Guitar players asked to play banjo for an acoustic or period gig may use this cheapo 6-string as an accompaniment, though it would probably be best to examine their score first and make sure 5-string playing is required.
Strumming open chords without first muzzling the strings can create an unpleasant soundscape, but this issue can be avoided by employing strategic strumming patterns.
They are available as an openback or resonator
Many 6-string banjos come equipped with a built-in piezoelectric pickup and 1/4″ jack, making them more suitable for playing out or recording in noisy environments. You may also opt for one from Fishman, LR Baggs or Kavanjo to custom fit for their pickup needs or retrofitted with your preferred type – you could even find models featuring nylon strings and slotted heads to recreate that “plunky” sound from some of the oldest 6-string models!
Initial six-string banjo designs were inspired by traditional 5-string models, but added an additional drone string and bass string between it and the lowest pitching string in order to reach notes as low as G or F depending on tuning – giving these instruments nearly the range of a guitar.
These instruments feature a flat fretboard like that found on an acoustic guitar and are played either by plectrum or fingerstyle picking, similar to an acoustic guitar. Most banjo players tune their instruments using standard banjo tuning; however, some musicians may opt for double drop D tuning that sounds much closer to that found on guitars and is popular among fingerstyle musicians and singer-songwriters.
Most manufacturers of 6-string banjos market them as an easy way for guitarists to learn to play banjo without learning anything new, yet this can be misleading as most 6-strings cannot replicate the genres associated with 5-strings – specifically Bluegrass which requires chords which a 6-string cannot duplicate effectively enough.
They are easy to play
Six string banjos can be relatively straightforward instruments to play, although they do require slightly more skill than five-string models. You must fret the strings and use a capo or fretting device (fret tool) in order to play chords on this instrument; overtones on higher strings may be more challenging to manage; this may be why some players opt for 5-string models over 6-string models.
6 string banjos offer players great versatility by being tuned to many different pitches, giving them the flexibility to find a sound that best fits their taste and style. Some players opt for double drop D tuning as an easier entry point while other may switch up their tune with standard C tuning instead.
One important consideration when buying a 6 string banjo is the string requirement; you will need a set when first starting out. Furthermore, experiment with alternative tunings such as open tuning if you wish to emulate its original sound; these tunings may expand its sound further while simultaneously developing finger dexterity, memory retention, rhythm coordination skills and becoming a better player overall.
They are versatile
A six string banjo offers the versatility of guitar tuning with an unmistakably banjo sound, making it the ideal instrument for guitarists looking to try banjo for the first time or experienced banjo players looking to expand their sound palette. It can be played either flatpick style or fingerstyle; its lower strings add a distinct gutsy plunk which sounds wonderful when fingerpicked; many 6-string banjos are tuned using double drop D, which provides for almost as high a range of notes as a traditional 5-string banjo.
To tune a six string banjo, start by finding the pitch of the lowest E string (6th), using either a piano or tuning fork as your reference point. Once this pitch has been established, tune all remaining strings by ear.
Some guitar players use 6-string banjos for playing dixieland music and tune their bottom two strings an octave higher than usual to facilitate left hand barre chord playing, without distorting sound when accidentally hitting bottom strings. Regular guitar strings may work on such banjos provided that their gauges match; however it is generally better to purchase strings designed specifically for banjos.
They are affordable
Affordable 6 string banjos can be purchased for less than $500, most made of maple with premium resonators that deliver quality sound, complete with capo and Allen key for accurate tuning, as well as possibly featuring built-in tuners which may come in handy for beginners.
A 6-string banjo may be an excellent addition for someone with experience playing guitar, particularly steel-string guitar. Tuning it similarly allows it to produce full and rich tones which makes it suitable for blues, country, dixieland and ragtime music. Furthermore it can even be used with guitar effects pedals – although traditional bluegrass with fast Scruggs-style rolls or ultrafast licks may require other instruments instead.
Some 6-string banjos feature radiused fingerboards, making them easier for guitarists who wish to make the switch from guitar. Flat fingerboards may prove more challenging; better models such as Gretsch’s “Dixie 6,” Deering’s Goodtime Solana, and Rogue six-string banjo all offer radiused fret boards for easy transition.
There are also 6-string banjos with pickups that make an excellent option for live performances or recording sessions, from companies like Fishman, LR Baggs and Kavanjo. Some models even mimic an electric guitar more closely to make it easier for band performances.