Guitarists looking to add something different to their music may find 6-string banjos an ideal crossover instrument. These models utilize standard steel guitar strings and feature radiused fingerboards for comfortable playing.
Tuning them like a guitar requires either using a tuner or tuning by ear; for added volume and projection there is also an available resonator option that provides extra resonance.
The Sound
Banjos are truly versatile instruments, having made a comeback across various genres of music in recent years. If you’re looking to explore a new genre or add another stringed instrument to your arsenal, a 6-string banjo could be just the ticket – its combination of banjo style with guitar string layout makes this instrument great for beginner players who wish to explore something different.
One drawback of playing a 6-string banjo is its increased fingerpicking effort compared to 4-string models; lower strings may be harder to access and their notes don’t sound as clear and crisp compared to those from 5-string banjos. Furthermore, lacking a drone string may make certain types of tunes more challenging to perform on.
However, there are ways around this problem. One option is using a drone string tuned slightly lower than the others; this can create a more traditional sound while still enabling you to play most chords. Another approach involves using your middle finger backstrumming the lighter strings; though challenging at first, when done right this can create beautiful sounds when done properly. Finally it is important to avoid patterns which involve repeatedly hammering on or pulling off one string over more than half beat; doing this can cause its sustain to diminish and sound weak.
The Design
A 6-string banjo’s design resembles that of a guitar, making it an excellent option for guitarists looking to expand their music with something unique. The neck has been specifically constructed for fast and effortless playback while its Remo drumhead ensures crisp sound quality. Furthermore, these banjos come equipped with high-quality tuning pegs to keep their tune.
Tuning a 6-string banjo requires tuning by ear rather than using an electronic tuner, like with guitars. In order to properly tune a banjo, first establish an E string reference pitch using either piano tuning forks or tuning forks before plucking and adjusting each string individually until all are in unison with one another.
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s time to put together your song. Your audience will surely be impressed by your 6-string banjo’s unique and distinct sound!
Banjos can be pricey investments; therefore it is wise to spend extra money in getting one that offers higher quality instruments. Many high-end brands provide warranties to protect your investment. You could also consider purchasing used banjos but make sure that any inspection is performed prior to buying one.
The Weight
Generalizing, 6-string banjos tend to weigh more than 5-string models; however, their weight can depend on various factors; most obviously being its material composition – specifically wood quality may alter this aspect and make for greater or lesser variance in weight between models.
The second most essential factor is the neck. An inferior neck can make your banjo nearly unplayable and is far more costly to fix than create from scratch. The best banjos offer world-class necks capable of withstanding even the rigorous demands of playing banjo.
String selection on a 6-string banjo can have an immense effect on its weight. Some models use steel guitar strings while others may employ gut or nylon ones; whatever choice is made should have small gauge string gauges so as not to damage the instrument.
One factor to keep in mind when purchasing a banjo is whether its fingerboard is radiused, similar to an acoustic guitar. Radiused fingerboards allow a guitarist’s hand to stay in a natural position when strumming several chords at once and making bar chords much simpler to play – making 6-string banjos suitable for Dixieland music with its many barre chords more suitable than flat versions.
The Price
There are many 6 string banjo models on the market today, from cheap, off-brand models made in Asia advertised as ways to play banjo without learning much (not worth your while), to intermediate or upgrade student models from Deering, Gold Tone, and Ozark that range from $200 up to $1000 depending on quality and features of each instrument.
When assessing the value of a 6-string banjo, the best approach is to see what similar new banjos are selling for, then determine how much used ones cost locally and online. You may also get a sense of its true worth by monitoring how long it stays on the market; if a good-looking and playable instrument sells quickly after hitting it for sale then that would indicate its maximum potential worth.
One key consideration when purchasing a banjo is whether its pot is wooden or metal; this has an impactful influence on its value. Wood pots typically feature more attractive aesthetics and sound better than their metal counterparts found on most cheap banjos. Another element affecting value includes condition and extras like stands or tuners that may come included with it.