CFA# Banjo Tuner

CFA# | CFB♭ Sansagari In C - Banjo tuning, chords & scales

Description - Sansagari In C

Shamisen tuning in C with the third string lowered a whole step

Tuning Overview: Sansagari in C

This fascinating Banjo tuning, named 'Sansagari in C', draws its inspiration from traditional Japanese Shamisen music. The tuning is described as a "Shamisen tuning in C with the third string lowered a whole step," immediately hinting at an exotic, modal soundscape.

Technical Analysis: Open String Relationships

The open strings of the Banjo are set to the following pitches:

Lowest String (String 3): C3
Middle String (String 2): F3
Highest String (String 1): A4#

Analyzing the intervals reveals a distinctive harmonic structure:

Between String 3 (C3) and String 2 (F3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
Between String 2 (F3) and String 1 (A4#): An Augmented 3rd (6 semitones).

This combination, particularly the Augmented 3rd, moves away from standard Western diatonic tunings, creating a sound that is rich with tension and ripe for melodic exploration often found in traditional Eastern music.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

While the open strings C-F-A# do not form a conventional major or minor triad, they offer unique harmonic possibilities. The strong Perfect 4th between C3 and F3 makes power chords and resonant bass lines easily accessible. The A# (which can also be thought of as Bb) introduces a bluesy or modal flavor. Players can explore:

Csus4 variations: By fretting a G note, you can create a C7sus4 feel (C-F-G-Bb).
F major harmonies: Fretting an A on the highest string would yield an F major triad (F-A-C) across strings 2, 1, and 3.
Bb major 7th qualities: The C-F-A# (Bb) open notes are a strong hint towards Bbmaj7 or dominant 7th chords in a key related to Bb.

This tuning is particularly well-suited for melodic improvisation, fingerstyle playing, and creating intricate Eastern-inspired musical textures.

How to Tune: String Movements

To achieve the 'Sansagari in C' tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

String 3: Tune down 2 semitones to reach the target note of C3.
String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to reach the target note of F3.
String 1: Tune down 1 semitone to reach the target note of A4#.

All string movements fall within a reasonable range (less than 4 semitones up or down), so a change in string gauge is generally not necessary for this tuning. Always tune carefully and be mindful of string tension.

The lowest string (String 3) is tuned to C3, laying a deep, resonant foundation for the tuning.

The middle string (String 2) is tuned to F3, creating a perfect fourth interval with the lowest string and adding harmonic depth.

The highest string (String 1) is tuned to A4#, introducing a unique augmented third interval from the middle string, which defines the distinctive Shamisen-inspired character of this tuning.