A 6-string banjo can be played like any guitar and features more tone and fuller sound than its 5-string counterpart.
Gliders often struggle to adjust to new fingerboards and playing styles. While most 6-string banjos feature radiused necks, some don’t. If the neck curves slightly back, tightening up coordinator rod(s) might help.
Sound
Since 2006, 6-string banjo has seen an enormous resurgence and can now be found across genres of music being performed on it by musicians who appreciate its versatility. Combining guitar-like fluidity with banjo’s distinctive twang can produce astonishing music! Strummed, finger picked or clawhammered it creates incredible melodies!
Six string banjos are often utilized for bluegrass music. Many brands like Deering, Gold Tone and Ozark offer exceptional bluegrass banjos; additionally some manufacturers provide resonator style banjos that allow for increased volume levels.
Other styles that can be played on a six string banjo include Jazz and Dixieland. Many banjo players will replace the 5th and 6th strings on an open back banjo with lighter strings to avoid creating the harsh sound that may result from hitting chords high up on the neck.
Notably, many low-priced banjos feature all sorts of bells and whistles which can make playing them cumbersome and difficult to sound good. To achieve great tone from banjos it is vital to focus on quality neck construction – an process requiring years of craftsmanship!
Styles
The 6-string banjo can be played acoustically or electric. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into genres as diverse as bluegrass, country, folk and old-timey music, finger picking finger style like its 5-string cousin but with less sustain. Many 5-string patterns will work on its 6-string cousin; however, keep in mind this instrument must be treated differently to achieve maximum results.
Though it is possible to play chords on a 6-string banjo, its lower bass string may muddy the sound, necessitating proper barre technique. Because of this it is best suited for simple open-string strumming or flatpicking single notes. Also worth keeping in mind is that 6-string banjos tend to have less overall sustain than guitars so patterns that require sustained chords may not work as efficiently.
The 6-string banjo (sometimes known as a banjitar ) has seen something of a revival over the past 20 years, becoming popularly used across jazz, blues and rock music as well as traditional country. Though not receiving as much publicity as its 5-string counterpart, 6-string banjos offer unique sounds ideal for many genres and settings – these instruments can even be fitted with pickups to improve tone projection when performing live or recording studio gigs; manufacturers such as Gold Tone, Deering and Ozark offer both openback and resonator models when looking to add pickups onto 6-string banjos!
Buying a 6 string banjo
Purchase of a 6 string banjo can be more complex than when purchasing standard four or five string models, as you must consider what genres of music will be played on it and whether a 6-string can handle its demands.
Consider whether or not a resonator is essential. While models without them exist, their sound will not compare with that of one that comes equipped with one. Resonators help project your banjo over music you will be playing while amplifying its sound when playing it acoustically.
Consideration should also be given to whether you prefer a flat or radiused fingerboard. If you’re used to playing guitars with radiused fret boards, looking for one on a 6-string banjo would make playing chords much simpler.
Though less common than their 4- and 5-string banjo counterparts, 6-string banjos can still be found today and may prove useful to any musician who may need to double on banjo for an occasional gig. Just ensure the music calls for chords rather than single notes or one that requires 5-string playing techniques; otherwise it is unlikely a 6-string will be up to handling it effectively.
Accessories
Some guitarists who perform Dixieland music invest in 6-string banjos with lighter fifth (A) and sixth (Low E) strings tuned an octave higher, so as to allow for full barre chords with their left hand while also protecting against accidental string strikes on fifth or sixth strings when strumming. This allows them to do full barre chords more effectively while keeping sound from becoming murky when accidentally striking fifth or sixth strings while strumming.
One key consideration should be the fact that many banjo resonators are unnecessary; yes, it does add volume, but most people purchase them for other reasons. In fact, if you can find an affordable backless 6-string banjo in good condition at a reasonable price I strongly advise purchasing it and “losing” its resonator permanently.
Next, examine the neck. Some banjos feature bowed necks which can be fixed easily by loosening the adjustment screw – accessible via unscrewing a plastic triangular piece from its head – to adjust. A hex screwdriver will allow access to this part.
Make sure the banjo features dual coordinator rods and a tone ring, which are essential features on most high-end banjos. This step is particularly essential since most new banjos don’t arrive set up perfectly; even if they were set up correctly upon shipping, transportation delays between continents, distribution center locations, store locations or your home might require some tweaking before being ready for playback.