Steve Caddick shows how to improvise C7th chords on tenor banjo

Here is a free lesson on how to start improvising on a C7 chord.
I call these patterns, Triangles, Step ladders and offset triangles because that is how they look when you play them. This is a moveable pattern. Go up 2 frets and you will be on a D7 chord, Move down 2 frets and it will be a Bb7 chord. Move down one more fret and it is on an A7 chord. Because the triangle and step ladder and the offset triangle and step ladder are close to each other, you can quickly play from the 1st finger to the little finger and back again to make some interesting rhythm sounds.
Have fun and if you have any questions, send an email to me at: banjopa1@yahoo.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Steve Caddick
• tenor banjo
• lesson
• improvisation on a 7th chord
• banjo
• 4 string banjo lesson
• C7 chord
• How to play tenor banjo

[tenorbanjo4]

You're always a great banjoist, but what's that hell of Vega which has a so clear, sparkling tone and harmonics? How do you get this sound? Bridge, head, tailpiece, strings, pick are involved, or a prodigious overall setup ?

[banjopa]

@tenorbanjo4 It is a 1924 Vega Professional tenor that was my Dad's. I restored it in 2004 with new engravings, inlays added and also replaced the side of the resonator with a wide Ivoriod binding that I also engraved. The sound is from a combination of putting on a good tailpiece, This one is an original Vega Ottinger . A Renassance banjo head, tightened to 5 to 6 inch pounds, new frets, a little wider than standard.

[banjopa]

An original Vega 2 foot maple and ebony bridge. A new bone nut. New Waverly V2 tuners also. A careful setup with strings that are gauged, from low to high: .030, .024, .013 and .010. I use a .73 dunlop pick. And a lot of playing time on it to loosen it up and get that good clean sound!

[tenorbanjo4]

@banjopa

Thank you for your kind specifications. Have a nice Xmas night!