Canjo
Overview
Music in our Canjo series is for one-string diatonic canjo. The music includes:
- Melody in notation and tablature
- Lyrics if the original music includes them
- Chord symbols above the music
Music Notation and Tuning
Our music is arranged for a canjo tuned to C. While a canjo can be tuned to any pitch, tuning to C will allow someone to accompany you by playing the chords above the music. The tablature will still work for any pitch you choose for the string.
Frets
Our canjo music is for a diatonic canjo with the 6+ fret (pronounced "six and half fret"). This is the most common type of canjo sold by instrument makers.
Number of Frets
Music in this series may go up to the 10th fret (F if you tune the open string to C). You need an instrument with at least 10 frets to play all of the music.
Fret Numbering
The fret numbering in our tablature is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6+, 7, 8, 9, 10. Note that tab from other sources may use numbers 1 to 11 instead of including the 6+ fret.
We use this convention because it makes the tablature usable on instruments that don't include a 6+ fret. This is because the numbering of frets 7 to 10 remains the same whether the 6+ fret is present or not. If your canjo doesn't include a 6+ fret, you won't be able to play songs that require it. This still leaves a large number of songs that will work on your instrument.
Chords
The chords only work with the melody if you tune your canjo to C. If you tune to a different pitch, anyone using the music to accompany you would need to transpose the chords.
Keys
Most music is in keys like C major and F major and their relative minor keys A minor and D minor.
Lyrics
We generally include one verse of lyrics within the music. Other verses are included as text at the end of the music for most songs. Some lyrics may be omitted, but this is usually done only when there are too many verses to easily include (e.g., songs that include dozens of verses).
Lyrics may vary from the version you know. Some songs have multiple sources where each source has substantial differences in lyrics. Because of this, it isn't always possible to create a version of the lyrics that is familiar to everyone.
Rhythms, Tempo, and Time Signatures
Complex rhythms may be simplified in some cases. For example, we may double the value of rhythms in order to avoid 16th notes. This isn't feasible for all situations.
More difficult time signatures such as 6/8 may be changed to 3/4 when it results in simpler rhythms. This isn't done in all cases since some rhythms may become more difficult with this type of change.
Tempos are editorial suggestions in most cases. Feel free to choose your own tempo.
Position Shifts
Since the canjo only has a single string, you will often have to shift positions up and down the neck to play melodies.
Changes to the Music
We may occasionally alter a melody to allow it to work on canjo. This is done when notes are unavailable on the instrument. We only do this if a satisfying solution can be found. Otherwise, we omit those titles.
Altered music is indicated in several ways. The sheet music itself includes asterisks where the alteration occurred with footnotes to describe the alteration. The About the Music section on the page for each title will also indicate the music has been altered.