Bluegrass music relies on 6-string banjos as an essential instrument. They’re great at producing melodies and bass notes simultaneously – plus, can allow fingerpicking patterns that might not work on 5-string models.
Most banjos feature radiused fingerboards like those found on guitars to ensure users coming from that world feel at home and are capable of taking metal guitar strings (though many prefer nylon). Furthermore, most come equipped with one or more long bolt-looking things called coordinator rods for added stability.
Picks
Some ragtime fingerpicking guitarists, including Grand Ole Opry stalwart Sam McGee and street preacher Reverend Gary Davis, played six-string banjos. Country folkies Doc Watson and Norman Blake also sometimes picked them up; bluegrass picker JD Crowe occasionally did too; however these instruments can be dauntingly complicated to play for those without experience playing them.
Due to their lower string tension, six-string banjos generally offer less sustain than guitars and patterns that rely on strumming open strings for longer than half beats tend to sound weaker. Furthermore, 6-string banjos tend to feature flat fingerboards instead of radiused versions commonly found on steel-string guitars.
Flat fingerboards may make it more challenging for guitar players to adapt to 6-string banjos. Some manufacturers, including Gretsch’s Dixie 6, Deering’s Goodtime Solana and Rogue 6-string models offer models with radiused fingerboards which may assist guitarists transition into this instrument.
Some six-string banjos come equipped with an attached resonator that increases volume and helps the instrument cut through other instruments’ noise, but its presence adds weight and cost; additionally, it can obstruct tone of an instrument if left in place too long; some models even allow players to remove their resonators; if one wants an acoustic banjo playing experience they should opt for one without.
Strings
If you are used to playing steel string or electric guitars, the switch to six-string banjo may come as quite a shock! That is because its strings are heavier, the necks longer, and most modern 6-strings feature radiused fingerboards which make hitting high strings difficult without causing them to “ring”, interfering with one another and interfering with each other’s sound.
Devoted musicians can transform even an inexpensive Orient-made 6-string banjo into something useful, especially when used for Dixieland-related styles like Dixieland. Simply focus on strumming the top four strings while leaving out any lower strings (they will still ring even without frets or deadeners).
One fascinating aspect of 6-string banjos is their tuning range compared to 4-string versions; some prefer tuning their 6-string banjo higher for certain genres or playing techniques – trad jazz players often turn to them with their 6-string versions tuned CGDA tuning.
As an option for musicians who only need a few chords in their band, a 6-string banjo may be better suited than its 5-string counterpart – just make sure any songs you try playing on it fit the instrument appropriately or check whether its score requires different types of playing (which might necessitate getting another banjo altogether).
Bridge
A six-string banjo adds a bass string between its drone (or fifth) and fourth strings, enabling players to both play melodies and bass notes, similar to what guitarists can do. Furthermore, its left hand chording capabilities allow chord playing from one instrument.
Most five-string banjos feature a bass string; six string banjos are less popular. Musicians often opt not to use the bass string because it adds too much low end and weight to their instrument; others find fingerpicking sounds “muddy”, so preferring using it rhythmically may be beneficial.
If you decide to utilize the bridge, make sure it is appropriately situated. Aim for having it approximately an inch from both ends of the neck; approximately an inch away from both nut and fret twelve. Likewise, its height should remain consistent on both sides.
Before tuning your new banjo, it is advisable to first inspect its bridge and coordinate rods (also called tuners) for proper adjustment. These should hold the neck securely, but not so tight that they pull up or bind up strings.
Setup
Many banjos shipped in boxes arrive without being fully assembled, or even tuned up, upon their arrival. A full-service music store that offers banjo sales may provide basic setup; if purchasing it from an online seller or small independent music store instead, however, some initial work must be completed on its setup before using it.
First and foremost, make sure your bridge is positioned accurately. A great way to do this is to start tuning the high D string first and then the low E string last using either an electronic guitar tuner or even just your ears; by tuning both strings perfectly and checking their intonation you will have successfully aligned your bridge correctly.
Next, choose the right head to enhance your sound. Renaissance heads are great starting out options as they’re very durable while providing a bright sound; black heads also offer greater sustain than Renaissance while fiberskyn and Kevlar heads provide different experiences based on how much sustain a player wants to add or remove from their instrument.