Six string banjos can be an invaluable instrument for playing bluegrass music as well as other styles such as dixieland or ragtime. However, there are certain things you should keep in mind when using one: for instance, tuning should be properly done to avoid snapped strings and poor intonation, using a banjo tuning key rather than using an ordinary guitar tuner to tune it.
They can be fitted with or retro fitted with a pickup
The six-string banjo is an extremely versatile instrument. It can be used for blues, country, dixieland and ragtime as well as standard bluegrass music – its versatility has led to its immense popularity with musicians of all ages and backgrounds. While some purists might dismiss a 6-string banjo as insufficiently traditional, 6-strings offer viable solutions for anyone interested in picking up banjo; especially newcomers used to 5-string instruments who wish to switch over.
Understanding how a 6-string banjo works is vital to playing it successfully. A banjo’s main components include its headstock, neck, and body. The headstock contains its geared tuners as well as six or twelve strings (depending on model). The neck features 17 frets with tension adjusting screws for each fret to ensure proper intonation; finally the body provides support and shielding with tuning peg holes for each string.
When purchasing a 6-string banjo, it’s essential to realize that price doesn’t always equal quality. There are some very cheap models out there which may not last as long as higher-end models. Selecting a model which offers features relevant to you and suits your playing style will maximize value for your investment.
They can be offered as an openback or resonator
Resonator banjos tend to produce more sound, making them ideal for bluegrass music, while open back banjos can adapt easily to blues, country, dixieland and ragtime genres. Their rich tone and guitar chord compatibility makes this instrument versatile enough for experimentation and creative endeavor. While 6-string banjos may struggle playing Scruggs style rolls as easily as 5-string counterparts do, there are ways around this by practicing or using a capo.
Before purchasing a banjo, take time to study its specifications closely to make sure it suits your needs. Many brands claim they offer the ideal banjo; however, not all materials and construction are of equal quality and durability. Accessories available may include cases, straps and strings – making your search for an instrument easier!
The neck of your banjo should also be carefully considered. Fingerstyle players will benefit from purchasing one with a radiused fingerboard to enable natural chording motion; newcomers to the instrument might find learning it easier with a flat-neck design instead. Some banjos even come equipped with built-in tuners for saving money if an electronic tuner is no longer necessary; other accessories that could prove helpful include stands to store it when not playing and cleaning cloths for protecting it during storage periods.
They can be fitted with or retro fitted with a tuner
Many 6-string banjos feature tuners to facilitate playing different tunings such as double-D or open-A. While these tunings are commonly found in old-time music, they can also be utilized by modern styles of banjo playing. It is important to keep in mind that not all banjos can accommodate these tunings.
When purchasing a 6-string banjo, ensure it has been set up properly and is in good condition. If you don’t know how to set it up yourself, professional help may be worth considering; but in reality, adjustments may need to be made again shortly thereafter so learning to adjust yourself may be best.
Your bridge placement should also be taken into account, which you can do by comparing the octave overtone of the high E string (first string) with that of its sound when fretted at fret twelve (using either a guitar tuner or, for optimal results, consulting another guitarist friend). If the bridge is too far forward, skiff it towards tailpiece to move it back.
If you plan on playing your banjo with a capo, make sure it is placed correctly. Although difficult given the short fifth string length, with practice it should become second nature.
They can be fitted with or retro fitted with a tailpiece
Many 6-string banjos feature steel strings made of either phosphor bronze or nickel alloy and wound with metal wire, with extra light sets available upon request for playing comfort. Fingerboard radiusing similar to an acoustic guitar helps guitarists transition over more easily when switching over to 6-string banjos; however, quality craftsmanship must always be exercised when creating quality necks.
Fingerstyle banjo players who are used to playing 5-string banjos may find the neck width on these instruments an adjustment, though some manufacturers offer various width options and even offer instruments with an adjustable bridge so it can be moved up or down as desired by players.
These six-string banjos feature metal resonators with one piece, giving more volume and sustain than wooden pots without flanges. Some models of 6-string banjos come equipped with nylon strings, making them especially helpful in acoustic settings or when emphasizing lower notes of their playing. Some manufacturers also provide models equipped with extended drone strings – known as banjitars or “guitjos”. Although not intended for every musician, drone string banjos may come in handy for blues songs calling for extended drone strings to play songs that call for drone strings in particular.