I'm Interested in suggestions on how to change tuning from G/A to the Key of D. (OK, I know about capo's, sort of now). I want to play in the key of D, and have to go back and forth to G and A, as those darn fiddlers have no idea of the banjo tuning requirement. (I'm a fiddler, too, so I know how inconsiderate they can be at times, giving no thought to others with different instruments).
I'm only 6 months into the banjo, so coming along, but in trying to play gigs with others, I don't have my mind-set firmly in place, and want to get this "quick change" under control ASAP (As in I'm playing with a small group, today, at a hospital gig with sets of 20 minutes in between story telling to little kids). I'm going to see what strings need to be tuned to and get it in my head VERY soon as I don't have much time. I know it sounds pretty lame that I'm struggling with this, but thought I would put this out there as I plan on playing clawhammer with others and don't want to be a pain in the butt holding up others. (Yes, I have let them know that arranging tunes by key is sure helpful!). I have some books to study, and just ordered Cathy Fink's DVD, too, so expect some helpful information will solve my dilemma.
Thanks alot, Ginny in Seattle