Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: 4-String (Irish Trad Music & Related Styles) Forum Feed

"Octave" tenor banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 11:06:41 CST

Lately I've been thinking that it would be great to have a travel-sized tenor banjo. It occurred to me that you could make a roughly mandolin-scale banjo, tuned an octave higher than tenor, perhaps with a 9" or 10" pot (and yes, I know banjolins exist, that's not what I mean). Has anyone made/commissioned an instrument like this? Modifying a banjo uke might be another option but I think most are not solidly built enough to handle steel strings.

Spin the Wheel Tablature for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 May 2026 07:00:28 CST

Hello there, I'm trying to learn the banjo part in this song because I've recently recently watched arcane and would love to be able to play this. I made an attempt to learn it on tenor but it has been a pain since it's on a 5 string. If anyone could help that would be greatly appreciated.
open.spotify.com/track/0kjLUmI...FjWDv5Z0x

Trying to Sound Irish, Irish Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 6 May 2026 09:09:22 CST

Players of tenor banjo who play Irish tunes - are you trying to sound "Irish" in the same way that an American violinist coming from classical music or from bluegrass might be trying to sound Irish? Or, because the style of melody plucking associated with Irish tenor banjo is so unique to, well, Irish tenor banjo, do we not consciously think about it the same way?

string gauges 17-fret CGDA tuning?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 2 May 2026 12:37:51 CST

Does anyone have an idea? Not the standard GDAE, I know.

Thanks for any help.

Ken

“Banish Misfortune”

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:17:37 CST

I play this tune on my homemade banjo and concertina. I’m enjoying learning how to flat pick after all the years I spent on clawhammer.
youtu.be/EnlpaDRj4Wc?si=CPKrvBrLQ9lC4Ls6
I hope you enjoy it!

New Guy here….

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:45:24 CST

Hello folks! I’m a guitar player that became interested in mandolins about a year ago. I thought I was headed down the bluegrass path but I became interested in IT. I’ve been going to IT sessions for a while and realized that the mandolin was too quiet when playing with fiddles, banjos, whistles, and occasionally pipes. I found that the Irish Tenor banjo has the same fingering as a mandolin. Next thing you know, I bought a Gold Tone IT-250.

I’m pretty satisfied with this instrument so far, but I was wondering if I should try heavier gauge strings. OEM is 10-20-30-40. I would like to try 12-20-30-42, but I don’t want to mess with the setup, which is perfect right now. If I do go slightly heavier, will I need to change the setup ? Should I just stay stock for now? I’ve only had the banjo for a couple of weeks.

I look forward to your advice and I hope that I can contribute at some point.

Thanks!
Winch

Palm rubbing bridge constantly when picking

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:45:21 CST

Hi folks! As the name would suggest I’ve just picked up the tenor banjo to play Irish trad, having previously played guitar and mandolin. Have been really enjoying it other than the fact that I can’t find a single position for my right where the corner of the bridge doesn’t dig into the fleshy but under my thumb. I’ve generally been following the advice given by players such as Enda Scahill about cupping the bridge, but I’ve got very big palms and my anatomy doesn’t seem to allow my hand to completely float over the bridge. As far as I can tell I’m not overly muting the sound, although I would really appreciate some feedback in that regard, however this is a very annoying sensation especially when playing tunes that use a lot of the E string. Would it be acceptable/compromise the sound in any way to cut off and sand down then corner off the bridge to be rounded? I’ve included a picture and a video.

Thanks!

New (to me) Irish tenor for St. Patty's Day

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:40:28 CST

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. It just so happened that this morning I finished up reworking an old Irish tenor that I picked up on Facebook for $100. I've never had a tenor and I'm enjoying messing around with it. My question: anyone have any insight into what it might be? A good friend and neighbor is going with a catalog instrument for the Tonk Bros, circa 100-ish years ago.

It had a Grover Presto tailpiece that the seller had already shipped off to Texas, so this one is not the original. It also had the vintage style tuning machines that I swapped out for Gotohs. There was some damage that I fixed up to get it playing. Original natural head, birdseye maple with a stripe, 17 frets, and now it's strung up with octave mandolin strings (by recommendation from these forums). I got it in Michigan, so a Chicago/Midwest build seems reasonable.

Thanks and happy picking.

Irish Session Prep Course - 45 Tunes / Practice with a real live Irish sess

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:40:17 CST

That’s a long title!!

I’ve created a new course called Get Session Ready - Galway.

45 session tunes you’re guaranteed to hear at Irish sessions. Each one has an individual tune lesson and then all 45 are arranged into different sets and recorded at the world famous Crane Bar in Galway

Session sets I recorded at two different speeds, slow for beginners and moderate for intermediate players with the option to speed it up for more advanced players.

All of the tunes are fully notated and transcribed and will scroll along with the session musicians and the individual lessons.

TAB, ABC and stave all available

soundslice.com/store/get-sessi...y-galway/

Notes/tablature for T.a.L

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:33:25 CST

Hello there, I'm trying to figure out the notes to the banjo part (obviously) in the song T.a.L by Chasing abbey. I use a tenor banjo but I could figure out the tabs I just can't play by ear very well.
Could anyone be able to help.

80 Tunes from 4 Top Players - Arranged, Ornamented and Fully Transcribed

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 20:39:46 CST

I’ve assembled a new course of tunes designed in part as a library of tunes ideal for banjo competitions or The Fleadh Cheoil.

It’s also a course of 80 tunes expertly played by some of Ireland’s top players - Elaine Reilly, Ademar O’Connor (23 time All Ireland Champion), Karen Dolan and myself!

Check it out at

Www.tradacademy.ie

clawhammer on a tenor banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 10:41:58 CST

I've been messing around with the baritone ukulele (DGBE, and GDAE), 5-string banjo (gDGBD), and tenor banjo in reentrant tuning (gDAE). I play a lot of chords when I play with other folks. I do enjoy playing in a clawhammer style on the 5-string. I find that clawhammer isn't pleasing on the ukulele but I like it on the tenor banjo.

Has anyone on this forum explored clawhammer style on their tenor banjo in fifths tuning? Or even some other tuning?

Robert

DAEC tuning?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:45:25 CST

I have just read that at least two Irish banjo players--Mike Flanagan and Jimmy Kelly--used this tuning, a fifth above the usual GDAE. Anyone else who might have used it or does use it?

Thanks for any replies.

Ken

Carols from the world for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:38:14 CST

Carols: Puer Nobis Nascitur (English carol) 00:00; Still, still, still (Austrian carol) 00:26; Stille Nacht (Music: F. X. Gruber 1787-1863) 00:45; arr: Ondrej Sarek

From book: Carols from the world for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar or Mandola

Jewish songs for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:36:05 CST

Songs: Adon Olam 00:00; Amcha Jisrael 00:20; Artsa Alinu 00:55; arr: Ondrej Sarek

From book: Jewish songs for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar or Mandola

Songs from old Prague for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Dec 2025 05:19:50 CST

Songs: Ach pryc, ach pryc 00:00; Zima je zimouci 00:37; Kdyz jsem byl v areste 00:55; arr: Ondrej Sarek

From book: Songs from old Prague for Crosspicking CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar or Mandola

Tenor & Clawhammer: Does anyone know an easy call and response tune?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:11:20 CST

I am currently showing a 5th grader how to restore an Oscar Schmidt Stella tenor banjo that was given to him. He is very excited to learn to play this instrument. My knowledge and experience with tenor is zero. Can anyone recommend and post the tab for an easy call and response tune for Clawhammer and Tenor that we can learn together? His playing experience is zero, so It will have to be something easy. I'm sure he will get it fairly quickly, as he is learning other instruments. Thanks, as always, for your reply.

Hungarian Folk Songs for CGDA Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 00:22:30 CST

Songs: Gavallér, de gavallér 00:00; Felvégi ház alvégi ház 00:35; Eger felöl jön egy üveghintó 01:22; arr: Ondrej Sarek

From book: Hungarian Folk Songs for CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar or Mandola

Alternate 4-string tuning, EADG instead of GDAE?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 18:07:44 CST

I'm considering tuning my 4-string Irish Tenor banjo to EADG because I'm an elderly bass player having trouble wrapping my head around GDAE tuning. Bass guitars are tuned EADG, so I theorize that if I can tune my banjo like a bass, I can transition faster.

Has anyone ever attempted tuning a 4-string Irish Tenor banjo in EADG? What string gauges should I use to avoid string breakage and banjo destruction?

New home made tuning pegs

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 10:42:13 CST

Hiya,

I have a wonderful Bryan Carver Mountain Banjo I built some time back.

The tuning pegs won't stay put. Is there an easy fix other than making or buying larger diameter pegs?

Tom

Experiment with Tenor Tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 08:30:22 CST

I have a Gold Tone Open Back 5 string.

I would like to experiment with Tenor tuning b4 I commit to buying one. Could I install strings that would accept Tenor tuning on my 5 string.

Forgive my ignorance.

Tom

“Walsh’s Hornpipe/Old Torn Petticoat”

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 20:13:40 CST

This is my first attempt at flat picking my homemade banjo and playing my new Hayden duet concertina that was made by Concertina Connection.
youtu.be/1p4VAZTNtaA?si=hC1AAz--PITSnIgW
I hope you enjoy it!

Mein Vater sei Häusl (Tiroler Lieder) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 02:03:35 CST

Music: Tyrolean folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/VGioJ7pIi9M
From book: Tyrolean songs for CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar

Kiso Bushi (Japanese folk song) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:59:40 CST

Music: Japanese folk song

Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/v3JKG72jEMU

From book: 15 Japanese Folk Songs for CGDA Tenor Banjo or Mandola

Pre Amps, Pedals, Tuners - Gear Run Down

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 03:01:25 CST

A constant question in my Patreon community is about banjo gear, what's in my tour case, and what pedals and pick ups should people consider.

Here's a full run down of everything in my touring bag

youtu.be/GIyUaUhfgjU

I'm working on a new video to go with this one, walking through the settings of my pre amps, comparing mics to pick ups, and generally talking about making amplified banjo sound as good as possible. Coming soon

Banjo players unite

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:37 CST

Fellow Irish trad banjo players: Where do you feel your strongest connection or alignment? Is it with folks playing the same types of tunes as you but on other instruments like fiddle, pipes, whistle, concertina, etc? Is it with fellow banjo players regardless of style and tunings (5-string bluegrass, clawhammer, jazz, and so on)? Or is it with players of other flat-picked stringed instruments such as guitar and mandolin?

One of my favorite things about playing in Irish sessions is the variety of instruments converging on the melody in unison, each with their own quirks and strengths/limitations. I've also been feeling a lot of all around banjo solidarity recently, with the knowledge that tuning in 5ths and a lack of the drone thumb string doesn't make it any less of a banjo. Lastly, the high speed pick stroke plectrum playing that we do seems to have a lot in common with guitar flat-picking, mandolin playing, and even Puerto Rican cuatro which, like Irish tenor banjo, is also a melody machine!

Gospel for CGBD Plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:16:56 CST

Gospel for CGBD Plectrum Banjo

Songs: The Gospel Train 00:00; Peace Like A River 00:37; My Lord, What A Morning 01:12; Mary And Martha 01:48; Hallelu', Hallelu' 02:17; Good News! The Chariot's Comin' 02:48; Do Lord, Remember Me 03:18;
arr: Ondrej Sarek

From book: Spiritual and Gospel for CGBD Plectrum Banjo

Pot depth

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 8 Aug 2025 06:49:52 CST

Hi all,

First post, long time observer! Hopefully this is in the right section.

I am playing a Framus Nashville Black Eagle - I think from the 70s. I'm starting to get frustrated with the pot depth (8cm) which makes the reach very awkward for picking. I can't really get my arm flat around the body so my wrist feels nice and anchored. I have always struggled to be really comfortable playing with it, though I get by! Wondering is this pot depth issue a feature for anyone else playing irish trad on a tenor.

Jablicka (music: J.O.Novotný *1778) for Uke-banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 6 Aug 2025 01:12:02 CST

Song title in English: Apples

Music: J.O.Novotný *1778 Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rBO0zqFOO1c

From book: Songs from the Czech National Revival for Ukulele

Help! Want to learn my first instrument at 32, but no idea where to start.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 5 Aug 2025 18:15:50 CST

Hi all,

First time posting here.

So, I've caught the "Banjo Bug". Specifically, I'm really interested in learning the 4-string Irish Tenor Banjo (I live in Scotland, so there's no shortage of potential jam sessions for folk/ceilidh enthusiasts). The problem is I have ZERO prior musical knowledge. None. I was more of a gamer and a painter growing up, rather than a musician, but for the first time I've taken an interest in making my own music.

I'm currently between jobs unfortunately, so it'll be a short while before I can get my hands on an instrument or find any lessons to take, but in the meantime I wanted to get a beginners understanding of what goes into "music"; for instance, how to read sheet music, how to tune an instrument, understanding musical terminology, etc. I figure it's best to get an education in the musical basics before I get my hands on a Banjo.

Could anyone suggest any resources (either online or in a book) for a true Lv.1 Beginner who has zero understanding of how music works?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Yours kindly,
Tartan.

Zabil jest Matóšek (Folk song from Brno) for Plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 08:40:48 CST

Music: Folk song from Brno
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/EeWKXmFEgT0

From book: Folk songs from Brno for CGBD Plectrum Banjo

Nebudu k vam chodivavat (Hanakia danc) for Plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:20:42 CST

Music: Hanakia folk song from the end of the 17th century

Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/_Bu8RzWtu-E

Going to a retreat for trad Irish music

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:21:16 CST

I have been taking lessons and practicing clawhammer for about two years now but I recently acquired a four string Irish tenor banjo and have started practicing that with a patron teacher. Very different style from clawhammer although I have a couple of clawhammer songs that have this type of music cadence (highlanders farewell))

I was very excited to learn about a weekend workshop that includes beginner lessons for the whole weekend occurring near me in Texas.

oflahertyretreat.org/

I signed up and I’m very excited about attending later this year.

Turlough O'Carolan tunes

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:06:25 CST

Turlough O‘Carolan (1670 – 1738)

Planxty Irwin by O'Carolan for CGDA Tenor Banjo

Gospel for CGDA Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 02:40:20 CST

Songs: Do Lord, Remember Me 00:00; Guide My Feet 00:16; Hallelu', Hallelu' 00:48; Mary And Martha 01:23; This Little Light of Mine 01:51; arr: Ondrej Sarek

Za ten cele teden (Brno folk song) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 01:40:22 CST

Music: Brno folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FOSqWsM-6e0
From book: Folk Songs from Brno for CGDA Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar

Co je po takové panence? (Bohemian Zwiefacher) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 00:48:48 CST

Music: Czech folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZF3WTzl74Ds

From book: Bohemian Zwiefacher for Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar

Tam na te louce zelene (Boskovice folk song) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 May 2025 03:17:31 CST

Music: Boskovice folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/edWRhENrjW8

Povez mne, ma mila panenko (Boskovice folk song) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 7 May 2025 03:17:14 CST

Music: Boskovice folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/qy5pFhgA3aw

Cervena ruzicko, rozvijej se (Song from Chodsko region) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 5 May 2025 00:18:55 CST

Music: Czech folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/KimFrt9WHn4

Clareen Oyster in Open-back style

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:10:12 CST

I was wondering if anyone has experienced playing a Clareen Oyster 19 fret tenor banjo, or any other Clareen tenor banjo in open-back style, and what your opinion regarding tone, is. I really like the Clareen tenor banjos from listening online and I have been a part of Enda Scahill's Patreon group and have seen him play them and speak highly of them. I have owned dozens of five string resonator and open-back banjos but am limited in experience (own a Gold Tone IT-19) with tenor banjos. I definitely prefer playing open-back rather than resonator style banjos, as I find they sit more comfortably in my lap. I don't want to sacrifice tone, but projection doesn't really matter as I play at home, for myself.
I have been in contact via email with Fintan at Clareen (very nice guy and quick to respond) regarding the above, but it would be nice to get the opinion of an owner as well, as it may aid in my choice between a resonator or open-back model. I had noticed some past sales, with photos of Clareen open-backs with Weymann style rims. I wonder how those rims would affect tone?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and suggestions from experienced tenor players.

Kdyz jsem konicky pasaval (Bohemian Zwiefacher) for Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:27:02 CST

Music: Czech folk song Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/qbbkinn5qV8

Dinkey's Reel nylon string Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:33:27 CST

I got the idea of thumb/1st finger picking from Gordon Johnston, tenor banjoist from the north of England. Gordon uses thumb, 1st and second, and he gets some lighting fast triplets. Besides the relaxed playing hand position that finger-style affords, the rocking back and forth, between thumb and finger, lends itself to a kind of "internal-rocking", which feels like you're syncopating the rhythm. It also gives allows to construct a foreground/background relationship between the skeleton of the melody and the notes that surround it; something that much easier to do, I think, than playing with a flatpick, which - for me - tends to create a more lineal, "flatter" texture. These aspects of fingerstyle single-string playing were what attracted me to the idea when I first heard Gordon Johnston play.

Banish Misfortune - thumb/1st finger lead

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:10:12 CST

Swiss songs for Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 Apr 2025 00:36:32 CST

for Plectrum Banjo

Songs: Vo Luzern uf Wäggis zue I. 00:00; Vieni sulla barchetta 00:36; Soldati Ticinesi 01:09; 's Oberland 01:39; 's isch mer alles eis Ding 02:08; 's Blüemli 02:26; Im Frühtau zu Berger 03:09; Im Aargäu sind zwöi Liebe 03:37; arr: Ondrej Sarek

Tunes XIII. from Caslav Region for Plectrum Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:22:54 CST

Tunes XIII. from Caslav Region for Plectrum Banjo

Music: Folk song
Arr: Ondrej Sarek

https://youtube.com/shorts/bfyH0bnlHQM

Went and looked at a tenor banjo today

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 8 Mar 2025 15:11:22 CST

I've been learning clawhammer for a year. I purchased an open back instrument made by a luthier last year that's a 5 string. The maker's name is Chuck Lee and he is in Texas where I grew up and still live.

Since I purchased the 5 string whyte laydie I have watched other Chuck Lee instruments and read about one in ft worth at a resale shop that is a 4 string tenor and the model is called "bug tussle" which is the name of a town in Texas that I've actually heard of.

It's a beautiful instrument and although it is very different from the 5 string clawhammer, I have spent the last year memorizing the fret pattern and notes for many tunings on the 5 string. I was amazed at how easy it was for me to tune it to CGDA (using a tuner I brought along) and then was able to pick out the scale using my middle finger in clawhammer style quickly and easily. I didn't have a pick with me and wouldn't have known how to play with proper technique anyway.

I didn't buy it but I seriously thought about it. The only reason I didn't is because my progress at leaning clawhammer music is quite slow and I don't want to dilute my efforts with another style. I also dislike collecting things but dang that was a beautiful instrument. My whyte laydie has a 11 inch pot and is quite loud and this 4 string tenor was a 12 inch and much more sonorous.

Someday maybe I'll be able to go into a music shop and pick up a banjo and just play it!

Wide Nut Mandolin for Irish

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:44:25 CST

I primarily play Irish tenor banjo but am thinking of getting a mandolin again as a secondary instrument. Is there any advantage to a wider nut width mandolin for playing Irish tunes if you're coming from tenor banjo? Like 1.25 inch nut width as opposed to 1 1/8 inch. Some builders offer this, but it's described for those with large hands or those coming from guitar, of which I am neither. However, I wouldn't be playing any other musical styles on mandolin, just Irish tunes, so I don't need the chop chord for example. Only the occasional double stop.

Is there any disadvantage to a wider neck? Since Irish is all-melody, all-the-time would a wider neck make the notes easier to pluck or could the wider neck potentially make getting up to session speed more of a challenge? Thanks!

Experienced beginner; would like to get good asap. Need advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:42:14 CST

I am catching the Irish music bug and want to attend a session. So far my strategy has been to listen to a trad music radio, and when I hear a nice tune, go to thesession.org to get the sheet music and try to work on it until I can play without the sheet music.

How do I start developing my skills enough to play at an Irish session. I think playing with others is my weakness in general. I plan on attending a slow session to start but the session I want to end at, they recommended getting about 50 tunes down before starting. (These guys are experienced)

I am a 5 string player. Used to read music regularly a long time ago which is coming back quicker than I thought. I feel like I am stuck in the awkward experienced beginner phase. What advice would you give me.

Banjolin style ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:43:01 CST

What style music is played on a banjolin? Whoever plays them what is the style of music?