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We will now start our focus on the fretting hand...we are trying to establish a solid foundation before we start learning our first tune.

Notes on Tenor Banjo Fingering: Tenor Banjo is quite a bit different than standard mandolin or mandola. The scale length of the neck is longer and demands a stretch of the fingers. It's not as long as a Plectrum Banjo, however, if you're a mandolinist experimenting with the Tenor Banjo, be careful to not attempt to use the exact same fingering...and allow your little finger to take the place of your ring finger in many instances for an easier stretch.

Fretting Exercises

Make sure you're in a comfortable position to both flatpick and place your fingers on the neck simultaneously. We have established the importance of keeping rhythm with methodical down and upstrokes matching your tapping foot. We will now utilize the same exercise but incorporate our first C scale.

Finger Positions for the fretting hand:

2nd Fret: Index Finger
3rd Fret: Middle Finger
4th Fret: Ring Finger
5th Fret: Little Finger

Practice the above exercises until you are completely comfortable with fretting and picking simultaneously without hesitating between beats. Remember, these exercises are considered accomplished only if you're keeping an even tempo without losing a beat.

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