A 6-string banjo can add some flair to your music without the hassle of learning an entirely new instrument – plus, its cool looks make it easier than usual!
Keep in mind that banjo has less sustain than guitar, so patterns that rely on open strings for more than half a beat may sound weak when fingerpicked! Fingerpickers especially may struggle.
Double Drop D Tuning
This tuning removes the fifth interval between strings 2 and 3, significantly reducing finger positions to learn. It is similar to standard tuning but one full step (an octave lower).
Setup requires using a hex wrench or pliers to align the bridge with its tailpiece and approximately at the same height as its neck, or close. When plucking string just above twelfth fret and listening for an octave overtone – lower than fretted note but higher than an open string’s tone – will help fine-tune bridge placement; may take some scootching back and forth until you find an acceptable sound but eventually will work!
Once your bridge is secure, adjust its tuning to match guitar tuning (EBGDAE). If you don’t know how to do this by ear, enlisting help from another musician can be useful.
Keep in mind that even expensive banjos require adjustments before they’re “ready to play.” They usually need tweaking after traveling a great distance or being stretched out over time – these tweeks may become necessary eventually, so why not learn now how to perform them?
Open Back
Are You A Guitar Player Looking To Switch Over To Six String Banjo? Open back models may offer the easiest transition. They feature a flat back that directs sound forward instead of into your body, helping guitarists to better hear themselves play rather than solely what the banjo tells them to.
Many cheap six string banjos feature resonators with no back, limiting volume and sustain, making guitar-style strumming difficult for beginners. Some more budget models can also be configured into open back versions simply by unscrewing their flange with pliers.
Another thing to take note of when looking at banjos is their neck quality. While differences may be harder to spot here than elsewhere on a banjo, crafting good necks takes serious skill and care.
One way of checking this is to put the bridge on and tune it to standard guitar tuning (EBGDAE). Pluck the low E string just past the 12th fret with your left forefinger finger; an octave overtone should appear that is higher than when plucked unfretted; otherwise move the bridge closer to tailpiece to raise it and retune accordingly.
Resonator
The banjo is an iconic instrument with a distinct sound that has made a comeback across various genres of music in recent years. A six-string banjo can provide guitar players looking for something new without having to learn an entirely new set of chords and fingerings. It is also ideal for those interested in traditional bluegrass or folk styles who don’t have time or dedication needed for learning a more complex five-string model.
Resonators on banjos increase volume by reflecting sound off of its back rather than being absorbed into your body, thus amplifying sound production. However, they only work effectively when used with high quality hoops; otherwise they won’t improve playability on lower end cheap banjos that already lack playability.
Deering has expanded their Goodtime 6-string banjo line with resonators while remaining priced within reach of beginner to intermediate players. These models boast professional violin grade maple rims for playing bluegrass or traditional folk music and five high quality geared tuners to provide accurate tuning, ideal for bluegrass jamming sessions or travel. Furthermore, each banjo comes equipped with metal guitar strings as well as a 15mm gig bag to protect it while in storage or transport.
Changing Heads
Coordinator rods (long bolt-like things on the back of a banjo) serve two important purposes. They serve to keep its neck at just the right angle while stabilizing it as well. Without their adjustment, a new banjo may feel stiff or require considerable practice before it becomes comfortable to play.
A banjo head should be tight enough that its flat surface forms an even surface on its head without sinking into a valley, producing a vibrant sparkly sound that is very desirable. Tightening of this instrument’s head wrench, or by an experienced banjo technician is recommended to achieve optimal sound production.
Some musicians who perform Dixieland banjo prefer replacing the fifth and sixth strings with lighter, higher tuned ones so when playing barre chords incorrectly they won’t accidentally hit low strings and distort the sound. This approach can also serve musicians looking for an introduction into Dixieland without needing a full six string banjo set-up.
Know that even though a banjo was professionally set up, it will likely require some adjustments once it arrives home due to shipping and handling rigors. If you know someone with expertise on banjos, having them show you how to perform these tweaks could save both time and money in trying to make an inanimate instrument sing! Otherwise you will spend precious hours and resources trying to make something you bought sing!