Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Discuss the Banjo lesson: Arkansas Traveler

#11

Archie, he is fretting the “actual” 12th fret…in tab it would be designated as the 10th fret because the capo is up to frets…the TAB matches the video…the TEF does not…

#12

I’m saying Ben’s 5th string IS spiked at the 7th fret, giving it an A note, which is functionally different from tuning the 5th string to A without using a spike.

#13

https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/arkansas-traveler-banjo/video/a-parts

Check out this video at 0:38.

#14

Hi Dave, I realise that and that’s what I am doing. But the sound of my banjo fretted at the 12 fret (10th fret in this case because we are in A tuning) doesn’t sound right and I am thinking is this a typo, should I be fretting the 10th fret ( 8th fret in this case because we are in A tuning)

I agree on the video @BanjoBen is fretting the 12th fret with his thumb but what I am hearing on the video is a much lower note than I get on my banjo at that position. This is what I am seeking clarification on.

#15

You lost me here @Mark_Rocka

#16

are you sure your banjo isn’t actually playing at a higher fret than your fingering?

#17

Ok I turned my tuner on fretted the 5th string at the 12th fret it displays an E note. Fretted at 10th Fret it displays a D note.

#18

If the string is tuned open to A…
Then I’m thinking the increased tension is causing it to fret sharp up the neck (i.e.Mark’s comments)

#19

How does your 5th string sound tuned to A and fretted at the physical 12th fret. Maybe that comparison may answer my query.

#20

OK. Let’s start from scratch.

5th string tuned to G:
5th fret (not fretted) - G
6th fret - G#
7th fret - A
8th fret - A#
9th fret - B
10th fret - C
11th fret - C#
12th fret - D

5th string spiked at 7th fret:
5th fret (not fretted) - Nothing
6th fret - Nothing
7th fret - A (That’s where the spike is.)
8th fret - A#
9th fret - B
10th fret - C
11th fret - C#
12th fret - D

5th string tuned to A:
5th fret (not fretted) - A
6th fret - A#
7th fret - B
8th fret - C
9th fret - C#
10th fret - D
11th fret - D#
12th fret - E

1 Like
#21

Mark has it figured…

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#22

Right now I follow you. So because my fifth string is tuned to A rather than spiked at the 7th I should therefore fret the 5th string at the 10th fret to get my D note. And that’s the reason my 5th string fretted at the 12th sounds out…

I guess I need to go back and revisit @BanjoBen 's lesson on the use of capo’s,

Thanks @Mark_Rocka your my hero :sunglasses:

Adding a wee footnote here for @BanjoBen . Might be worth reminding student’s of this little anomaly next time you do a lesson that involves fretting the fifth string. Not all banjos have spikes

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#23

If you can, that’s the way to go. In the cases where I was retuning the 5th string, I couldn’t physically get my thumb in place in time to make the note. Your mileage may vary.

Glad I can return the favor every now and then. :slight_smile:

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#24

Oh, and I don’t know what the shipping would cost, but these little guys are GREAT if you’re missing a needed spike.

#25

Shipping, VAT and Handling Charges would cost more than the capo.

Since I only use my Fender for study and daily practice and I don’t come across too many tunes that involve hooking the thumb. I’ll just soldier on. Now that I know about this little anomaly in future I shall pull the Stelling out of it case and give it an airing.

2 Likes
#26

OK this lesson is officially the hardest banjo song on this site I have found so far. I have played it for almost a year and still cannot do it any faster than 120 without screwing it up. LOL. @BanjoBen.

Love the new backup lessons. Revisiting all your backup lessons. This song is a beast for backup too. Probably the hardest teardrop style backup song I have tried. Any tips on how to get through this song on backup banjo. I cant pull it out on Jam night until I can actually back someone up playing it.

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#27

Here you go, see if this helps!

4 Likes
#28

This is what I love about being a @BanjoBen Student. Tell me guy’s where else do you get this level of response from an online subscription tutorial website. In my experience your lucky if the teacher acknowledges your existence let alone answers your query.thank_you Ben.

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#29

Thanks Ben for the quick response. Sounds great, and not that hard. I like how you gave it some variety by playing quarter notes on the A part, and exclusively vamping on the B part. It that something you would typically do on any fiddle tune playing backup?

#30

No, it would vary by song and instrumentation