|
The Banjo Handbook
By Janet Davis
See Tech Tip at the bottom!
A reference manual that covers every facet of playing. Includes: Set up, Roll Patterns & Variations, Licks by chord for Scruggs
style, Up-the-Neck, Back-Up Licks, Using a capo, C-tuning, D-tuning. Songs arranged in tab. CD plays all music.
If you should have a question about the banjo, this should
have the answer. From set up to back up.For any level player--especially
recommended for the beginner; useful information for all levels. A handy
reference manual for five-string banjo players. Designed to give a quick
explanation of the proper or most common method for playing the banjo in
various situations. In tablature.
B-94206bcd BOOK/CD $19.95 
|
The Banjo Handbook Contents
THE BANJO SET UP:
The Banjo and Its Parts
The Bridge
The Head
The Tailpiece
The Strings
The Action
The Truss Rod |
THREE-FINGER PICKING:
Right Hand Technique
Roll Patterns
Intros
Licks |
PLAYING BASICS:
Holding the Banjo
Tuning (G Tuning)
Tablature
Left Hand Technique |
UP THE NECK:
Introduction
Intros
Licks |
CHORDS:
Common Positions
Major Chord Patterns
Chord Charts-Complete
|
THE "MELODIC" STYLE:
Introduction
Scales
Melodic Licks
|
Bridge Setting Tips:
Your banjo bridge is one of the most important parts of your banjo. The material, design, height, and string spacing all influence the tone. The placement of your banjo bridge effects the accuracy of your intonation as you play up the neck of your banjo. So here are some tips for setting your banjo bridge for accurate intonation. You can get an approximate idea of the placement by measuring the distance from the nut to the 12th fret. Now use the same measurement and place the front of the bridge the same distance away from the 12th fret on the banjo head (the opposite direction of the nut for those out there you have never seen a banjo before.) Make sure you align the 3rd string down the middle of the neck. Now play a harmonic note over the 12th fret on the high D string. Next, play a fretted note on the 12th fret of the same D string. How do the notes compare? Is the harmonic note higher or lower in pitch? Also, try the same test on the B string and the G string. If the harmonic note is higher pitched, the bridge needs to move closer to the neck to shorten the distance between the nut and the bridge. If the fretted note is higher in pitch than the harmonic note, the bridge needs to move towards the tailpiece.
When you are moving the bridge, be sure you lift on the bridge to avoid scratching the head. You might want to loosen the strings to make it easier to lift the bridge if you are worried about scratching the head. Retune the banjo and check your harmonic note against your fretted note again. Repeat this process until the fretted note matches the harmonic note. You can use an auto tuner to help you with comparing the notes. Check the tuning for all the open strings each time after you move the bridge.
After you get the notes to match, you can check the position of the bridge by fretting the middle G string on the 19th fret, the B string on the 15th fret, and the D string on the 12th fret. These are all D notes, and should match in pitch if the bridge is set properly and the strings are in tune. You can also compare the G note on the 17th fret of the low D string, 12th fret of the G string, 8th fret of the B string, and 5th fret of the high D string, which should also match the 5th string played open. You can also compare how chords sound played up the neck. The tones should ring in harmony if the bridge is set properly. If you are having trouble with the middle G string sounding sharp, you might want to try a compensated bridge. A compensated bridge gives the middle G string a little longer string length to correct this common intonation problem. Happy pickin'!
|
|
