Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this banjo lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
just purchased my first tenor banjo at the grand old age of 60. its a koda 19 fret . your videos are a lifesaver. gives me hope that I can actually learn to play the Banjo. many thanks
Why is it that I’m finding this ladies instructions so much better to follow and enjoy better than the guys on TH-cam? She really has the ability to teach. 👍🏼
Just got one for Christmas and am very happy to have found your services. Im under no allusions ill be banging out songs anytime soon, but I'm 100% committed to mastering this instrument and i believe your videos are a perfect way to get going as you are very clear in your instructions. Much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Adam, I see your post from four years ago and I’m curious as to how your getting on with learning your banjo. I have recently bought one also and I’m wondering how long it takes to get to a maybe decent level of playing. Thank you.
Thank you so much it was wonderful. I Purchased a tenor banjo and I am enjoying it very much. I have learned a lot of jigs. they all are my favorite. Thank you so much. I hope to see more.
Hi Linda, Delighted to hear you've been learning Irish tunes :) There are more on the www.oaim.ie website as well as virtual sessions and play along tracks to practice along to.
Damn, I see you were still replying to comments 4 years after you put out the video! The local pawn shop has a very interesting tenor banjo (Emperador, some vintage Japanese/Korean production, not sure how good it's going to sound because the strings were corroded to hell, but the neck is straight and it looks really pretty), I think I'll get it since it's very cheap and I always wanted to try playing banjo. Going to use some of your videos as a starting point for technique!
Picked up the uncles banjo after a hard days work and sitting down to try and work this out all. Alot of info to take in! I near put it down after watching your intro with the banjo. Its like trying to read understand Chinese writing lol. Have tried it before but it always ends up gathering dust. Hoping this time i stick to it!
Just a heads up from a newer student. Start out playing the tune in question just for inspiration. Jump to the breakdown. Finally play the tune again. Inspiration to me is everything. The tune played well is inspiration on a grand scale.
Always loved the sound of the tenor ever since I heard Barney McKenna's fantastic playing in the Dubliners as a kid. Is it true that McKenna pretty much revolutionised the particular style that is so popular today in Celtic folk? I'm a folk enthusiast and I can't find many ballad groups that used it much before they came along in the mid-60s. Prior to that the tenor seemed to have a bigger presence in jazz. I could be wrong, though. Perhaps you would know more about this. I'd love to learn tenor banjo, maybe this will give me the motivation. I know as a guitarist I was inspired to play classical/nylon string rather than steel string, and that was another Dubs influence. That's all Ronnie ever played! ☺
Hi got myself a 19 fret banjo got new strings fitted last week its a Tanglewood four string, now this is where the fun starts I am 61 years of age and have never played a banjo but did tinker about with a guitar and a few basic cords. Do you think I could get to some sort of level in a year.
Hi Lisa, great lesson.I've started off learning with a Deering 5 string. I,ve removed the 5th string & down tuned. I'm going to buy a Clareen banjo. What would you recommend, a 17 or 19 fret banjo, & what are the advantages/disadvantages between them. Cheers, Paul Lucas. Cardiff, UK.
Hi Seila, There's not much in in but - the longer the string length, the more "forgiving" the banjo will be in terms of tuning, intonation and tone. Let us know if you have any other questions.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic It's not fancy, which I like. There are some really nice 20's trapdoor Gibsons that I know of, but I prefer an open back to keep it light. I did find a nice old Elton mute, which is really cool. I would go take classes at an Irish school, but it's a money thing, travel thing now.
Hi Konstantine, Glad you liked it thanks for letting me know. Did you see lesson 2 on TH-cam? Here's the link - th-cam.com/video/lkFqpWrLpjY/w-d-xo.html
Would I be able to do these lessons with a 17 fret, buying one this month, I’d prefer a 17 but they seem more expensive, bit of research says their better for beginners
I have a question about holding the plectrum. Sometime your thumb is flat on the plectrum, and sometime i see you put the tip of your thumb on the plectrum. Is it better the second way ?
Hi Redman, there are many cheap banjos out there. The quality is basically the same. I always recommend buying a better instrument as they are easier to play and you can progress faster.
Just starting out, using a 1927 Bacon Peerless tuned to GDEA... The videos are very helpful. Is there any printed materials or chord charts you'd recommend?
I know this is probably a really dumb question but I am left handed trying to learn right handed because I thought it might be easier. My question is, if I reversed the strings and changed hands would that work? So, watching your excellent video I would still be doing the same only left handed? Thanks.
Hey, my banjo is currently tuned for Bluegrass music, but it's really hard to find tutorials for tenor banjo with that tuning. What should mine be tuned to for Irish music and in what key? Thank you
Is this fingering very common? I've used my index on fret 2, ring finger on fret 4 and pinkie on fret 5 for about a year, and I've got used to this, but I'm not sure if it's right - I see you use your middle finger on fret 4 and ring finger on fret 5 (ie don't use pinkie really at all (apart from High B). I see that a lot, but it doesn't make logical sense to me so I haven't learnt this way. What do you guys at the OAIM think? What's you advice? Should I start from scratch? I notice Cathal Hayden does the same as me. Cheers!
Hi, That's a difficult question to answer because it' depends on how your instrument is set up. I did a google search and got a lot of different answers but this thread was the most helpful - www.banjohangout.org/archive/178166 Have you got a luthier close by?
Hello, I have a four stringed banjo which, unfortunately, is not an Irish banjo. Would I be able to string and tune it in the way you describe please? Excellent tuition by the way;-)
Hi, Glad you liked the vid. Is it a tenor banjo that you have? Can you tune it to GDAE like Lisa's and follow the tones of the notes that Lisa's playing? Is it the same?
Thanks for your reply. Very useful. I think my banjo is a tenor as it has a long neck and 22 frets. Originally 5 string but I understand you can dispense with the 5th string. I'm going to have a go at tuning it and hopefully, I'll be up and away:-)
You have a plectrum banjo which is normally tuned like a five string banjo without the fifth string. If you try to tune it to GDAE with the standard strings, they will break. You can capo up two frets and tune it to GDAE with he capo in place and it might work.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Been taking lessons with a 5-string banjo (3-finger picking style) for a year now. My current banjo is a Deering white lotus. Have always been drawn to the Irish sound and it's something I want to explore. Won't spend as much as I did on my Deering but want to learn on something where I'm not fighting the banjo to get the right sound.
hey there, i love these videos. i learned playing great highland pipes and whistles. last year in december i started playing the tenor banjo and still can't find a teacher. i'm from germany and it's really hard to find one. are you able to help me out with that?
my pipe major has his workshop (winter school and october workshop), but it's about scottish instruments like bagpipes etc. marching band stuff. are skype lessons possible?
Have been teaching myself the banjo, but not sure if I should be using the little finger. I feel it is a little bit slow at times. Am I better to try not using it or simply persevere? By the way great lessons, thanks.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Thanks, I think I will try and get an Irish banjo rather than keep tuning down my 5 string, any tips on getting one in the UK. Cheers
So, when you’re playing the scale of D, do you need to put your fingers on the strings when playing, for example, f sharp? It’s just when I try it, it seems the note is inhibited in a way.
I went to a music shop yesterday planning on buying a keyboard or piano for a second attempt at learning to play after giving up about 10 years ago. I had pretty much decided which instrument i wanted and still had some time left so i went upstairs to the guitars. I know nothing about guitars The salesman was very helpful and friendly and after some talking and strumming on different instruments i came across a 4 string banjolele. I was fascinated and for some reason that i cannot explain it just seemed to fit. Here`s the question, Would your lessons for the irish 4 string banjo work with this banjolele ? i really think that i´m gonna buy it.
Hi John, Delighted to hear you are going to take up the banjo. Yes all tenor banjos are the same, but you definitely need a tenor for learning Irish music on OAIM. Let me know if you have further questions.
Basically all tenors are the same, but you need to make sure thats its set up to play in CGDE tuning instead of CGDA which is usually used for jazz ala Hello Dolly, Baby Face etc
having a terrible time trying to tune my banjo, it maybe a little delicate as its really old. Guy I bought it from told me it dated from the 40's. I have an electric tuner suitable for guitar, bass, violin, viola, and chromatic setting. Have I invested in the wrong tuner. Whats' your advice? ThanX
I have a snark tuner now which caters for all instruments I can get it tuned close to perfect but my ear is bot as fine as a real musician. as I said its an old banjo but that shouldn't matter. I'm practicing my Kerry Polka at the moment and will definitely sign up for the course properly when I've saved the money. I have it tuned as close to GDAE as I can get it. I think Lisa Canny is a nice lady and a very good teacher. Just need to get my head around the second part of the tune
might help if I could find a copy of Kerry Polka, or Egan's Polka as it is sometimes called, unaccompanied on a cd or something so I can listen to it over and again really get it into my head.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yes 👍 ok 👌 will do that I learned alot from the first two videos just starting out myself on a 4 string remo weatherking banjo love it anymore videos
So I want to buy a gold tone irish tenor banjo but I have to wait 26 weeks to get one because the shop doesn't have them on stock, i live in a place they only sell bluegrass banjo's. Now I can buy a normal gold tone tenor banjo. I get it in 6 weeks... My question is: what is the difference between these 2 banjo's? The price is the same... So its basicly the same banjo, if i'm not mistaken only the tuning is different. As I'm an absolute beginner sorry if my question comes over dumb, but can I buy the "regular tenor" banjo and tune it in the "irish" way or is that not the same?
could you explain a few things: your banjo has 19 frets, but I've been reading that 17 is more common in irish music? Also, 17 fret Irish tuning is GDAE , is it the same on a 19 fret banjo (for irish music)? thanks
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Ive read that its easier to play with shorter frets and if you have a 19 fret instrument, you can tune it FCGD and put a capo on the second fret to give what is in effect, a 17 fret GDAE banjo. Is there any sense or truth to this?
Do you have any videos on how to tune the banjo correctly? Specifically for resetting the bridge. I didn't notice the one I got as a present bridge fell out and I don't want to set it in the wrong place. Thanks!
Hi Jose, Yes you will be at an advantage as the left hand fingering is the same. So any tunes or music that you already know how to play on the fiddle, should be a simple enough task to transpose onto tenor banjo. Does that make sense? We love hearing where the music is being played, without being too specific where are you playing the tunes? :)
I am from Spain. Here there is little material about irish songs, I play ear violin, and piano. I started with ukulele recently, and the banjo in this tuning catches my attention. Which banjo is better ... long or short neck?
Cool :) Is there an Irish session close by? A 17 fret (short neck) tenor banjo is what you need for playing Irish music. The tuning (GDAE) and shorter scale are the same as fiddle / violin.
I'm a lifelong bass player but have been wanting to delve into banjo for awhile. I ran across this and it struck a chord (sorry) with me, as my great-grandparents were from Mayo. They emigrated to the States in about 1852. Now, if I can only convince the wife to let me buy a danged banjo...!
Ha! Say to your wife that any instrument is an investment !! If you don't play it you'll sell it on. I'm guessing you can pick up a starter banjo really cheap as well. Have you any Irish sessions close by?
@@DrKeithScottMumby Just saw your post - you will need to change the gauge of the strings. The frets however will be much further apart on a 5 than a 4 tenor but you could use a capo at fret 3 or 5. Better to swap I would say.
Hi Philip, we recommend learning the tabs as you go along. Lisa shows you where each note is so you will build your knowledge as you progress. Once you've learned where the note is to be played once, don't let it slip out of your mind, then you will not need tabs. Irish music is great for memory. Does that help?
As i would like to experiece a few lessons can I pay the tuition fee on a once off basis which would suit or automatically renewed (which I dont want), please advise.
Ive been told by other musicians to keep my hand off of the bridge completely, is this a common piece of advice that could have to do with letting the banjo ring?
The tenor is essentially a five-string with the fifth string removed and the neck shortened from it's original 22 or more frets. In theory, you could take off the fifth string and use a guitar capo to shorten the neck to 17 frets. But the extra width of the neck where that 5th string was will make it awkward.
I have my father's banjo. It has 4-string, 22 fret, but only 21inch long, i'm confused what type of banjo is that, is it tenor or plectrum?? *sorry my english is bad
Even worse. But the rest of the lesson downloaded in Chrome where it had stopped working before. Wonder what's wrong. Maybe just a huge website that takes a long time. Understandable. Looks like an incredible web site though. Hope I can make it work better for me.
Hi Liam, Yes, you can remove the peg and tune the other 4 strings to GDAE - The neck is slightly wider than a tenor but it's all good. It should work fine. Let us know how you get along with that.
Nice lesson, I was taught a few tunes years ago on mandolin and I have picked up the banjo recently and realised i use my pinky instead of my ring finger is this a problem ? Will it slow me down, thanks .
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Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this banjo lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
Online Academy of Irish Music h
Was going to buy a second hand banjo what should I look for total beginner
111111¹
@@jimmcguirk754 i would think an older banjo . Less mass produced but im not an expert deering banjos are very good but expensive
Just started playing want to do irish music i check u every time jerry
I've had an old SS Stewart tenor banjo for 50 yrs and now I'm retired I can learn to play the thing! Thanks for the posts!
Hows it all going Bill?
i was searching for how to play the banjo i found this video and this was the only one i could understand! tysm!
Hi Jessica, lot's more lessons from Lisa here - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Finally, I believe I can learn the banjo. Thank you, you are the best banjo teacher ever!!!!
Delighted to hear it ! Lot's more lessons from Lisa on the site >> www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
just purchased my first tenor banjo at the grand old age of 60. its a koda 19 fret . your videos are a lifesaver. gives me hope that I can actually learn to play the Banjo. many thanks
You're welcome ! Let us know if you have any questions, we're always happy to help.
Why is it that I’m finding this ladies instructions so much better to follow and enjoy better than the guys on TH-cam? She really has the ability to teach. 👍🏼
Delighted you enjoyed this lesson, thanks for letting us know :)
Just got myself a tenor banjo and am starting to follow your lessons 👍
Let us know if you have any questions. More info here - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Just got one for Christmas and am very happy to have found your services.
Im under no allusions ill be banging out songs anytime soon, but I'm 100% committed to mastering this instrument and i believe your videos are a perfect way to get going as you are very clear in your instructions.
Much appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Adam, You're welcome and good luck with everything! Remember it's all about practicing :)
Cheers@@onlineacademyofirishmusic !
I can't wait till the next ballad session with my folks so i can break out my rendition of twinkle twinkle! :-)
Hi Adam, I see your post from four years ago and I’m curious as to how your getting on with learning your banjo. I have recently bought one also and I’m wondering how long it takes to get to a maybe decent level of playing. Thank you.
@@MG-cs1suhow are you gettin on? I just got a banjo
Got myself a banjo im determined to learn how to play it with your help fingers crossed
Thank you! This is great, great, great! I can try w my fiddle, mando and Irish tenor banjo!
Hi Jasmin, lot's more banjo lessons from Lisa on the site - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Great lesson. Beautiful instrument, absolutely beautiful teacher and beautiful music. Thank you for the lesson.
Thank you so much for doing this tutorial. It has really helped me with my banjo so thanks.
Hi, Thanks for the comment, delighted that helped. Keep practicing and check out Lisa's Banjo Basics course here - www.oaim.ie/course/54/banjo_basics
Thank you so much it was wonderful. I Purchased a tenor banjo and I am enjoying it very much. I have learned a lot of jigs. they all are my favorite. Thank you so much. I hope to see more.
Hi Linda, Delighted to hear you've been learning Irish tunes :) There are more on the www.oaim.ie website as well as virtual sessions and play along tracks to practice along to.
Definitely the best Irish accent
Damn, I see you were still replying to comments 4 years after you put out the video!
The local pawn shop has a very interesting tenor banjo (Emperador, some vintage Japanese/Korean production, not sure how good it's going to sound because the strings were corroded to hell, but the neck is straight and it looks really pretty), I think I'll get it since it's very cheap and I always wanted to try playing banjo. Going to use some of your videos as a starting point for technique!
Excellent, my advice is to get it set up by your local luthier.
Got myself a banjo, will follow and watch theses guides. I will update you with my progress
Thanks for the comment ! How are you getting along with this lesson? Have you started to learn the tune in lesson 2?
Picked up the uncles banjo after a hard days work and sitting down to try and work this out all. Alot of info to take in! I near put it down after watching your intro with the banjo. Its like trying to read understand Chinese writing lol. Have tried it before but it always ends up gathering dust. Hoping this time i stick to it!
Enjoy the journey and keep practicing daily, even for 10 mins each day.
Online Academy of Irish Music
cant sign in or log in
Hi Gabriel, Have you created an account? Try sending an email to admin@oaim.ie about the issue. Mathew
Online Academy of Irish Music tried that on good didnt get email
Hello from New Jersey USA!
Thank you for this great lesson !
You are the best teacher.. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Michael, glad you got a lot out of the lesson, have you taken lesson 2 in the course? th-cam.com/video/lkFqpWrLpjY/w-d-xo.html
Just a heads up from a newer student. Start out playing the tune in question just for inspiration. Jump to the breakdown. Finally play the tune again. Inspiration to me is everything. The tune played well is inspiration on a grand scale.
Always loved the sound of the tenor ever since I heard Barney McKenna's fantastic playing in the Dubliners as a kid. Is it true that McKenna pretty much revolutionised the particular style that is so popular today in Celtic folk? I'm a folk enthusiast and I can't find many ballad groups that used it much before they came along in the mid-60s. Prior to that the tenor seemed to have a bigger presence in jazz. I could be wrong, though. Perhaps you would know more about this.
I'd love to learn tenor banjo, maybe this will give me the motivation. I know as a guitarist I was inspired to play classical/nylon string rather than steel string, and that was another Dubs influence. That's all Ronnie ever played! ☺
Will you be posting a lesson two? I found this really helpful 😌
Hi Namh, Great! Delighted you liked it. You can find more banjo lessons from Lisa on the Online Academy of Irish Music's website www.oaim.ie
You're an excellent teacher. Easy on my ears and eyes. 😍
Thanks ❤️❤️ i need the banjo
Hi got myself a 19 fret banjo got new strings fitted last week its a Tanglewood four string, now this is where the fun starts I am 61 years of age and have never played a banjo but did tinker about with a guitar and a few basic cords. Do you think I could get to some sort of level in a year.
You will progress faster if you focus on enjoyment not 'level'.
I fully agree with above.
Any achievement is a level to be remembered.
A gorgeous Setanta !!
brilliant
Yes! I want to learn!
Hi Lisa, great lesson.I've started off learning with a Deering 5 string. I,ve removed the 5th string & down tuned. I'm going to buy a Clareen banjo. What would you recommend, a 17 or 19 fret banjo, & what are the advantages/disadvantages between them. Cheers, Paul Lucas. Cardiff, UK.
Hi Seila, There's not much in in but - the longer the string length, the more "forgiving" the banjo will be in terms of tuning, intonation and tone. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you Lisa. I've decided to go for the 19 fret. Cheers, Paul.
Looking forward to going through these tunes with you with my 1924 Gibson TB-Jr! Subscribed!
Hi Stannous, that sounds like a nice instrument you have there! Are there sessions in St Louis?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic It's not fancy, which I like. There are some really nice 20's trapdoor Gibsons that I know of, but I prefer an open back to keep it light. I did find a nice old Elton mute, which is really cool. I would go take classes at an Irish school, but it's a money thing, travel thing now.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic You'd be surprised how many nice tenors are available in the US that would be quite desirable in Ireland.
@@stannousvortalux5655 I have a 1920's dixie lugwig. Made in Chicago. Was my grandfather's. Beautiful tenor
Great video! Thank you
Hi Konstantine, Glad you liked it thanks for letting me know. Did you see lesson 2 on TH-cam? Here's the link - th-cam.com/video/lkFqpWrLpjY/w-d-xo.html
Would I be able to do these lessons with a 17 fret, buying one this month, I’d prefer a 17 but they seem more expensive, bit of research says their better for beginners
Hi Sean, 17 frets is fine for these lessons. What are you going for?
I have a question about holding the plectrum. Sometime your thumb is flat on the plectrum, and sometime i see you put the tip of your thumb on the plectrum. Is it better the second way ?
Can you recommend a good banjo for beginners which is not too expensive. These lessons have inspired me to buy one.
Hi Redman, there are many cheap banjos out there. The quality is basically the same. I always recommend buying a better instrument as they are easier to play and you can progress faster.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic what is a good brand of a tuner. Is there a special type of banjo tuner or are they the same for a guitar etc. Thanks
Just starting out, using a 1927 Bacon Peerless tuned to GDEA... The videos are very helpful. Is there any printed materials or chord charts you'd recommend?
Hi Paul, There are many materials available for this course on the site - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
I know this is probably a really dumb question but I am left handed trying to learn right handed because I thought it might be easier. My question is, if I reversed the strings and changed hands would that work? So, watching your excellent video I would still be doing the same only left handed? Thanks.
Hi Stephen, you would have to change the bridge and nut as far as I know. It shouldn't be an issue for your local luthier. Mathew
Hey, my banjo is currently tuned for Bluegrass music, but it's really hard to find tutorials for tenor banjo with that tuning. What should mine be tuned to for Irish music and in what key? Thank you
Hi Byron, GDAE is the usual tuning for Irish music on tenor banjo. Wat type of banjo do you have?
Is this fingering very common? I've used my index on fret 2, ring finger on fret 4 and pinkie on fret 5 for about a year, and I've got used to this, but I'm not sure if it's right - I see you use your middle finger on fret 4 and ring finger on fret 5 (ie don't use pinkie really at all (apart from High B). I see that a lot, but it doesn't make logical sense to me so I haven't learnt this way. What do you guys at the OAIM think? What's you advice? Should I start from scratch? I notice Cathal Hayden does the same as me. Cheers!
I'd recommend following Lisa's unless you know a better way.
Can't make up my mind weather I like the sound of the 5 string banjo or the tenor banjo ,,,,which is best for beginners
That depends if you want to play Irish tunes. There is not a lot of tuition for tune playing on the 5 string.
Can Irish music be played on a 5 string banjo, might sound a silly question but i am just learning to play one.
Hi Timothy, no silly questions here, we're all learning :) You need a Tenor banjo to take these lessons.
Yes, to back songs - 4 string tenor is used for tune playing. Legendary Luke Kelly RIP
I have a 19 fret tenor banjo. Can I follow this course if I put a set of Irish tuned strings on it?
Many thanks, Patrick
Absolutely Patrick ! Tune it to GDAE
What a gorgeous girl with the interplay between the black top and ribbon of mahogany, pleasant voice and curvaceous form. Musician is decent too!
Is there a lesson 2 etc?
Sure, you can find more info here - www.oaim.ie/course/54/banjo_basics
What gauge strings do I use on a 19 fret 1926 Vega to be able to tune to GDAE.
Hi, That's a difficult question to answer because it' depends on how your instrument is set up. I did a google search and got a lot of different answers but this thread was the most helpful - www.banjohangout.org/archive/178166 Have you got a luthier close by?
Hello, I have a four stringed banjo which, unfortunately, is not an Irish banjo. Would I be able to string and tune it in the way you describe please?
Excellent tuition by the way;-)
Hi, Glad you liked the vid. Is it a tenor banjo that you have? Can you tune it to GDAE like Lisa's and follow the tones of the notes that Lisa's playing? Is it the same?
Thanks for your reply. Very useful. I think my banjo is a tenor as it has a long neck and 22 frets. Originally 5 string but I understand you can dispense with the 5th string. I'm going to have a go at tuning it and hopefully, I'll be up and away:-)
You have a plectrum banjo which is normally tuned like a five string banjo without the fifth string. If you try to tune it to GDAE with the standard strings, they will break. You can capo up two frets and tune it to GDAE with he capo in place and it might work.
so thanx my dear
Most welcome
Need to get a tenor banjo - Any recommendations on a good tenor banjo?. Love the Irish sound.
How long have you been playing and what is your budget?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Been taking lessons with a 5-string banjo (3-finger picking style) for a year now. My current banjo is a Deering white lotus. Have always been drawn to the Irish sound and it's something I want to explore. Won't spend as much as I did on my Deering but want to learn on something where I'm not fighting the banjo to get the right sound.
@@WorldBluegrassDay Try any of these - Gold Tone, Vinetages, Deerings, Clareens
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Thank you!
hey there, i love these videos. i learned playing great highland pipes and whistles. last year in december i started playing the tenor banjo and still can't find a teacher. i'm from germany and it's really hard to find one. are you able to help me out with that?
Hi, I don't know any banjo teachers in Germany, sorry. Is there a regular Irish session close by to your house?
my pipe major has his workshop (winter school and october workshop), but it's about scottish instruments like bagpipes etc. marching band stuff. are skype lessons possible?
Hi Skype lessons are possible, but I'm not sure about Lisa's availability, I'd have to find out. Cost is €60 per hour - min 1 hour class. Peace
Have been teaching myself the banjo, but not sure if I should be using the little finger. I feel it is a little bit slow at times. Am I better to try not using it or simply persevere? By the way great lessons, thanks.
I have noticed that you don't tend to use the little finger in the early lessons.
Hi Phil, I'd suggest following the instructions very carefully. Video is great to learn on because you can rewind the tutor.
I bought tanner banjo with eno ft 3000 tuner but don't seem to get right note as it seems a bit flat compare to youreanny advice
I've just bought a used 19 fret tenor. What thickness strings should I buy for gdae tuning?
Thanks
Hi Payne, you can find that info in the FAQ's on the site here - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Does it help if you already know how to play violin, and can you tune the American 5 string banjo up to D and not play the extra string?
The strings on violin and banjo are the same GDAE
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Thanks, I think I will try and get an Irish banjo rather than keep tuning down my 5 string, any tips on getting one in the UK. Cheers
@@vanmikzvl6576 guitarguitar sell 4 string tenors
So, when you’re playing the scale of D, do you need to put your fingers on the strings when playing, for example, f sharp? It’s just when I try it, it seems the note is inhibited in a way.
I went to a music shop yesterday planning on buying a keyboard or piano for a second attempt at learning to play after giving up about 10 years ago.
I had pretty much decided which instrument i wanted and still had some time left so i went upstairs to the guitars.
I know nothing about guitars The salesman was very helpful and friendly and after some talking and strumming on different instruments i came across a 4 string banjolele. I was fascinated and for some reason that i cannot explain it just seemed to fit.
Here`s the question, Would your lessons for the irish 4 string banjo work with this banjolele ? i really think that i´m gonna buy it.
If you're still considering it, these lessons will help some in the early part, but a bit later they won't help
@@mechwarrior5727 thanks for answering. In the end i went for a ukelele cos it was cheaper.
Hello Lisa, where do I find lesson 2 for Irish banjo?
Hi Dennis, thanks for getting in touch .. here's the link www.oaim.ie/course/54/banjo_basics :)
I'm thinking of joining the course, are all tenor banjos' the same or do I need a particular kind? that sounds dumb but I'm a total beginner, thanks
Hi John, Delighted to hear you are going to take up the banjo. Yes all tenor banjos are the same, but you definitely need a tenor for learning Irish music on OAIM. Let me know if you have further questions.
Basically all tenors are the same, but you need to make sure thats its set up to play in CGDE tuning instead of CGDA which is usually used for jazz ala Hello Dolly, Baby Face etc
How do you know if the bridge is in the correct place
You would take it to your local luthier to get set up correctly. What type of banjo do you have?
having a terrible time trying to tune my banjo, it maybe a little delicate as its really old. Guy I bought it from told me it dated from the 40's. I have an electric tuner suitable for guitar, bass, violin, viola, and chromatic setting. Have I invested in the wrong tuner. Whats' your advice? ThanX
Hi John :) The tuner should be fine. What happens when you tune the strings?
I have a snark tuner now which caters for all instruments I can get it tuned close to perfect but my ear is bot as fine as a real musician. as I said its an old banjo but that shouldn't matter. I'm practicing my Kerry Polka at the moment and will definitely sign up for the course properly when I've saved the money. I have it tuned as close to GDAE as I can get it. I think Lisa Canny is a nice lady and a very good teacher. Just need to get my head around the second part of the tune
Nice work! Does the tune sound the same as when Lisa is playing it?
Not at all nont sure if its my bad tuning, the age of the banjo, or just my bad playing. But I've only been at it now for just over a week
might help if I could find a copy of Kerry Polka, or Egan's Polka as it is sometimes called, unaccompanied on a cd or something so I can listen to it over and again really get it into my head.
I am looking for tabs for spancil hill please
Can you change your banjo from right hand to left hand without replacing your banjo
Hi Peter, You would have to change the nut at least. Best to get a luthier to look at it, is there one close to your home?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yes 👍 ok 👌 will do that I learned alot from the first two videos just starting out myself on a 4 string remo weatherking banjo love it anymore videos
@@Peterharte73 Hi Peter, Lisa has a whole course of 'Banjo Basics' lessons on the www.oaim.ie website
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic ok thanks must sign up love the banjo just have to learn 👍
So I want to buy a gold tone irish tenor banjo but I have to wait 26 weeks to get one because the shop doesn't have them on stock, i live in a place they only sell bluegrass banjo's.
Now I can buy a normal gold tone tenor banjo. I get it in 6 weeks...
My question is: what is the difference between these 2 banjo's?
The price is the same... So its basicly the same banjo, if i'm not mistaken only the tuning is different.
As I'm an absolute beginner sorry if my question comes over dumb, but can I buy the "regular tenor" banjo and tune it in the "irish" way or is that not the same?
They have them on thomann - www.thomann.de/ie/gold_tone_irish_tenor_banjo_11.htm?glp=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4rTmztyj5wIVBLTtCh1mUAZAEAQYASABEgLgMvD_BwE
Thx for the reply. I got another one from another shop. Loving it sofar.
could you explain a few things:
your banjo has 19 frets, but I've been reading that 17 is more common in irish music?
Also, 17 fret Irish tuning is GDAE , is it the same on a 19 fret banjo (for irish music)?
thanks
Hi Payne 17 or 19 frets is fine. GDAE is the tuning for both.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Ive read that its easier to play with shorter frets and if you have a 19 fret instrument, you can tune it FCGD and put a capo on the second fret to give what is in effect, a 17 fret GDAE banjo. Is there any sense or truth to this?
I've heard that too but never tried it. Use the 19 frets, you'll get used to it.
What’s the best beginners tenor for the price?
You can find some great info about that on this page - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Can you still play these on a five string banjo? Thanks
Hi Oliver. There is a way of tuning the banjo to make it GDAE but I can't remember exactly how. It requires a capo and tuning down. Let me find out..
Do you have any videos on how to tune the banjo correctly? Specifically for resetting the bridge. I didn't notice the one I got as a present bridge fell out and I don't want to set it in the wrong place.
Thanks!
Hi Matt, that sounds like a job for your local luthier. Do you have one close by?
Hello! I play the violin, do you think I have an advantage to play this banjo?
Hi Jose, Yes you will be at an advantage as the left hand fingering is the same. So any tunes or music that you already know how to play on the fiddle, should be a simple enough task to transpose onto tenor banjo. Does that make sense? We love hearing where the music is being played, without being too specific where are you playing the tunes? :)
I am from Spain. Here there is little material about irish songs, I play ear violin, and piano. I started with ukulele recently, and the banjo in this tuning catches my attention.
Which banjo is better ... long or short neck?
Cool :) Is there an Irish session close by? A 17 fret (short neck) tenor banjo is what you need for playing Irish music. The tuning (GDAE) and shorter scale are the same as fiddle / violin.
Online Academy of Irish Music very very thanks!
For fast progress follow Lisa's banjo basics course on OAIM - www.oaim.ie/course/54/banjo_basics
I'm a lifelong bass player but have been wanting to delve into banjo for awhile. I ran across this and it struck a chord (sorry) with me, as my great-grandparents were from Mayo. They emigrated to the States in about 1852. Now, if I can only convince the wife to let me buy a danged banjo...!
Ha! Say to your wife that any instrument is an investment !! If you don't play it you'll sell it on. I'm guessing you can pick up a starter banjo really cheap as well. Have you any Irish sessions close by?
Online Academy of Irish Music I’ll have to look into that!
Good luck with it Bro !
I have a 5-string. Will it work OK just to retune the bottom 4?
Hi Keith, You might damage you banjo doing that. Is there a luthier close by you can ask to have a look?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Thanks Lisa. I should be able to find one here in Las Vegas. We've got pretty well everything entertainment!
@@DrKeithScottMumby Just saw your post - you will need to change the gauge of the strings. The frets however will be much further apart on a 5 than a 4 tenor but you could use a capo at fret 3 or 5. Better to swap I would say.
Thanks for a start I struggle getting a tuner for GDAE tuning what do you use ?
Hi Philip, just use a normal guitar tuner.
Online Academy of Irish Music thanks for getting back didn’t expect that thought it may have been a specific type of tuner .
Do you have any tab books for GDAE ?
Or can you recommend any ?
Hi Philip, we recommend learning the tabs as you go along. Lisa shows you where each note is so you will build your knowledge as you progress. Once you've learned where the note is to be played once, don't let it slip out of your mind, then you will not need tabs. Irish music is great for memory. Does that help?
ten dollar red Kala in "Chromatic"
As i would like to experiece a few lessons can I pay the tuition fee on a once off basis which would suit or automatically renewed (which I dont want), please advise.
Hi Ken, There is a 14 day free trial and you can easily cancel the subscription on the website itself at any stage. Give it a try www.oaim.ie/
Thanks a million for your reply however I would simply prefer to pay as I go rather than having the onus of signing up and cancelling later.
what type of plectrum is that just a normal nylon guitar plectrum
Is it possible to use a five-string banjo for this?/Can I tune it into a tenor?
Hi Aeryn, You need a tenor unless you have a luthier look at your 5 string. Have you got one close by?
will I be able to do this with a 5-string banjo?
Hi, It is possible with a capo but I'm no expert, so get some other advice.
THE VOLUME IS A BIT LOW, BUT GREAT STUFF.
Lot's more from Lisa on the site - www.oaim.ie/tenor-banjo/banjo-basics/
Ive been told by other musicians to keep my hand off of the bridge completely, is this a common piece of advice that could have to do with letting the banjo ring?
Hi Patrick, let me ask someone and get back to you.
It muffles the sound of the banjo ever so slightly so it is a bad habit
is it possible to play gdae tuning on a 5 string? Great playing by the way
Hi Chris, Unfortunately not. You need a 17 fret tenor banjo for these lessons. Where are you learning banjo?
The tenor is essentially a five-string with the fifth string removed and the neck shortened from it's original 22 or more frets. In theory, you could take off the fifth string and use a guitar capo to shorten the neck to 17 frets. But the extra width of the neck where that 5th string was will make it awkward.
I have my father's banjo. It has 4-string, 22 fret, but only 21inch long, i'm confused what type of banjo is that, is it tenor or plectrum??
*sorry my english is bad
That sounds like a tenor. Have you tuned up the banjo?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic no i haven't 😅 thankyou for replying btw.
Trying to enroll.. you won’t let me get a password
Where do I find a banjo like that?
It's a Clareen Oyster from Tom Cussed in Clarenbridge. Do you need help buying a banjo?
Larry Dean Mitchell it is actually a clareen pearl they are a little bit less then a clareen oyster.
I just want to know how to tune the fecking thing!
GDAE
Where can I buy a good irish tenor banjo? My budget would be around 300 pounds/euros...
Hi Diego, where do you live?
I am wondering the same thing and my budget is around the same. I live in Chicago. Any recommendations?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic México city! But already looked at deering, gold tone and some other brands! 😄
That's for the video. Out of interest, how did you get that warm, muted sound from your banjo?
Hi Andrew, that would be years of practice. Are you just starting out on banjo? Are there any sessions close to your home?
my banger head echoed your notes. It was making it sing.
Wot r the cords on a five string banjo
This is a tenor tutorial John.
Online Academy of Irish Music r thay g d g b d
0:59 strings
Goddess!!
! Me
Even worse. But the rest of the lesson downloaded in Chrome where it had stopped working before. Wonder what's wrong. Maybe just a huge website that takes a long time. Understandable. Looks like an incredible web site though. Hope I can make it work better for me.
U have d exact same banjo an me
Are you playing it Eddie?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yes I'm from cavan and I play trad
HUP!
Is a six string the same
Hi Liam, No a six string is different. You need a 4 string tenor. Any sessions close to your home?
No 5 string tho
Hi Liam, Yes, you can remove the peg and tune the other 4 strings to GDAE - The neck is slightly wider than a tenor but it's all good. It should work fine. Let us know how you get along with that.
Tks
You're welcome !
beautiful lady and teacher
Nope, still not working well. Will try with IE.
Join u now banjogdae
What a beautiful woman . Love the accent an red hair.
What a gorgeous, talented woman, jesus christ...
John O'Griobhta the
SIMP
👍💖☺
Ma quanto m'attizza questa
The short woman next to her looks just like her
i thought standard tuning was C G D A
Artisimo nope GDAE
CGDA is common for jazz/Dixieland style tenor banjo. GDAE is more common for Irish
Wow...you are one good looking lady. Redheads are wow.
Nice lesson, I was taught a few tunes years ago on mandolin and I have picked up the banjo recently and realised i use my pinky instead of my ring finger is this a problem ? Will it slow me down, thanks .
I have no clue what a fret is because you didnt explain it
Hi, a fret is the metal strip on the finger board that you press the string down onto to make the note.