How to Read the Head Note on a Banjo
- 1). Deaden the strings by resting the palm of one hand near the bridge of the banjo. Apply just enough pressure to keep the strings from ringing. Too much pressure will push the bridge down on the banjo head and affect the note.
- 2). Tap the banjo head with the pad of one finger. Use an electronic tuner to read the note of the banjo head.
- 3). Use a clip-on tuner if a microphone tuner gives no reading. Clip-on tuners have a setting that reads vibrations. Clip the tuner to the banjo headstock near the tuners. Tap the banjo head and read the note on the tuner.
- 4). Tap the banjo head with the strings muted and compare the note to notes on a piano if you have no tuner. Play notes on the piano one at a time and find the note that matches the ringing of the banjo head.
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