Some guitarists use 6-string banjos as an efficient means of performing Dixieland tunes; however, their low bass strings tend to distort the overall sound when strumming power chords high on the neck.
Many players shirk from playing 6-string banjos due to these concerns. Unfortunately, though, 6-string banjos can be great tools in the hands of experienced musicians.
The Basics
Before purchasing, there are some basic considerations you should keep in mind before making your purchase: Most banjos feature one or two long bolt-like elements called coordinator rods running beneath the drum head that serve to both keep the neck in its proper place while also adjusting it for proper action. You should learn how to set these up yourself (unless purchasing an expensive American-built banjo in which case this step may no longer be necessary).
Flatpicks cannot produce a harmonious sound on any banjo; 6-string banjos seem particularly susceptible to this issue. Strumming chords high up on the neck can sound muddy too; for an improved sound use fingerpicking individually or use patterns that hit only certain strings (like 2 at once).
Clear heads produce brighter tones than black or bottom frosted ones, yet do not sustain for as long. An optional tone ring adds even more brightness and sustain, but can make your banjo too loud in noisy settings if used alone. Many players find that using both dark-hued strings with clear heads provides the optimal combination of brightness and sustain.
Choosing a Banjo
As soon as you are ready to get started with banjo playing, the first step should be identifying what genre(s) of music you wish to explore. Banjo has long been used as a mainstay in various styles such as Bluegrass, Old-Time Newgrass, Traditional Irish music Americana Ragtime Folk Classic Rock.
When purchasing your banjo, remember that simpler is often better. A banjo with multiple features might seem appealing at first, but may not be suitable for beginners.
An instrument with minimal strings is usually easier to learn on and will last longer, such as a six string banjo with 19 fret fingerboard for those wanting to learn Dixieland-influenced styles without using all their extra chord strings to form chords. Furthermore, its additional third string typically requires greater pressure in order to sound.
Additionally, banjo fingerboards are typically radiused to provide a comfortable transition experience for guitarists making the switch to banjo. You will also have to choose between open back or resonator banjo models; an open back model will allow for more natural thumb positioning for clawhammer players while using picks will give greater volume when performing with other musicians.
Buying a Banjo
When buying a banjo, it is essential to consider all aspects of its construction rather than simply cost. Many beginner players make the mistake of selecting their instrument based solely on aesthetics or price; unfortunately this often results in unplayable instruments. A quality banjo requires serious craftsmanship and quality control with particular attention paid to its neck – an area which bears much strain under normal use; making an eye-catching neck may be easier than making something that stands up over time.
No matter its brand or cost, instruments must be easy to tune and play. Visit a luthier for assistance to have its playing action checked (string height). This will ensure that strings do not sit too far above frets, enabling easy reach of all frets using fingers alone. Furthermore, its nut should remain firm without becoming loose during use while its bridge must sit securely seated if fitted. Resonators removal should also be straightforward.
An important step toward producing clear tones on any instrument is having a quality head with tight tension that produces clear tones, easily visible on its surface if flat or not. Resonators increase volume without necessarily improving clarity – for beginners it might be wise to start out without one and add them later if desired.
Learning to Play a Banjo
There are various opinions as to which type of banjo would best suit a given style, many not grounded in fact or experience. But the reality is that music should not be subjected to rigid “rules” for which instruments should be used with which styles.
Finding the appropriate banjo will depend on your musical tastes, playing style and genre of music you wish to perform. Furthermore, consider overall costs and how easy they will be for you to maintain and tune.
When purchasing a banjo, try to find one already tailored to your preferred tuning and string type. If not, pay a banjo technician or find someone knowledgeable who can teach you. Learning these techniques could save money over time while helping ensure your instrument remains set up longer.
If you plan on playing Dixieland or similar styles using a 6-string banjo, ensure the score calls for chords instead of individual notes. A six-string can still work perfectly, however the bottom two strings must either be fretted or deadened in order to prevent their ringing which makes playing melody impossible otherwise.