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Tenor or 5 string banjo

  • 21-02-2012 10:37AM
    #1
    kdowling
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 375 ✭✭


    I am looking to learn the banjo. I'm interested in playing Irish music like wolf tones, dubliners etc
    Would I be better of with a tenor or a 5 string banjo for this type of music?


Comments

  • #2
    seachto7
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭seachto7


    I dabble in both, and find the tenor easier, but the 5 string sounds nice as an accompanying instrument too. You'll find the tenor might be better for melodies or tunes.
    Though didn't Luke Kelly play a 5 string? Not sure what tuning it was...
    You seem to see most American roots/folk/country will use 5 strings, even some Irish bands.
    Mumford and Sons would use a 5 string. Travis used one.

    You can also get a banjo tuned like a guitar, 6 strings. Check it out...


  • #3
    Miklos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 985 ✭✭✭Miklos


    I think in terms of what would be 'traditional' (even though a Banjo is by no means traditional in the Irish sense) 4 strings is the standard.

    I've played 4 string live a couple of times and it's good fun, same tuning intervals as violin so your fingers will definitely find the tunes better.


  • #4
    Faing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 477 ✭✭Faing


    I play both, only advice to you is to mix with a few banjo players, maybe try one or two different ones and then make your decision. Tenor would be better for trad imho but 5 string can be used for same and is your only option if you want to play bluegrass style which can easily mix with irish tunes and ballads. Jesus, that is a difficult question to answer........... they both have their merits and advantages. They are both Banjos but are completely different instruments altogether:)


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