How to Read Three-Finger Style Banjo Tablature
By the Banjo Newsletter

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Playing in Different Keys: Using a Capo but Thinking in the Key of G

The chords symbols in BNL are written above the tablature as if no capo were in use. This way, G licks are always labeled "G"; C licks labeled "C", etc. While this leaves the player to transpose the chords when playing in the capoed key, experience has shown that this approach is actually simpler and more efficient than trying to label the chords in the capoed position.

The following two examples of banjo tablature both have the G chord symbol written above the numbers on the strings. Example 23 has the sound of a real G chord because the banjo is played without using a capo. Example 24 is played using a capo at the 2nd fret, so the sound is that of an A chord when you play the open strings.

Tab Ex. 23:

Key of G, no capo, G Tuning: gDGBD

Tab Example 23


Click the MP3 player to hear Tab Example 23 shown above.

Tab Ex. 24:

Key of A, capo 2nd fret, G Tuning: gDGBD

Tab Example 24


Click the MP3 player to hear Tab Example 24 shown above.

In the second example (Key of A) you really are playing an A chord when you play the open strings because the new zero fret is where the capo is located. By placing the capo at the 2nd fret, you have effectively created a new zero fret – you’ve cut yourself off from the real 1st and 2nd frets on your banjo.

It should also be noted that the key indication is a characteristic of the music, while the tuning indication is a description of the physical state of the banjo, with regard to tuning. In other words, while in G tuning (gDGBD), the music played could be in the Key of C, the Key of D, or any other particular key. Some keys work better in certain tunings than others, but in theory, a song in any key can be played using any tuning.

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