Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Hi all,

I know I've been posting often - that's been my personality - deeply into things for 3 to 6 months, then out and 'doggie paddling' along until the next thing of interest.

So I'm finally connecting all the equipment I've acquired over the years (and played with a little bit item by item) into a working studio where EVERYTHING is plugged in and can work at the same time - with help from you guys on the previous Power post. That's going well.

Onto the next bucket item - I've had banjo, mando, bass, sitting unused for quite some time. A few of you have just shared some great websites for learning mando and banjo.

Finally my question - if you're a guitar player that is very comfortable with the fretboard and music theory - and you've transitioned to any of the 3 instruments mentioned (mando, banjo, bass), please share your approach and insights gained in transferring your music skills over to the next instrument - in particular, things like:

1.) Aha moments
2.) tricks or practice routines that helped you transfer your knowledge quicker
3.) what you found most challenging or different about the new instrument with respect to the guitar

As always - thanks to all who generously share their expertise and experience.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276

Joe:

This summer, I "transitioned" from guitar to banjo.
Not your regular 5-stringer, but a vintage (although not expensive/valuable) tenor banjo, that I was given by an elderly friend of mine who didn't play it anymore.

After a bit of searching on the 'net, I tuned my "new" 4-stringer to "Chicago tuning" which is exactly the same as the 4 high strings on a guitar.
That made finger positions and chord names very easy to learn, although my fingers still tend to "look" for those 2 missing strings.

I did the same thing for a ukulele.
I bought a baritone so I could tune it the same as the banjo.
One set of chords, 3 instruments. <grin>

Good luck!
LLOYD S

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Lloyd - just curious - isn't the 'hallmark' sound of the banjo based on the more common open G tuning ? I would think the Chicago tuning would lead to voicings that make it sound "more like a guitar with banjo strings" ...

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
Joe:

That's what I thought too.
What I've found is that it sounds like a banjo regardless.
It's likely to be "dissonant" to "real" 5-string banjo players or even "real" tenor banjo players, but I'm only using it in casual settings and it sounds uniquely "banjo-ish" enough so that it adds some flavor to the sound of all the guitars in jam sessions.

LLOYD S

Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Personally, I think you ought to learn banjo chords - as a standard banjo is strung.

It is not hard. It's like chords on a guitar... just different. If a guy hands you his banjo and you start to retune it like a guitar... he's gonna clock ya.... banjo players are a nasty group.

It is best if you know how to finger pick - and wear picks....

http://banjochords.net/chords/chart/

It ain't hard. It's a banjo. Learn a song. Then... move on to the next song...



Mandolin...

A mandolin is strung/tune BACKWARDS from what a guitar is. (So is a fiddle).
So all you have to do is think about playing guitar chords backwards.
Start with the basics. G - C - D. Three chords and the Truth.
It ain't rocket science.

http://mandolinchords.net/chords/chart/



Off-Topic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276

Floyd:

Thanks anyway, but no thanks.
I had no intention of learning to play a banjo.
I only play it because the guy that gave it to me likes to hear it once in awhile.
So I play a few tunes, mostly strumming, and if I decide to pick out a tune or two, I just use a thumb pick, and bit of claw hammer-ish playing.

I also play bass, harmonica and I've done a bit of country drumming.
I really have no inclination to learn a new set of "standard" banjo chords.

I gather from your comments that you play guitar, banjo and mandolin.
My hat is off to you.
As for me, I'll leave banjo playing in the "hobby" category. <grin>

LLOYD S

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Personally, I think you ought to learn banjo chords - as a standard banjo is strung.

It is not hard. It's like chords on a guitar... just different. If a guy hands you his banjo and you start to retune it like a guitar... he's gonna clock ya.... banjo players are a nasty group.

It is best if you know how to finger pick - and wear picks....

http://banjochords.net/chords/chart/

It ain't hard. It's a banjo. Learn a song. Then... move on to the next song...



Mandolin...

A mandolin is strung/tune BACKWARDS from what a guitar is. (So is a fiddle).
So all you have to do is think about playing guitar chords backwards.
Start with the basics. G - C - D. Three chords and the Truth.
It ain't rocket science.

http://mandolinchords.net/chords/chart/





Ditto to what Floyd said. Learn the scales, chords and arpeggios in the tuning that's supposed to be used for that particular instrument. No shortcuts, just basics.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
Lloyd S, play it and tune it however you want! More power to you for doing it your way!!

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Never learned the fretboard well on guitar until I started playing bass. In demand much more than guitar playing, so this might be your route to performing?

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276

I played bass in some bands many years ago.
Took it up when there became a plethora of guitar (rhythm) players in the family.

Mostly play for my own enjoyment/entertainment now,
and a bit of "donated" music at the RV resort that we snowbird to in the winter.
That and the odd jam session at Legions and other RV resorts is just enough to
keep my hand in it, without it becoming onerous.
Ahhh, the retirement life !!!

LLOYD S

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Thanks for all the great comments and sharing....I never thought about reversing guitar chord fingerings because the mando is strung oppositely, so to speak - that's a little gem : )

Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034
Tricks?

There are no tricks..... just experience that comes from practice.

New players call them tricks because they all want to learn that one really cool lick.... or trick.... it's not a trick. It's just another hard earned lick.

Practice....practice....practice. Get to know the new instrument. I think guitar to bass would be the easiest since the lower 4 are the same on both.... unless you have one of those 5, 6, or 7 string basses. In that case.... Why? (Rhetorical... don't answer that)

Mando.... I bought one and tuned it up.... much smaller fretboard....and yeah... tuned differently.

My suggestion is to take the time to learn some chords first.... with chords, you can chop-chop through a ton of country and bluegrass songs.... pick up some passing notes.... then start working on some lead stuff. practice and take your time......

Banjo... I got nothing for you on this one other than.... practice. And if that doesn't work, you can always use it for a hammer.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
A very interesting post.Firstly I believe that playing any second instrument is good for you, regardless of the tuning. Personally I am essentially a guitar player but I play the uke, mandolin, a tiny bit of fiddle, and bass guitar all in their respective tunings. Initially I found it hard to get my head around the chord shapes and the style "venacular" for those instruments. But what I did find was the refreshing and astounding difference in the note intervals of the chords. One of the first songs I did on the uke was San Francisco and singing the melody against the different chord "texture" was a blast. It improved my singing, and my guitar playing the more songs I learned. I did play what I called Bulls**t banjo by tuning the banjo to the last four strings of the guitar. I playing in the pit orchestra for the opera "Oklahoma" and I didnt have the time to learn all the chords(Eb, Bb, etc) because the music isnt written for Banjo. But the essence of the sound was there and added the right flavour to the play. So back to you in doing what works.DennisD


There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Guitar to bass was about a 10 year effort for me, with only the past 3-4 years being able to play in a modern rock band with confidence. I play some funk/gospel, but with a pick - so it's not really legit, but holds the bottom end down enough to continue to be asked to play.

I own a 4 string, but have borrowed a 5 string Ibanez SR505 (got one for sale, I'm in the market), and it's really not a difficult transition to add in the lower B-string, because of the consistent tuning interval string-to-string. For some songs, that lower B-E availability just hits the spot.

When I learned, I used a book called 'Teach Yourself Bass Guitar' or something of that nature. What I recall very specifically was where the book suggested to begin learning the fretboard - and it was unexpected.

The book picked the d note on the A string, or the 5th fret on the A string as 'home base'.

I didn't question it, and after putting the time in, I realized the wisdom of picking this specific starting location:

1. It's somewhat centrally located on the fretboard. No long stretching to start off all the way down to fret 1. It's a very natural place to hang your fretting hand.

2. It allows one to learn the 'pattern' across the fretboard both at higher/lower frets and higher/lower strings.

3. It breaks one free from 'middle C' keyboard training thinking if you are a keyboard player.

4. It is a bit easier than starting in a flat key.

5. It makes you realize that as a bass player, it's time to give up the idea of open string key signatures as being preferred. I fear no key as a bass player; something I can't really say as a guitar player - I rely on capos when I play guitar; a Kyser for acoustic, and a G7th for my electric. I would say that I fear key signatures even less than when I play keys, and I've played piano since 1976, and rock/gospel keys since about 1990 or so.

I'm not fancy on bass, but I get the job done, and stay out of the way of the rest of the band. And it's fun.

Another tip is to make yourself flash cards. I made a deck of flash cards of every note on all 4 strings, at open through 12th fret, and I kept them in my work bag. For many months, a couple times a week, I quizzed myself through that deck. It's only 48 cards. I think now there are apps for your phone which will do the quizzing.

Then the big one - I played with a band that was infinitely more gifted than I was. They let me. You'll find that with bass, there's very few of them to go around. Don't be afraid. You are going to make mistakes. But for the most part, if you can even just hit the root note of the chord on the right beats, or the right side of slash chords at the right beat, you're in. With very rare exception, simple playing works just fine.

That might be offensive to some who consider themselves proper bass players, but if you ask any of them about their first gigs, what I just typed above tends to be true.

What I have to yet learn after 10 years:

1. I need to learn finger plucking. 90% of my playing is with a pick, but there are some styles which just never sound quite right played with any combo of pick, mute, you name it - and need that other tone.

2. I would like to learn thumb popping/slap technique, but it's not been a need so far, and trying to teach myself this has been unsuccessful.

3. A whole bunch of stuff I don't even know I should know!

But above all, take ye the story of the invention and purpose of the bass guitar written by none other than Tony Levin - he of worldwide bass and Chapman Stick playing:

https://papabear.com/product/bassbook.html

While it is a funny and tongue-in-cheek parody, it is generally true as to guidance and purpose of playing bass.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,276
DennisD:

I love your term "Bulls**t banjo"! It sounds so much more redneck than "Chicago tuning". Also, you completely nailed the point I was trying to make in my post, when you said "the essence of the sound was there and added the right flavour to the play". That's EXACTLY why I pick up that BS banjo now and then, especially when I'm jamming with a half dozen guitar players.

Thanks for your post!
LLOYD S

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Originally Posted By: Lloyd S
DennisD:

I love your term "Bulls**t banjo"! It sounds so much more redneck than "Chicago tuning". Also, you completely nailed the point I was trying to make in my post, when you said "the essence of the sound was there and added the right flavour to the play". That's EXACTLY why I pick up that BS banjo now and then, especially when I'm jamming with a half dozen guitar players.

Thanks for your post!
LLOYD S


If you play single notes or two notes at a time then a BS Banjo works, i.e. you want a banjo sound without learning a banjo. That is how I use my BS 6-string banjo. However if you start playing chords on a BS banjo then a lot of people will know it is not a real banjo. Chords on my 6-string banjo sounds more like a resonator guitar than a banjo.

One secret I use is to get a note chart for the banjo you want to emulate then only play the harmony notes that can be played on the real thing.

Of course learning to play the real instrument is the absolute best way to proceed, however I still keep learning my guitar, even after 56 years of playing it! I am also struggling to learn the bass, wind controller and keyboard controller. My brain is not big enough to start another instrument.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
I had a banjo, but had to use it as a paddle.

Hey, it was an emergency, OK??? grin

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,636
Posts807,798
Members40,179
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
maiyagg, RAYPA, Neveralull, alebasa, Shegzy Empire
40,179 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 94
rsdean 76
WaoBand 48
vicarn 39
DrDan 39
Today's Birthdays
Oom Karel, terryberko
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5