I love Irish tenor, Mando, AND banjolin. They're all so fun to play and really encourage the exploration of sound and rhythm. A friend gifted me a harmony tenor banjo, but it was unfortunately destroyed. I was later gifted an old banjolin which I fixed up and played for awhile before gifting (another unfortunate decision), and have since made my own cookie tin tenor banjo and began exploring mandolin as well. All 3 of these instruments (as well as fiddle and banjolele) are my favorites to play and learn on. I now have an old handpainted Russian Mando and an old Kay tenor banjo. I find the tenor banjo to be an excellent buddy to have when your hands need a little more space to stretch and flail about. Along with the banjolin, they also carry a particularly unique history in American music. Thank you for what you do and for sharing your appreciation for these instruments and their voices. 😁
I picked up an Irish Tenor banjo recently because of this channel and have been having a ton of fun using the lessons on MandoLessons to get acquainted with the tenor side of things.
I recently started fiddle lessons and heard so much about a mandolin. I stumbled upon your channel and now I'm trying to figure out how I can add all of these beautiful instruments to my collection. I love the fact the tuning is the same. I have 2 ukuleles that collect dust because of the odd tuning and difficulty finding music for them. Your channel is amazing. Thank you for all you're doing
Shannon Reeves, I bought this one at my local music store. "The DAILY UKULELE" (a Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbook) by the Hal*Leonard Corporation. I forget the price but it has 366 songs in it. I use it with any of my string instruments as it has notes and chords also the words. Great little book with many ol-time songs as well as others out of the 50's-60's and the 70's.
I’ve seen people here on TH-cam who have re-strung their ukuleles from GCEA to a mandolin tuning GDAE (switching the E and A strings and adjusting the C to a D), and using the Aquila Red Low G strings (the low G is wound with metal, the others in the set are nylon). There’s a lovely sound with those. I bought the strings to make the conversion on my uke but haven’t gotten around to putting them on yet (I just need to fix a busted tuning peg first…). I’m just starting to learn Irish Tenor banjo and don’t want to confuse my brain too much by trying to switch back and forth between tunings and chord-shapes, but even if I were not tuning to the Mandolin/Irish Tenor Banjo GDAE, I’m still really excited to have the lower G tuning, since sometimes when I’m noodling around, I’m trying to go down the scale, and keep getting tripped up by that high G string…
I started adding tenor banjo to our ThingamaJig ensemble about three years ago. I use it for melody emphasis as you suggest, but also countermelodies that often will go unheard on the mandolin unless you have multiple mandolins or an active sound tech to crank up the mandolin input when appropriate. It's easy to adapt to if you already play mandolin, but the wider stretch on the fretboard takes some getting used to.
You’re awesome! Good, good, good teacher! I’ve been taking mando lessons from you and now I’m considering to buy an Irish tenor banjo. Thanks for the lesson!
Thank you! I’ve been taking your mando lessons, and now I’m also interested in this instrument to play some Irish songs. The reason is bc you’re very inspiring and very good teacher! I hope you’ll do more Irish Tenor on TH-cam!
So glad you did this video! After picking up irish trad mandolin (much thanks to your channel!), I had already decided to pickup the tenor banjo once my current payments are done!
Quick update! Picked up a tenor and absolutely love playing it! More pleasant to play than mandolin as it doesn't shred the fingers for more casual players than don't have rock hard callouses.
Great intro to the instrument and irish trad. Might say that double stops are no problem in a session, as long as you don't go crazy with them. Just drop one in where a bit of emphasis might work.
Cool. I just picked one from the 1920s off Reverb this week for a very reasonable price. I just acquired my first octave mandolin and someone suggested the tenor banjo as it cuts through better.
Thanks for the video. I got an Irish tenor banjo last year and love. It’s tuned same as my mandolin. I find some song I play might sound better on the tenor the the mandolin. Just adds a little variety in how I sound. The tip about playing chords was spot on. The tenor does not chord well. Thanks
Baron, many thanks for the intro. I have a mint condition 1977 Ome short-scale Tenor, maple and gold engraved, just stunningly gorgeous, and I'm slowly trying to wrap my head around learning to play it. I play Scruggs style banjo so tenor banjo is a whole different world to get accustomed to. I have it set up to standard jazz tuning which seems quite difficult and isn't turning me on, so I've decided to restring it and set it up to Irish tuning which seems to be more user friendly. I'm also a beginner mando player too and, thanks to you, I've learned numerous great tunes which I'll be able to immediately play. Thanks also for clarifying the difference in sound as compared to a regular banjo... I was finding myself disappointed with the lack of sustain and bass, so I'll now work on getting the proper sound out of it that it's truly built for and made to produce and hopefully learn to appreciate and enjoy it. Thanks again, Tina Scott.
Our session is big enough that there is no issue with double stops on my TB. Your banjo looks to be a Vega, based on the tone ring. I am also the administrator of the Tenor Banjo group on Facebook. 3100 members and lots of discussion about both Irish tuning and jazz tuning.
Loved this week's video! Hope you do more Irish tenor banjo stuff. Yes, I do have a very old (1920-ish best guess) & of unknown origin, tenor banjo that actually has a resonater and a skin head. I've got a couple videos on my channel of me playing 4 of Baron's arrangements on it (3/17/2020). The one that came out the best (& with triplets) was Kesh Jig. There's one vid though, that's just a closeup of the banjo itself, posted in the hopes somebody might be able to tell me more about it... if anyone out there is knowledgeable about them, please do check it out, I'd love to hear any comments, Thanks!
I play mandolin and have a tenor banjo (I'm only learning) which I have been playing chords on. Having just watched your video, I realise that chords isn't the best way to play it. Would love some play along lessons on your channel for the tenor banjo. Thank you
I built a 21"scale electric octave mandolin. It's great for playing Irish jigs and reels that don't require a long reach between frets. I don't have a decent amp, but I have heard it played thru a better amp by a decent player. It is very nice, and sounds great.
Bought a Gold Tone IT19 last year and it is my preferred instrument for nearly all kinds of music. Man, I sure love the triplets on these banjos. Big influence for me is Enda Scahill of We Banjo 3. Looking forward to more ITB lessons on the channel Baron.
Liked your explanation of the irish banjo it looked like short scale I left handed short scale mostly song ballads/ folk is it possible to purchase new short scale model these days, or buy regular size banjo & put a clamp to shorten neck , thanks for ur video Kerry viewer
Hey thanks for the introduction! Could you let us know what's the exact model you are using and tuning? I'm planning to switch from mandolin to banjo and keep the same fingering.
That's a lovely sounding banjo - a Vega? I tried the tenor banjo for a couple of years (I play the guitar and mandolin) but I just couldn't get those triplets to sound right, and I gave up. I sold the banjo. Thanks for your description of how you play the triplets, muting the first two notes. I'll try this on my mandolin. If successful, I'll let you know - and maybe get another banjo!
I have a 4 string tenor banjo and wondering if you have any knowledge you could share with me about it. Or can point me in the right direction to find info possibly bc I’ve had no luck with google so far. It looks rather old . Open back and the wood bar through the back of the head says Washington 215 . I appreciate anything you can possibly tell me! Thank you!
You say it's the same tuning as mandolin octave down but what size of strings, are they plain or wound. I got one years ago but it's in the cupboard as the low string just gave a plonking sound and didn't ring clear. You play well by the way.
Hi Baron great video what's the make of your banjo and how much did you pay for it I've got a Tenor guitar tune CGDA which is like a Tenor Banjo at the 5 fret I think I'll get a Tenor Banjo
I imagine you already found an answer to your banjo-muting question of 1 year ago, but in case you didn’t: if you have an open-backed banjo, you can stick a folded-up towel in the back of it to dampen the sound. There are also brass-and-felt mutes that you can buy to slip over the strings at the bridge for either resonator or open-back styles of banjos to lessen (but not completely mute) the sound.
Hi Baron, I recently took up tenor banjo for the same reason as you, volume! I joined a Morris dancing side over here in Cornwall UK and my mandolin couldn’t compete with the assembled melodeons / piano accordions and other squeeze boxes, the banjo can hold its own a little better. I’d like to see some tenor banjo tunes explored on your channel. BTW, What was the tune you opened the video with? Cheers, Mike
Same boat as me. I started in a borders Morris side in Surrey, did our first dance out on Thursday and loved it (got loads of free beers). We actually amp up so it’s not an issue but there will be some events that are acoustic only so I’m thinking of getting a tenor banjo for that reason. Just one more instrument 😅 How are you finding it?
Hi I have one. It’s a new tenor banjo with Irish strings. I only play it for my enjoyment. I use your songs and mandolin cafe. I love it because fingering is same as a mandolin. What was that tune you were playing in the beginning?
Do they age well? I see quite a few 1930’s(ish) British made ones come up over here. Guitars and mando’s supposedly change/improve with age but I’m wondering if the same would apply to tenor banjo’s
My wife has one that I occasionally try some songs on, it's a lot of fun. I find triplets much harder to do though compared to my mandolin, what thickness of pick do you use?
Hi Baron, I really love your channel - it has helped me so much in getting to know the mandolin. I picked one up a year or so ago after decades as a guitarist. This lesson is another huge boost. I have and old tenor banjo that needs some attention. You have given me the inspiration to get working on it. Do you recommend using metal or nylon strings? Best wishes from Ebeltoft in Denmark, David
How do I know I have a Tenor Banjo? I got one cheap and I think that's what it is. I have a 5 string, 6 string (guitar type) and a uku banjo but I am not sure if this is a tenor banjo. (stupid question I guess from a stupid guitarist, sorry)
It is a Tenor Banjo, but the Irish One is Tuned like a Contrabanjolin, a Banjo Equivalent to that of the Contramandolin Standard Tuning for Contramandolin or Contrabanjolin 3 String: Dsus2 (Fifths) Dulcimeral 4 String: G6sus2 (Fifths) 5 String: C G D A E (Traditional) 6 String: F C G D A E (Normal) 7 String: Bb F C G D A E 8 String: Eb Bb F C G D A E Standard Tuning for Irish Tenor Banjo 5 String: G D G A D (Traditional) 6 String: D G D G A D (Normal) 7 String: A D G D G A D (Guitar Style) 8 String: D A D G D G A D (Treble + Bass) - Bobby McLoughlin I
I bought a Gold Tone AC-4IT, $250. Lightweight, I love it
Brilliant sound. Love from Galway Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🍀🍀🍀🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
Want visit one day. That's where my family came from.
I love Irish tenor, Mando, AND banjolin. They're all so fun to play and really encourage the exploration of sound and rhythm. A friend gifted me a harmony tenor banjo, but it was unfortunately destroyed. I was later gifted an old banjolin which I fixed up and played for awhile before gifting (another unfortunate decision), and have since made my own cookie tin tenor banjo and began exploring mandolin as well. All 3 of these instruments (as well as fiddle and banjolele) are my favorites to play and learn on. I now have an old handpainted Russian Mando and an old Kay tenor banjo. I find the tenor banjo to be an excellent buddy to have when your hands need a little more space to stretch and flail about. Along with the banjolin, they also carry a particularly unique history in American music. Thank you for what you do and for sharing your appreciation for these instruments and their voices. 😁
I picked up an Irish Tenor banjo recently because of this channel and have been having a ton of fun using the lessons on MandoLessons to get acquainted with the tenor side of things.
I recently started fiddle lessons and heard so much about a mandolin. I stumbled upon your channel and now I'm trying to figure out how I can add all of these beautiful instruments to my collection. I love the fact the tuning is the same. I have 2 ukuleles that collect dust because of the odd tuning and difficulty finding music for them. Your channel is amazing. Thank you for all you're doing
Shannon Reeves, I bought this one at my local music store. "The DAILY UKULELE" (a Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbook) by the Hal*Leonard Corporation. I forget the price but it has 366 songs in it. I use it with any of my string instruments as it has notes and chords also the words. Great little book with many ol-time songs as well as others out of the 50's-60's and the 70's.
I’ve seen people here on TH-cam who have re-strung their ukuleles from GCEA to a mandolin tuning GDAE (switching the E and A strings and adjusting the C to a D), and using the Aquila Red Low G strings (the low G is wound with metal, the others in the set are nylon). There’s a lovely sound with those. I bought the strings to make the conversion on my uke but haven’t gotten around to putting them on yet (I just need to fix a busted tuning peg first…).
I’m just starting to learn Irish Tenor banjo and don’t want to confuse my brain too much by trying to switch back and forth between tunings and chord-shapes, but even if I were not tuning to the Mandolin/Irish Tenor Banjo GDAE, I’m still really excited to have the lower G tuning, since sometimes when I’m noodling around, I’m trying to go down the scale, and keep getting tripped up by that high G string…
I started adding tenor banjo to our ThingamaJig ensemble about three years ago. I use it for melody emphasis as you suggest, but also countermelodies that often will go unheard on the mandolin unless you have multiple mandolins or an active sound tech to crank up the mandolin input when appropriate. It's easy to adapt to if you already play mandolin, but the wider stretch on the fretboard takes some getting used to.
You’re awesome! Good, good, good teacher! I’ve been taking mando lessons from you and now I’m considering to buy an Irish tenor banjo. Thanks for the lesson!
Thank you! I’ve been taking your mando lessons, and now I’m also interested in this instrument to play some Irish songs. The reason is bc you’re very inspiring and very good teacher! I hope you’ll do more Irish Tenor on TH-cam!
You are an amazing teacher honestly!
just noticed the date. Well done!
irish tenor banjos.. wow GREAT..love themmmmmmm
So glad you did this video! After picking up irish trad mandolin (much thanks to your channel!), I had already decided to pickup the tenor banjo once my current payments are done!
Quick update! Picked up a tenor and absolutely love playing it! More pleasant to play than mandolin as it doesn't shred the fingers for more casual players than don't have rock hard callouses.
Here in Brasil it's almost impossible to find a good tenor banjo. You have to find an irish friend and buy it second hand. But one day I'll find one
Mcneela Instruments has some good ones for sale on their website, but I don't know if they ship to Brazil
Tenor banjo is my main instrument, I have two and I love them.
5:33 - I think some players use a dampener to address this. Same reason why open back is more prominent than resonator in Irish.
Great intro to the instrument and irish trad. Might say that double stops are no problem in a session, as long as you don't go crazy with them. Just drop one in where a bit of emphasis might work.
I’m so excited for more of this!
I had been considering getting an octave mandolin, but since learning about the Irish tenor banjo, I may have to change my plans. Thanks!
Cool. I just picked one from the 1920s off Reverb this week for a very reasonable price. I just acquired my first octave mandolin and someone suggested the tenor banjo as it cuts through better.
That is a sharp sound!
Thanks for the video. I got an Irish tenor banjo last year and love. It’s tuned same as my mandolin. I find some song I play might sound better on the tenor the the mandolin. Just adds a little variety in how I sound. The tip about playing chords was spot on. The tenor does not chord well.
Thanks
Baron, many thanks for the intro. I have a mint condition 1977 Ome short-scale Tenor, maple and gold engraved, just stunningly gorgeous, and I'm slowly trying to wrap my head around learning to play it. I play Scruggs style banjo so tenor banjo is a whole different world to get accustomed to. I have it set up to standard jazz tuning which seems quite difficult and isn't turning me on, so I've decided to restring it and set it up to Irish tuning which seems to be more user friendly. I'm also a beginner mando player too and, thanks to you, I've learned numerous great tunes which I'll be able to immediately play. Thanks also for clarifying the difference in sound as compared to a regular banjo... I was finding myself disappointed with the lack of sustain and bass, so I'll now work on getting the proper sound out of it that it's truly built for and made to produce and hopefully learn to appreciate and enjoy it. Thanks again, Tina Scott.
Our session is big enough that there is no issue with double stops on my TB. Your banjo looks to be a Vega, based on the tone ring. I am also the administrator of the Tenor Banjo group on Facebook. 3100 members and lots of discussion about both Irish tuning and jazz tuning.
Loved this week's video! Hope you do more Irish tenor banjo stuff. Yes, I do have a very old (1920-ish best guess) & of unknown origin, tenor banjo that actually has a resonater and a skin head. I've got a couple videos on my channel of me playing 4 of Baron's arrangements on it (3/17/2020). The one that came out the best (& with triplets) was Kesh Jig. There's one vid though, that's just a closeup of the banjo itself, posted in the hopes somebody might be able to tell me more about it... if anyone out there is knowledgeable about them, please do check it out, I'd love to hear any comments, Thanks!
I play mandolin and have a tenor banjo (I'm only learning) which I have been playing chords on. Having just watched your video, I realise that chords isn't the best way to play it.
Would love some play along lessons on your channel for the tenor banjo.
Thank you
I built a 21"scale electric octave mandolin. It's great for playing Irish jigs and reels that don't require a long reach between frets. I don't have a decent amp, but I have heard it played thru a better amp by a decent player. It is very nice, and sounds great.
I am waiting a Mcneela 19 Fret to use in sessions Im hoping to find! Loved this video.
The Irish tenor banjo is tuned in GDAE, the same way as a violin or a mandolin.
You find the coolest stuff.
Bought a Gold Tone IT19 last year and it is my preferred instrument for nearly all kinds of music. Man, I sure love the triplets on these banjos. Big influence for me is Enda Scahill of We Banjo 3. Looking forward to more ITB lessons on the channel Baron.
Liked your explanation of the irish banjo it looked like short scale I left handed short scale mostly song ballads/ folk is it possible to purchase new short scale model these days, or buy regular size banjo & put a clamp to shorten neck , thanks for ur video Kerry viewer
Those Vegas really sound great
Hey thanks for the introduction! Could you let us know what's the exact model you are using and tuning? I'm planning to switch from mandolin to banjo and keep the same fingering.
Does anybody know what those two small black rings between the bridge and the tailpiece do?
That's a lovely sounding banjo - a Vega? I tried the tenor banjo for a couple of years (I play the guitar and mandolin) but I just couldn't get those triplets to sound right, and I gave up. I sold the banjo. Thanks for your description of how you play the triplets, muting the first two notes. I'll try this on my mandolin. If successful, I'll let you know - and maybe get another banjo!
I have a 4 string tenor banjo and wondering if you have any knowledge you could share with me about it. Or can point me in the right direction to find info possibly bc I’ve had no luck with google so far. It looks rather old . Open back and the wood bar through the back of the head says Washington 215 . I appreciate anything you can possibly tell me! Thank you!
Top of the morning to you!
Can you tune a 5 string banjo to tenor tuning. My 5th string tuning peg keeps coming out.
You say it's the same tuning as mandolin octave down but what size of strings, are they plain or wound. I got one years ago but it's in the cupboard as the low string just gave a plonking sound and didn't ring clear. You play well by the way.
does the banjolin cut through in sessions as well as tenor banjos do?
Hi Baron great video what's the make of your banjo and how much did you pay for it I've got a Tenor guitar tune CGDA which is like a Tenor Banjo at the 5 fret I think I'll get a Tenor Banjo
It's a Vega Style M from the 1920s
How do I do the muted triplet👍
Awesome.
How do you play tenor banjo as a backing instrument at a session without playing chords?
Is it tuned GDAE like a mandolin?
Yes, but an octave lower.
Can I ask what brand you have there? I really like the look of it! 🙂
I just inherited a B&D no 1 tenor bango and im grinding try to learn lol
Are those Bread & Puppet posters in the background??
Good eye. I had wondered that as well.
Is there a way to “mute” it, so that it’s not quite so loud?
I imagine you already found an answer to your banjo-muting question of 1 year ago, but in case you didn’t: if you have an open-backed banjo, you can stick a folded-up towel in the back of it to dampen the sound. There are also brass-and-felt mutes that you can buy to slip over the strings at the bridge for either resonator or open-back styles of banjos to lessen (but not completely mute) the sound.
is the irish banjo the same as a standar tenor only a different tuning
Hey there, what tenor banjo do you play in this video?
Hi Baron, I recently took up tenor banjo for the same reason as you, volume! I joined a Morris dancing side over here in Cornwall UK and my mandolin couldn’t compete with the assembled melodeons / piano accordions and other squeeze boxes, the banjo can hold its own a little better.
I’d like to see some tenor banjo tunes explored on your channel.
BTW, What was the tune you opened the video with?
Cheers, Mike
I believe it was Out on the Ocean
Same boat as me. I started in a borders Morris side in Surrey, did our first dance out on Thursday and loved it (got loads of free beers).
We actually amp up so it’s not an issue but there will be some events that are acoustic only so I’m thinking of getting a tenor banjo for that reason. Just one more instrument 😅
How are you finding it?
The irish tenor banjo is tuned exactly like octave mando
Hi I have one. It’s a new tenor banjo with Irish strings. I only play it for my enjoyment. I use your songs and mandolin cafe. I love it because fingering is same as a mandolin. What was that tune you were playing in the beginning?
Out on the ocean
Do they age well? I see quite a few 1930’s(ish) British made ones come up over here. Guitars and mando’s supposedly change/improve with age but I’m wondering if the same would apply to tenor banjo’s
Oh, and another question, do you see open back and/or resonator and any opinions on them?
My wife has one that I occasionally try some songs on, it's a lot of fun. I find triplets much harder to do though compared to my mandolin, what thickness of pick do you use?
I use .60 to .88 for tenor banjo, depending on pick material
Hi Baron, I really love your channel - it has helped me so much in getting to know the mandolin. I picked one up a year or so ago after decades as a guitarist. This lesson is another huge boost. I have and old tenor banjo that needs some attention. You have given me the inspiration to get working on it. Do you recommend using metal or nylon strings? Best wishes from Ebeltoft in Denmark, David
I recommend steel strings for Irish tenor banjo style.
@@MandoLessons thanks Baron 👍
Just bought a Deering.
Es muy lindo me gusta como suena eso gracias por enseñar que recibas tu buen recompensa parte de Dios!!!
merciiii ☆☆☆
Have a tenor but do more old time on it because no Irish players in my circle.
Is there special music for the tenor or do you use mandolessons?
I would just use mandolessons, the tuning is the same, just more stretch for the left hand.
😀😀😀👍🏽👍🏽😇😇
How do I know I have a Tenor Banjo? I got one cheap and I think that's what it is. I have a 5 string, 6 string (guitar type) and a uku banjo but I am not sure if this is a tenor banjo. (stupid question I guess from a stupid guitarist, sorry)
Dah de dah.
I've got a plectrum banjo and I can fake being a tenor banjo.
It is a Tenor Banjo, but the Irish One is Tuned like a Contrabanjolin, a Banjo Equivalent to that of the Contramandolin
Standard Tuning for Contramandolin or Contrabanjolin
3 String: Dsus2 (Fifths) Dulcimeral
4 String: G6sus2 (Fifths)
5 String: C G D A E (Traditional)
6 String: F C G D A E (Normal)
7 String: Bb F C G D A E
8 String: Eb Bb F C G D A E
Standard Tuning for Irish Tenor Banjo
5 String: G D G A D (Traditional)
6 String: D G D G A D (Normal)
7 String: A D G D G A D (Guitar Style)
8 String: D A D G D G A D (Treble + Bass)
- Bobby McLoughlin I