Six String Banjos are more than just fancy guitars – they each have their own history, capabilities, and limitations. While manufacturers love adding bells and whistles for display purposes, these don’t always translate to better playing experience.
Strumming open chords on a 6-string banjo can sound discordant unless the lowest strings have been fretted or deadened – not ideal for Dixieland playing!
They can be fitted with a pickup
An electric six string banjo equipped with a pickup can significantly enhance its sound. Furthermore, its incorporation can make fingerstyle banjo easier to play for guitarists used to playing steel-string guitars. However, if you are uncertain as to what your plans for your new banjo are yet, taking it to a technician for “setting up” may ensure it works optimally and provides maximum sound output.
First, check that both the nut and bridge are tightly set up. To do this, place your left forefinger on the sixth string just above the twelveth fret and pluck with your right hand; an octave higher sound should emerge than unfretted string when plucked with right hand. If this does not occur, fine tune bridge by shifting or scratching until overtone occurs.
Check for a straight neck to ensure an easier tuning experience – this may involve using a guitar tuner or asking a friend for assistance. To check, use either your own personal tuner or ask them to assist.
Tuning your banjo correctly requires tuning its strings to a standard guitar pitch. If this seems complicated to you, if necessary consult with an expert banjo technician or friend who knows how to play one and they can show you how to set up and tune the instrument properly.
They can be offered as an openback or resonator
A six-string banjo equipped with a resonator sounds dramatically different from its counterpart without one, adding fuller tones, increased sustain, and vibration absorption and diffusion. A hard maple or mahogany resonator may even sound closer to an acoustic guitar than one made from cheaper materials like pine.
If your banjo’s resonator is sounding odd, there could be something amiss with its bridge placement or nut. An effective way to detect such issues is by holding the string just behind the twelfth fret and picking it; an octave overtone should appear; otherwise it means your nut may be too close to the bridge and needs moving further toward tailpiece.
Once this step is completed, tighten each nut on each of the resonator brackets gradually until your strings can no longer be tuned easily. Once no depression can be seen under the bridge when tuning your strings in tune, you know they have tightened enough. If this seems daunting to you, take your banjo to an experienced technician instead and have them set it up instead.
They can be offered with or without a bridge
Before purchasing a banjo, it’s essential to examine its strings, head, and bridge carefully for damage or defects. If any are worn-out or in poor condition, replacement will likely be required. Also be sure that its neck fastens securely enough to maintain string tension so as to avoid warping and buzzing of its strings; thick bridges typically offer greater volume and bass while thin ones produce brighter sounds.
One of the primary issues associated with six-string banjos is tuning issues, which may be caused by various sources, including old strings or improper fretting techniques. Keep in mind that banjos differ significantly from guitars; their strings may drop slightly in pitch when changing chords, as is normal practice.
If your 6-string banjo is giving you difficulty tuning up, try adjusting its bridge. Doing this can help achieve better tone and play in tune. Simply scoot it toward or away from the tailpiece until no depressions in it are visible when playing at proper height. Be wary not to over-tighten as that could damage your instrument; use a rubber mallet if necessary to loosen or tighten.
They can be offered with or without a tone ring
If you want to play a six string banjo with an electric pickup, there are numerous options available to you. From purchasing from brands like Fishman or LR Baggs directly, or retrofitting an existing instrument with one. Some models even include tuners if live performances are in your future.
Consider investing in a case for your six-string banjo. Depending on how often and for how long, a hardshell case provides more protection against scratches, being more durable than gig bags and often available at significantly reduced costs.
The six-string banjo can be an ideal transition instrument for guitarists seeking something different. Tuned like a guitar, it can be played either with fingers or plectrum for creating various sounds from bluegrass to rock music – as well as being popular among acoustic performers like Django Reinhardt.
Before purchasing an imported banjo, it’s advisable to inspect its neck to make sure it fits securely and can be adjusted. A loose neck could cause your head to go in and out of tune as you adjust its tuning.