Playing banjo for a few months and am struggling to choose between the mass of tunes available that would be the best to learn..... well basically minimise the pain for the others at the same time giving all something to enjoy.
a) suitable for a learner
b) good for banjo in a session (some tunes just dont feel banjo)
c) something that the long in the tooth guys will know and enjoy
and if you could group them in sets that would be great
Well I've done my research overdone it and as a newcomer I'm overwhelmed now with tunes but my research has also identified this site a a possible solution.
hornpipes-Listowel, Fishers (not together though)
don't learn Off to California, I don't know why anyone does....hate that tune....
The Staten Island hornpipe is good....
hey Eòsaph, if you've only been playing banjo for a few months you'd probably be better off learning some of the easier tunes played at your local session first. Having the patience to learn and play along with tunes from more experienced session players would be more productive than trying to launch into your 'own' sets of tunes so soon. Getting a good feel for the rhythm of each tune is critical for newbie banjoists too. Good luck with your playing!
"llig
I've read your stuff for a few months now and an image has been forming of you and I can make it out now; its a premenstral Julie Andrews- who doesnt really want to leave Germany."
I agree with Dogbox, Hup and Houlberg. Learn the tunes they play at the session because
a) you'll know how they should sound
b) you'll be playing with others
c) you won't have to start the tune
All very important when you are starting out. Well, they were to me, and it's not that long ago.
"... a premenstral (sic) Julie Andrews- who doesnt really want to leave Germany"
Sheet music, midi files, banjos, accordions,
Guitarists and shaky eggs, djembes and bodhrans,
Idiots in general or someone who sings,
These are a few of my unfavourite things.
Thanks for the tunes- and point taken on not starting sets yet. It just means sitting and listening and these guys seem to play different tunes every time.
Eòsaph- don't limit yourself - If you want to practice in sets practice in sets and there's no need to stick with easy tunes-challenge yourself- But why not ask the people at your session for the names of some of the tunes/sets they regularly play?
Lovely. Is there more yet? If not, please grant your blessing for this humble poet to complete the song. I think it is more than good enough a start to warrant finishing.
My bill for cleaning the coffee off my flatscreen to follow.
One suggestion Eósaph. Never be limited by your instrument. I understand that some tunes may not feel comfortable on the banjo but, if you really like these said tunes, find a way to play them because, most likely, it can be done. Polkas and slides are, arguably, the most difficult tune types to play on the banjo. But, listen to Mick Mulcahy's "Agus Cairde" album and you'll hear Mick O'Connor doing a might fine job of a polka set. Also, there's a great banjo player from around Sliabh Luachra (may or may not be related to Dónal Murphy) who I've often seen playing polkas and slides with various groups of musicians in sessions and on Geantraí.
The banjo has many notes available to it so will not be limited by keys of tunes and, although difficult with a plectrum, should not be limited by the rhythm either. Just spend time on that tune you want to play, and learn it properly. Learn all of the notes correctly (correctly in the sense of learning a particular version, and not having muddled phrasing). As for which tunes to learn, whichever ones are mostly played at the session first. That way you can join them. After that, learn tunes you like. And when you go around to other sessions, over time, you will find certain tunes you play will correspond with other peoples' repertoire. The best way to build up your repertoire is to play what you hear your fellow musicians playing.
starter banjo sugestions
starter banjo sugestions
Playing banjo for a few months and am struggling to choose between the mass of tunes available that would be the best to learn..... well basically minimise the pain for the others at the same time giving all something to enjoy.
a) suitable for a learner
b) good for banjo in a session (some tunes just dont feel banjo)
c) something that the long in the tooth guys will know and enjoy
and if you could group them in sets that would be great
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Eòsaph
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Well I've done my research overdone it and as a newcomer I'm overwhelmed now with tunes but my research has also identified this site a a possible solution.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Eòsaph
Re: starter banjo sugestions
jigs-Scarce O Tatties, Mist Covered Mountain,Scatter the Mud all sound great on banjo
reels-Mountain Road, Banshee, Temperence reel
all easy tunes, all sound good on banjo although any tune can sound good on a banjo
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by shanty
Re: starter banjo sugestions
easy polkas-Britches full of Stitches, Sullivans, Maggie in the Woodpile
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by shanty
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Also might want to learn The Gravel Walk
hornpipes-Listowel, Fishers (not together though)
don't learn Off to California, I don't know why anyone does....hate that tune....
The Staten Island hornpipe is good....
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by shanty
Re: starter banjo sugestions
hey Eòsaph, if you've only been playing banjo for a few months you'd probably be better off learning some of the easier tunes played at your local session first. Having the patience to learn and play along with tunes from more experienced session players would be more productive than trying to launch into your 'own' sets of tunes so soon. Getting a good feel for the rhythm of each tune is critical for newbie banjoists too. Good luck with your playing!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by dogbox
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Yes - play along with others for now - don't try to start any tunes.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Hup
Re: starter banjo sugestions
"llig
I've read your stuff for a few months now and an image has been forming of you and I can make it out now; its a premenstral Julie Andrews- who doesnt really want to leave Germany."
HA HA HA HA HA HA nice one
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by houlberg
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Go for a tune you like and cannot get out of your head....
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by houlberg
Re: starter banjo sugestions
I agree with Dogbox, Hup and Houlberg. Learn the tunes they play at the session because
a) you'll know how they should sound
b) you'll be playing with others
c) you won't have to start the tune
All very important when you are starting out. Well, they were to me, and it's not that long ago.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by minijackpot
Re: starter banjo sugestions
"... a premenstral (sic) Julie Andrews- who doesnt really want to leave Germany"
Sheet music, midi files, banjos, accordions,
Guitarists and shaky eggs, djembes and bodhrans,
Idiots in general or someone who sings,
These are a few of my unfavourite things.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by johndsamuels
Re: starter banjo sugestions
nice one, jds
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by domnull
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Thanks for the tunes- and point taken on not starting sets yet. It just means sitting and listening and these guys seem to play different tunes every time.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Eòsaph
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Eòsaph- don't limit yourself - If you want to practice in sets practice in sets and there's no need to stick with easy tunes-challenge yourself- But why not ask the people at your session for the names of some of the tunes/sets they regularly play?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by shanty
Re: starter banjo sugestions
johndsamuels:
Lovely. Is there more yet? If not, please grant your blessing for this humble poet to complete the song. I think it is more than good enough a start to warrant finishing.
My bill for cleaning the coffee off my flatscreen to follow.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Piece
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Eosaph:
Jig: The Kesh ,
Hornpipe: Off To California
Reel: Castle Kelly
(just because I like hearing it played on banjo).
Slip Jig: Drops Of Brandy
And remember: they might be considered "beginner tunes", but they have endured longer than most of us here - they are grand tunes, played well.
Best of luck, Banjo Man
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Piece
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Rook, please feel free to continue the song.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by johndsamuels
Re: starter banjo sugestions
Thanks, john -
wouldn't want the union pouncing.
I shall post my efforts soonest.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Piece
Re: starter banjo sugestions
One suggestion Eósaph. Never be limited by your instrument. I understand that some tunes may not feel comfortable on the banjo but, if you really like these said tunes, find a way to play them because, most likely, it can be done. Polkas and slides are, arguably, the most difficult tune types to play on the banjo. But, listen to Mick Mulcahy's "Agus Cairde" album and you'll hear Mick O'Connor doing a might fine job of a polka set. Also, there's a great banjo player from around Sliabh Luachra (may or may not be related to Dónal Murphy) who I've often seen playing polkas and slides with various groups of musicians in sessions and on Geantraí.
The banjo has many notes available to it so will not be limited by keys of tunes and, although difficult with a plectrum, should not be limited by the rhythm either. Just spend time on that tune you want to play, and learn it properly. Learn all of the notes correctly (correctly in the sense of learning a particular version, and not having muddled phrasing). As for which tunes to learn, whichever ones are mostly played at the session first. That way you can join them. After that, learn tunes you like. And when you go around to other sessions, over time, you will find certain tunes you play will correspond with other peoples' repertoire. The best way to build up your repertoire is to play what you hear your fellow musicians playing.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by 52Paddy
Re: starter banjo sugestions
52Paddy
is that London raggle taggle Mick O'Connor?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Eòsaph
Re: starter banjo sugestions
It most certainly is man!
# Posted on January 19th 2010 by 52Paddy