The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #38542   Message #3408652
Posted By: Stringsinger
22-Sep-12 - 09:46 AM
Thread Name: Tenor banjo GDAE, string gauges?
Subject: RE: Tenor banjo GDAE, string gauges?
A lot depends on how you will use the banjo. Irish tenor calls for heavier strings but chord melody style ala Elmer Snowden who tuned his banjo GDAE probably used a lighter gauge.

There are varying opinions on this. You might check Barney McKenna's string gauge if you intend to play Irish in a session.

I use a 23 on the third string, a 17 on the second, probably an 11 or 12 on the first string
and on the fourth, a balanced string that doesn't sound "thunky" or is too loose.

You might have to experiment to find the right gauges for your particular banjo.