High G vs Low G - Which One Is Best?
Here at Duke Operations in Toronto, Canada, a customer just ordered a new DUKE10 Banjo Ukulele, and this particular one was ordered with Low G tuning. Since I’ve just finished setting it up and working on the tuning, I figured it was the perfect chance to demonstrate the difference in sound between Low G and High G, using the exact same instrument.
It’s something a lot of people are curious about, but it’s not very often you get to hear a proper side-by-side sound comparison like this. Have a watch...
After watching the video above, you will hear how different each tuning is from each other. Even though we have used the same model of banjolele, you can easily hear how a Low G tuning brings out a much deeper bottom end.
A Bit of Joel Clark for Comparison
I played a little bit of an old Joel Clark tune, first in high G and then again in low G.
So, What’s the Difference?
Here’s my take:
- Low G tuning gives the banjolele a boomier, bassier tone. It softens the twang and delivers a warmer overall sound.
- High G tuning, on the other hand, brings out more brightness and twanginess, especially in the highs. To my ears, it leans a bit more toward that five-string banjo vibe, especially when you hear the G string ringing in the background.
Neither one is "right" or "wrong" because it all comes down to personal preference and the kind of music you're playing.
I hope that helps you to decide which tuning might be 'right' for you, or at least to give you an idea of how it will sound on your banjolele.
Thanks for tuning in, and happy strumming! – Kelly Trafford
Ready to treat yourself to a new banjolele? We will fit it with a High G or a Low G at no extra charge.
👇 Click below to explore the DUKE10 Tenor Banjolele