tenor light gauge strings you use and my first string snapped after setting it up any advice please
The first string in CGDA tuning is really tight. Your banjobis ability lobfer than mine, so it'll be even tighter for you. If there are any rough spots on the tailpiece, nut, bridge or tuning pegs it can cause it to break.
A heavier string doesn't really help as, although it's stronger, the tension will be even higher.
I think my tailpiece may have been to tight so will try again many thanks for the reply
Please. Play us a tune. Explain how it's played. Play the tune again. Tuh-Duh !!
Keep following the lessons and you'll get to that really soon, but I believe in teaching what's going on rather than just 'here's a song, copy me'.
If that's what you want, try this...
ua-cam.com/video/ZqNS9hdrUPc/v-deo.html