Which banjo for jazz?
Which banjo for jazz?
Plectrum banjos became the standard stringed instrument in trad jazz bands along with tenor banjos, which are tuned just like violas and have an even higher and sharper tone than do plectrum banjos. Meanwhile, ragtime music had taken over Tin Pan Alley, and its influence on popular music continues to this day.
Can you play jazz on 5 string banjo?
It is possible to play jazz on a five string banjo, or any instrument for that matter, but you will get a more traditional banjo sound for playing traditional jazz, either solo or in a band, with a plectrum banjo – or with a five string banjo modified to be played as a plectrum and played with a flat pick.
When did the guitar replace the banjo in jazz?
Until the 1930s, jazz bands used banjo because the banjo’s metallic twang was easier to hear than the acoustic guitar when competing with trumpets, trombones, and drums.
What is a tenor banjo?
Tenor banjos are 4 string banjos that have a shorter neck and come in two varieties, the 17 fret and the 19 fret. The name “tenor” has nothing to do with a lower pitch such as a vocalist who is a tenor or a tenor saxophone. Standard Tenor Tuning – C, G, D, A – same as viola and cello (cello is an octave lower).
Who plays tenor banjo?
Gerry O’Connor
Gerry O’Connor (banjo player)
| Gerry O’Connor | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Tenor banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Associated acts | Four Men and a Dog, The Dubliners, The Dublin Legends |
Is banjo used in jazz?
Along with the fiddle, the banjo is a mainstay of American styles of music, such as Bluegrass and old-time music. It is also very frequently used in traditional (“trad”) jazz.
Why did the guitar replace the banjo?
To start with the electric guitar was very expensive and only the best orchestras could afford them, but during the ‘Big band’ era of the 1940s as orchestra got larger and larger it became more and more difficult to hear the banjo and the electric guitar eventually replaced it.
What is a good tenor banjo?
Best Tenor Banjos on the Market – (At a Glance)
- Best Overall Tenor – Rover RB- 20T.
- Best Choice for Irish Music – Deering Goodtime 17 Fret.
- Best 19 Fret tenor banjo – Trinity River 4 string.
- Best Budget tenor banjo – Deering Goodtime 19 Fret.
- Most Attractive Tenor banjo – Recoriding King RKT-05.
Why is the tenor banjo so popular in jazz?
The punchy, loud sound could cut through back in the days before amplification, and provided a nice rhythmic backing to early jazz bands. CGDA tuning is the most popular jazz tuning for the tenor banjo, and is usually what people mean when they say “standard tenor tuning.” The range works very well for both strumming and melody work.
What is a plectrum banjo?
Plectrum banjos became the standard stringed instrument in trad jazz bands along with tenor banjos, which are tuned just like violas and have an even higher and sharper tone than do plectrum banjos. Meanwhile, ragtime music had taken over Tin Pan Alley, and its influence on popular music continues to this day.
Do Irish tenor players prefer 17 fret banjos over longer scale ones?
There’s a common misconception that Irish tenor players prefer 17 fret banjos over longer-scale ones. This does give small hands an easier reach up to high B. However, GDAE tuning is already lower than most tenor banjos are designed for.
Can You tune a tenor banjo to GDAE tuning?
Many modern tenors, especially those marketed as “Irish tenor banjos,” are specifically built for GDAE tuning. Most vintage banjos, though, aren’t. They will need modification, most notably on the nut and bridge.
