A banjo is a resonating instrument. The sound produced by your banjo depends on all its strings vibrating together; even those you don’t touch have an impactful resonance that needs tuning attention.
That is why learning double c tuning can be beneficial to old time music players. Here are several reasons for its effectiveness:
It’s easy
Though many may resist changing banjo tunings, they often find it easy and adds new sound to their music. The reason? Modern banjos with well-fit components, metal parts, and steel strings can be highly resonant instruments; when picking one string causes all others to vibrate – adding a unique sonic atmosphere that simply cannot be achieved using guitar.
If you’re searching for an easy-to-use alternative to standard G tuning, consider double c tuning. This option is commonly used by old-time banjo players and can be applied to many songs; clawhammer tunes make this tuning especially suitable. When learning this tuning the first step should be to practice some basic chords; later you can move onto learning some simple tunes; for instance “Soldier’s Joy” is an ideal starting place, as one of its oldest tunes resides there and makes learning it straightforward!
Another fantastic alternative to standard G is fDGCD. Although slightly higher than gCGBD, this tuning remains user-friendly for clawhammer play and can easily accommodate songs in C and D keys (with capo). Furthermore, its tuning can match fiddle tunes in D: Chesley Chancey used it when performing Shoot the Turkey Buzzard and Mulberry Gap (“Mountain Banjo Songs and Tunes”).
Some of the old-time masters employed multiple tunings when performing, in order to match both their tune and mood. If you wish to emulate their style, learn as many tunings as you can; this will increase your versatility and make switching between tunings at jam sessions easier; it also adds authenticity and originality to your music!
It’s versatile
Tunings for banjo can provide an almost limitless array of sounds. Not only does this variety allow musicians to create new and intriguing songs, but also helps players discover which chords work best when creating tunes – something we all take great joy in doing!
Clawhammer tunes often call for double C tuning – it offers ample open strings to allow a strong clawhammer groove and is extremely flexible and resonant.
However, you can use double c tunings easily for other kinds of tunes as well. Many fiddle tunes played at old time jams feature this tuning; even if you aren’t a fiddler yourself, the sound produced from such tunings can be extremely pleasing and enjoyable to play.
Double C tuning makes chord creation simpler than ever, enabling even beginners to pick up and create chords quickly and effortlessly. Two fingers can suffice on both the nut and fifth string for creating simple chords – which enables you to play many songs written for standard G tuning (gCGBD).
Although changing tunings isn’t traditional, most old time players have long had an independent spirit and done what’s best for themselves. One of the greatest banjo players ever, Adam Hurt, is well known for playing most of his songs with an unusual open tuning that differs from standard G, giving his songs an inimitable sound which resonates well with audiences worldwide!
As your ears adjust to playing alternate tunings, they’ll become familiar. Soon you may even prefer their sound more than that of their iconic versions – all this means you are becoming a better banjo player – something worth being proud of!
It’s fun
As the banjo is an acoustic instrument, its tuning must be closely observed. You can use an electronic tuner to get your strings in tune; but to truly fine-tune it you should rely on both electronic tuner and your ears alone. If one string seems out-of-tune, strike its peg to retune it before fretting it at 2nd fret and listen how it sounds with open 1st string as a means to ensure all is in tune; once one string goes off-tune, all others quickly follow suit –
Once your banjo is tuned differently, try playing some classic tunes through its new tuning to hear how its sound changes. Even playing standard G tunes in double C tuning to compare is often very noticeable; as more you experiment with alternate tunings you will become adept at finding what best suits your playing style.
Alternate tunings are excellent ways to stimulate the ears by providing a fresh new approach to old-time banjo music. Alternate tunings also enable players to break free of common banjo cliches; being forced into new techniques and chord shapes makes you a stronger banjo player in general.
Alternate tunings offer another great advantage, opening up an entirely new library of tunes to play. For instance, G modal tuning opens up a wealth of tunes – you could play songs by dropping the 4th string down to C (fDGCD), which was popularly used by Earl Scruggs on his songs like Reuben as well as popular ballads such as Miss McLeod’s Reel or Moonshiner.
It’s good for your ear
Modern banjos with precise components and metal parts are highly resonant instruments. Each time a string is picked, vibrations travel throughout the instrument and even strings that aren’t being picked vibrate as a result – meaning alternate tunings have a huge influence on its sound; for instance, playing one song in standard G tuning and another one out of modal G (gCGBD) tuning will have quite an impactful difference on sound.
Tunings help develop your ear and broaden your creative horizons, but changing tunings can also help players break free from creative ruts. Renowned producer/musician Brian Eno even developed an incredible deck of cards called Oblique Strategies designed to assist musicians and creators break free of creative stagnation; each card contains an aphorism designed to introduce novel constraints into creative processes and promote lateral thinking.
Alternate banjo tunings are an excellent way to broaden your musical vocabulary and add depth and dimension to your songs. Not only are they easy to learn – starting off with just standard G banjo can give you a headstart toward exploring other tunings!
Alternative tunings offer numerous advantages over standard tunings, one being their ability to help you play songs in keys that may be challenging for most people to sing in tune. This feature is invaluable if you plan on accompanying other musicians or singers – as well as churches or similar settings where traditional music is played regularly.
Many classic old time banjo tunes are only accessible with certain tunings, making learning chords and fingerings essential if you want to play these pieces. Although traditionally, most old time banjo players used full chords while accompanying singing; rather they usually just played an approximate outline with open strings on either side for backup accompaniment.