Getting a Better Banjo Sound Out of Your Banjitar

[@dannyrosado2554]

The purists will hate this, but it’s genius. It’s got it’s own distinct sound

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I don’t worry about the purists. I love the sound of 5-string banjo, especially when it’s played in the clawhammer style. I just can’t get on with it. After 50 years of playing with the bass notes on the top, I couldn’t get past that little drone half-string on top. I didn’t like the impracticality of the tuning. The banjitar allows me to play in any key easily. It can be played fingerstyle or plectrum style. It’s very versatile.

[@joelglaser5657]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing. About to buy my first banjitar and now I know how I'm going to string it. And JD's "Matthew" has been a favorite of mine since John released it years ago!

[@ronsheehan]

Mine is arriving tomorrow and I’m immediately going to try this alternative string idea. I’m excited about the close clustering of the chord voicing with this tuning.

[@jimmymundane1084]

Very cool. Gonna try it.

[@unconventional-rebel]

I picked up a 6 string banjo because it took me an age to learn guitar even halfway decent. I learned some banjo picking stuff to play on the bangitar to get more of a banjo sound then found I use some of the banjo technics when playing my guitar. It's a win win.

[@j.whomusic]

Beautiful job sir

[@NewHopeAudio]

This is incredible. Thanks for sharing! Sounds so good.

[@Thekarlskorner]

Thanks for the video. I just purchased the strings and try them on my Goldtone GT 750, as it never sounded right to me with the lower strings.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

They should sound great on a Gold Tone!

[@paulwilliams2346]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have an Epiphone Stage Bird 6 string and after watching your video, I ran straight out the door to my local music store and bought this string combo and WOW !! I can't believe the difference. Love it. Thanks again !!👍

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

And this is why some folks argue against going with a 6 string banjo. You have to find ways of "de-guitarifying" it for it to sound like a banjo.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I want a banjo-like sound, not for it to sound like a banjo. I had a really nice 5-string banjo. It was too freaking loud! It required re-tuning for different songs. Forget about playing in flat keys or songs with key modulations. I have four banjitars. Two I keep in standard tuning and they sound great. Two I keep in Nashville tuning. Banjitar is it’s own thing. It doesn’t subtract from the 5-string.

[@officialWWM]

Some folks also don’t know what they’re talking about. I want a “banjo like” sound for 2 songs. I don’t want to have to learn a whole new instrument just for that.

[@thomasd9237]

One of the coolest things about music is it allows you to be creative & develop your own thing. Sure you can play like Hendrix or SRV but that's not _really_ you. I vote mess around with it, develop you own style be creative & most importantly have fun with it ☺️

[@GWGuitarStudio]

These are the strings I’m using nowadays. They sound really good and they’re a one-step solution. (Amazon) amzn.to/3XbH17R #affilatelink

[@robirene6512]

Very cool! Just picked up a 6 string and going to try this. Thank you.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

gdwest999 Dixieland Guitarists in the Good ol days have used Nashville Tuning (4 or 5 Lowest strings are an Octave higher cause now the High B is an Octave4Plus 6 gauge String deigned to tune that note) on the Banjitar to emulate a Plectrum (or Tenor) Banjo sound as a Substitute for those 2 instruments. These exist because back in the good ol days of Big Band music before we had amps, Guitarists used the Banjitar to compete with the horns.

[@xanther97]

sweet sound! Makes me want to have 2 6-sring banjos--for both kinds of stringing.

[@RDVaughans]

Great idea! I like the sound.

[@paulweaver9679]

Yay! Brilliant idea and I love it. Really complements the guitar. Thanks so much for sharing this

[@GWGuitarStudio]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@FalloutUrMum]

What made me want to get a Banjitar was another instrument I got, the Bass VI, which is another hybrid instrument that has versatility and so much space to experiment with it. My thoughts on the Banjitar, as a newb, is to tune the top five strings like a banjo, (replace the A string with a D, and make the highest string the high G, not where it is on a Banjo, above the low D, but instead where a high E sits, then make the Low E just a lower string that fits the same interval as the other strings) I also want it to double as a dobro, see how that sounds.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

It amazes me, the amount of creativity and innovation people come up with for the instrument. If you haven’t checked out my web site, have a look at banjitars.com.

[@thomasd9237]

It sounds very cool. I like it 👍👍 Did you have to re-adjust the truss to compensate for the difference in the string tension of that setup ??

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Yes, maybe a quarter-turn or so.

[@thomasd9237]

I'm just putting the finishing touches on a 4string cigar box style I built. I tune it e-b-b-e but I string it upside down (thin string where thick should be) I also did the two center strings close together like a 12string would be. It has a oddly cool unique sound & goes great with my Tele ☺️

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The High G String from a 12 String Guitar set (only a whole step below the High A String on a Tenor Banjo/Tenor Guitar) can be an 8 (from a D'addario Light/Extra Light 12 String Set) if you wish because it's highly reccomended.

[@derek09withrow]

Great little trick! Thank you!

[@bsharporbflat8378]

Great…you can also tune it to open G with the same setup

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Already done! kzbin.infom1KKm4w34RM?feature=share

[@byron3710]

Excellent idea ! I really like thr way it sounds much better than the usual banjitar tuning.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@darkstarnh]

I am so going to do this!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

gdwest999 David Matthews uses a lower pitched version of Nashville Tuning called "Raised B Tuning" which is Baritone Nashville tuning with a High F# & also a High B at .006. You can tune your Banjitar to High B tuning with these Aquila 154C High B Tuning Strings:www.musikhaus-zoelch.de/zupfinstrumente/saiten/klassikgitarre/aquila-corde-armoniche/aquila-154c-special-tuning-classical-guitar-string-set-high-b-tuning-normal-tension for that Dave Matthews vibe.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

1:52 Correction: the High G string from some 12 String Guitar String Sets (Such as the D'addario Light/Extra Light 12 String Sets) isn't a 10 or a 9, it's actually an 8 because it's meant to minimize the tension & make it more playable, & on this long of a scale length the tension will be fairly low so it'll work on. If you do use a High G String at .008 (D'addario Extra Light 12 String Guitar Strings have a .008 to solve the breakage problem) resulting in a Tenor Banjo sound since it's a whole step below the High A of a Tenor Banjo, (the Octave4Plus .006 B4 String is super strong, works on any Banjitar, & is a whole step above the High A of a Tenor Banjo). If you listen to a Nashville Tuned 6 String Banjo, it sounds pretty much like a Tenor Banjo since the High G is a whole step below the High A of a Tenor Banjo:kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInKcqaql6-Yi6c

[@janekl8874]

dude slow down with those comments

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

This is great because you might I have a gig with a Bluegrass band soon that's without a Banjo player. The High G can be a .007 if you wanna be different. Interestingly enough they make the High G a .008 or thinner to minimize its breakage.

[@ibemikeking]

The visual of the strings is incorrect at the end. The B is a 13 and G is a 17. Just clearing that up for anyone confused like me, lol

[@ronnielavigne]

Thank you! I specifically came back to these comments to see if this was clarified! 👍🤠

[@ianpritchard6375]

Yay!!! Thanks ! Was scratching my head on that one! .. Also I think the string that is normally the lowest E is tuned 2 octaves higher .. not one as mentioned in the video. Does that sound right?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I find that the regular Gauge E, A, & D Strings are ok for Blues stuff. You can use Wound 17 Gauge Strings for more clarity, & also Wound 13 Gauge Strings made by Octave4Plus for a newer feel.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UC3rsFsF4daig0929Oq0z7Iw If you prefer using a High G on a Nashville Tuned Banjitar, go with an 8 cause the tension is fairly low to prevent breakage. Actually a High G String on a Nashville Tuned Banjitar gives you a sound that's more Tenor Banjo like cause it's only a whole step below the High A of a Tenor Banjo (the Octave4Plus .006 High B String is a whole step above the High A of a Tenor Banjo so it'll sound a bit like a Vihuela when you strum).

[@alastair6356]

One thing I done with my one was to get a Grover compensated bridge. I also tune it in DADGAD and I am experimenting in open G tuning which some players sware by. Double D sounds quite good. Harvey Reid seems to get a great sound out of his 6 string . I wish I knew his secret.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Banjitars usually have a slightly larger body than 5 String Banjos to help the lower pitches resonate better.

[@MrGrahawk]

No they don't. They usually both have an II inch rims. And both are available with 12 inch rims.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@MrGrahawk The 12 inch Rim is a little bit bigger than the 11 inch so the lower notes on the 6 String Banjo might resonate better on a 12 in rim.

[@darz3829]

A 6-string banjo tends to sound tubby and ring-y. A 4-string actual banjo is better to play with a full band. It can be adjusted to sound brilliant and peppy (or tubby if you like). or, it can also be set up for tubby.

[@MLampner]

This was great. I was gifted a Banjitar by a friend who'd bought it 15 years ago played it a bit then put it away. Like me he has decided to declutter his life - in this case by cluttering mine. None the less I did try this out and found I like the sound so as its not a guitar I can keep it. (I set my self a rule no more than four guitars, or four autoharps at one time. I think I will limit myself to one 6 string banjo.) Just getting started with it I can finger pick ok on it though my right hand could use some work your or for that matter anyone else watchings thoughts on how to get the right hand working better would be grreatly appreciated.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

gdwest999 Just to note the High G from a 12 String set isn't as thin as you think, it's only an 8. So if you want a High G, swap out the 17 with an 8. Also the High B is only a 6, so as a result the gauges are now 26, 16, 11, 8, 6, 9.

[@thomasbalas5774]

Excellent

[@LowcountryPiper]

This is awesome! I can’t wait to try this out on my deering goodtime six! Quick question are you doing a special roll or picking pattern during your demo song. It sounds so good!!!

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I’m just doing a basic thumb-middle-thumb-index pattern on most of it. Thanks for the comment.

[@LowcountryPiper]

@@GWGuitarStudio thanks for the quick response. I wanted to ask additionally that you have pinned a set of nickel wound electric strings Nashville style. Is this the current set you are using or did you buy two to mix in the pattern you demonstrated in the video. Cause I really want to get an awesome sound like yours!! Thanks!

[@brittain522]

Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UC3rsFsF4daig0929Oq0z7Iw If you want to get that Open High G, replace the G String with a 12 String Guitar High G & now you're in "Hey You Tuning" which could allow you to do a Banjitar rendition of Hey you by Pink Floyd. I find that Regular Gauge Strings for E A & D sound ok for songs by Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, & even Cajun Music. Interestingly the Banjitar advantage is that it's Chromatic. Unlike the 5 String Banjo you can play in every key without re-tuning & you can also use a Guitar capo too. You can also drop the tuning down a half step if you can't sing high enough.

[@MrGrahawk]

This works well although you're getting your string orders mixed up a bit both in the description and what you say. It's in order of EADGBE 10,17,13,17,13,10 I think, not what it says in the description. This is how you describe it in the video but then say it in reverse order starting from the high E. Or at least I think that's the case. I'm partly using this but I've kept the wound d string (a 24).

[@calle-music]

Wish GW would reply to this. Trying this out now and don't know which way to go.

[@MrGrahawk]

@@calle-music The EADGBE 10,17,13,17,13,10 works fine so go with that.

[@calle-music]

@@MrGrahawk I already strung it 10 13 17... but I will definitely try it the other way soon as well.

[@jerrystevens1865]

Well? Help What did you two come up with on the reversed gauges mix up on the G and B 17/13, positions? I'm about to restring my new six string to the real banjo sound and wanna get it right from the gitgo.

[@MrGrahawk]

@@jerrystevens1865 The advantage of my 10,17,13,17,13,10 is that the 17 is a G string so tunes easily to A and the 13 is a B string that can cope with be tuned to D. A 13 can easily cope with being an A as well but tuning a 17 to D seems like a stretch too far. then again using a standard D string as I do is fine.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

If you take Nashville Tuning & replace the B String with a .006 High B then you'll sound cross between a Banjo & a Mexican instrument called a Vihuela. That's great because in a couple years I have a gig with a Spanish group that's without a Vihuela player.

[@thorblehouse3236]

Good thinking Batman

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

1:52 Thing to note on the 12 String Guitar High G String & if you put it on the Banjitar who's scale length is longer than a Guitar (or some Banjitars) it'll snap if it's a 10 or a 9. Even though it's true I've heard people use an 8 for the High G String cause 1) it holds up better on this long of a Scale, & 2) people find it has a Neutral Tone similar to a Tenor Banjo since the High G is only a step below the Tenor Banjo's High A. If you wanted to go with a High G, stick with an 8 cause it's so strong.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

CircuitsAndStrings 2 Mr Stern Yes, that’s why I went with the standard octave on the G string instead of the high octave of the 12-string. It sounded better, too-more banjo-esque.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@GWGuitarStudio For me the High G at 8 actually worked cause 1) it's under low enough tension to preent brekage, & 2) it sounds kinda like a Tenor Banjo since it's only a whole step below the High A String on a Tenor Banjo with a neutral tone.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@GWGuitarStudio Oscar Stern here, Correction: D'addario's Light/Extra Light 12 String Guitar String Sets use a .008 for the High G which minimizes the tension & breakage since the tension is fairly low, & it'll work on this Banjitar to give you a Tenor Banjo sound (The High G string is a whole step below the High A of the Tenor Banjo, & the Octave4Plus .006 High B4 is a step above the A4 of a Tenor Banjo).

[@mikepower4113]

Great video. Very informative. Question. I am going to try the gauges you mentioned. 10,17,13, 17, 13, 10. You said you might tweak the gauges even more. Have you done that? If yes, to what gauges? Tx

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Yes. I did a follow-up video here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGerqYaDpJulrposi=khtQz4uAldNJu8RX

[@mikepower4113]

Awesome. Was gonna try your tuning first. I knew about Nashville tuning but didn't want the wound strings. Thanks

[@JTSunriseMusic]

I’m new to 6-stings banjo, just got one an looking for tips, good tips!Open back and bare fingers sound best to me on the 6 with med strings

[@garylewis9748]

What make is your banjitar? I'm looking into getting one of these for a fresh different sound. Been playing the acoustic guitar for 5 yrs completely self taught. These things look like fun and I love my fingerpicking.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I have three different banjitars. One is a cheap non-name brand from China. The other is made by SX. I also have a Dean 12-string banjo.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

This is great! I’m gonna try this! I’ve thought about open G type tunings also. I’ve not tried it yet. Any experience with that?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Check this short one out. It’s in Open G tuning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2KufKBqrJhniK8

[@Ptpop]

Great vid. I just got a banjo guitar. I'm a little confused. Where are you finding the A and the G string in small gauges like 13, 17. Or are they E strings in that gauge tuned to A and G?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Your music store will probably have single strings you can buy in those gauges. Since I made this video, I started buying D’Addario Nashville tuning sets of strings. They work great and I like the feel better.

[@GMSade]

Nice!

[@officialWWM]

Have you tried leaving off the low E string and tuning to open G, Keith Richard’s style?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I tried that on an electric guitar once, to sound like Keith, but never on banjitar.

[@officialWWM]

@@GWGuitarStudio I’m gonna try it :)

[@vietaIek]

(Hello. I'm writing through Google Translator, the translation may be crooked . For this reason I am writing a comment, because I think I might have missed something due to the automatic translation of subtitles ) Besides a different string gauge, is there anything else that needs to be done to get a better banjo sound? . And another off-topic question: is it possible to learn to play a six-string banjo if I don’t know how to play the guitar?(I mean learn to play it from scratch, or is it better to first learn the guitar and only then the guitarjo?)

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Hi. You might benefit from watching this video to get the optimal sound out of your banjitar. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6WqfIacm9hqm5Isi=HxOP7z9U1LxWlwFU Yes, you can learn to play one without having a guitar first. Just get any guitar instruction book and start there, applying it to the knstrument.

[@vietaIek]

@@GWGuitarStudio Thank you for your reply I don’t have a banjitar yet and am looking through the guides in advance (I will receive it as a New Year’s gift). thank you for making the guides, they really help to understand at least something in advance👍

[@vietaIek]

Hello again... I finally got my hands on the banjitar a month later from the comment under this video. As I understand it (I've never picked up a guitar or a banjo) As I understand it, you need to take "duplicate" thin strings from a 12-string set and put them on a banjitar? Or not? (There are sanctions in Russia , normal strings are expensive , which makes it more difficult to experiment ) Thank you for responding to the comments

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Since I made this video, I switched over to using a Nashville tuning set. It is an easy way to get the string gauges that work, with balanced tension. See if you can order D’Addario EXL150H sets. Here is an Amazon link to them. www.amazon.com/DAddario-Electric-Strings-High-Strung-Nashville/dp/B0006LOBA8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1ZUP6C4KWL98E&keywords=daddario%2Bnashville%2Btuning%2Bguitar%2Bstrings&qid=1705435331&sprefix=daddario%2Bnashville%2Btuning%2Bguitar%2Bstrings%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-4&th=1

[@vietaIek]

@@GWGuitarStudio thanks... I tried to remove the resonator, and surprisingly without it it sounds more like a banjo . thank you for what you said .I'll stick with 10 gauge for now - Thurs.

[@frankdittmer8540]

After watching the video and reading all the comments, I am still not sure of the string guage order. Could someone help me out? I just got a banjitar and I really like this sound. Also, does a compensated bridge give a better sound? Thanks.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

You’re not the first to ask. I made this one to clarify- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGerqYaDpJulrpo

[@yourcelebrant]

What was company name for the Banjo please. I'm in Oz so I wouldnt mind getting one of these.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

The company is named Caraya. They are probably made in Asia somewhere, but the company is Australian. They sell them on eBay. I’m very pleased with the open back model.

[@simplesimon112]

Hi, thanks for this idea, does it sounds louder when strumming in barre's ?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I think it does project more. The narrower sonic bandwidth cuts through.

[@haywardchappell4870]

I'm trying to get these strings, but I don't understand the link you added to amazon above. The gauges on that set are no where near the 10,13,17,13,17,10 you show as example. The low is a 26?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Your answer is here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGerqYaDpJulrposi=TEIoEuPpBZ3EkSz4

[@timothyfowler650]

What numbers are you using with the Amazon strings above? 10, 12, 18 or 10, 14, 18 ? Thanks

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I made this video sometime later to answer questions. Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGerqYaDpJulrposi=KZAqMw2u6fq2liza

[@timothyfowler650]

@@GWGuitarStudio Thank You so much. Going buy a 6 for my Christmas present. Can't wait to give it a try, Appreciate your reply and information sharing

[@clawhammer704]

Use electric guitar strings for a better sound too. This would work great with clawhammer too.

[@MysticFogGarden]

sounds like a bunch of tin cans tied together and hung out on a windy day.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Must be a music lover…

[@xanther97]

and your objection is..?

[@EddieSlowhands]

Hi there Greg - Eddie in the UK here. Thanks for this video on getting a better sound from a 6 string banjo. Very helpful but I am confused ! In the video you say low E is a 10 - low A is a 17 - low D is a 13 - G is a 17 - B is a 13 - High E is a 10. Towards the end of the video you give out the numbers again but they are different ! Low E is a 10 ( the same ) Low A is a 13 ( different ) - Low D is a 17 ( different ) - G is a 13 ( different ) B is a 17 ( different ) - E is a 10 ( the same ). Can you please give me the correct string gauges Greg before I buy the wrong ones ! If you have since tweaked the string gauges can you please list them ? Kind Regards . . . Eddie - Confused Newbie on Banjo !

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Check the new video I just uploaded. Let me know if that helped.

[@kyradee337]

I dont really understand the 10 etc how do i tune it like that

[@GWGuitarStudio]

That’s the diameter on the string, or the gauge. It will be on the package. You can buy single strings, instead of a packaged set, and make a custom set. The easiest option is to buy the Nashville tuning set and put those on. That’s the solution I settled on. It has the most consistent sound and feel. Here’s the link to them. amzn.to/3qUXhP5 With this set, you tune the E, A, D, and G strings an octave higher.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

7:46 Which song is that?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

CircuitsAndStrings 2 Mr Stern That is “Matthew” by John Denver. They gave me a copyright strike over it, but I don’t monetize anyway. It ought to be considered fair use, but the greedy record companies are evil.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@GWGuitarStudio What they do really cleverly is make the rim a tad bit deeper than on a 5 String Banjo so that the lower notes resonate better.

[@robertbowles780]

Why the 17 on the B string, I would think the G String would be the 17 and the B a 13 and the E of course the 10

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Because it’s up an octave.

[@TEScharf]

Nashville tuning and high strung tuning are NOT the same thing. Nashville tuning replaces the G string with an octave string while high strung uses the standard guitar G string gauge. I've had some luck with high stringing a 6-string banjo on an instrument I no longer own. Not working quite as well on my new one so I'm experimenting with this. So far not happy with it.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Scale length seems to make a difference. Most guitar scale length ranges from 24.75” to 25.5”. Many banjitars use banjo scale length of 26.5. It makes for more string tension. When using Nashville tuning, I tune down a whole step. It reduces the string tension and keeps that octave G from being too tight. I just capo on the 2nd fret to play in standard. It’s nice for it to match my 12-strings, which I also tune down.

[@FingerPicked]

Are those Banjo or Guitar strings?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3y1i2yJi9h-jrcsi=bXmhqiQBgARxSEDm

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UC3rsFsF4daig0929Oq0z7Iw To make it sound like a long neck Banjo, just drop the tuning down a minor third.

[@Sharki91]

Good lawd can you make this any more confusing?

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Yes, I can! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGerqYaDpJulrposi=DV4wftwxhl8BFFx7

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Banjitar can play Guitar pieces

[@johnharrington2400]

Guitar banjo's aren't supposed to sound like a 5 string banjo. No offense but you just proved that in this video. Guitar banjos are wonderful as ragtime, early country and blues instruments. Trying to play it as a five string just begs the question...why not play a five string?

[@sherbuel]

because here you can play with all chords/scales/licks you learned on regular guitar tuning