There are many different types of banjos and their strings vary as well. In this in depth article we will show you exactly how many strings a banjo has.
The quick answer is that a banjo can have 4, 5, or 6 strings, with 5-string banjos being the most common.
With this in mind, here is what you need to know.
Table of Contents
- How Many Strings Are On a Banjo
- How Many Strings Should You Get and Which One Is Better?
- How Many Strings Does a Banjolele Have?
- How Many Strings Does a Banjo Mandolin Have?
- Materials Used to Make Banjo
- History
- Conclusion
How Many Strings Are On a Banjo
We will get into the deep dive but as said up above here are the banjo strings options:
- 4-String Banjo
- 5-String Banjo
- 6-String Banjo
The strings on each type of banjo have a significant impact on the playability and sound of the instrument. Thus, you have to decide on the number of strands you can play and produce the best banjo sound.
4 Strings vs. 5 Strings vs. 6 Strings
Five-String Banjo
The 5-string variety is the most popular type of banjo you should know.
It fits perfectly into bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Country, Irish, and Indie music genres played these days globally.
You may ask, “Which of the five strings makes this instrument stand out?”
Interestingly, the fifth string in this type of banjo plays significant roles besides making your instrument more efficient and unique. You have to use your thumb to pluck this string and create a better sound.
As a beginner in banjo lessons, keep in mind that you have to make use of the fifth fret, and don’t forget to study the fingerboard.
There is also a peg attached in the side of the banjo neck, and will not affect playability.
With time and extensive practice, you will master the art of moving your thumb as you play your favorite tunes.
There are different techniques used to play a 5-string banjo. Many players embrace clawhammer style, Flatpicking technique, and fingerstyle.
These techniques make it easy to tune your five-string banjo to a G chord, and the frets and length will vary.
The good news is this is probably the most accessible type of banjo to choose if you are playing for the first time.
Six-String Banjo
If you are conversant with playing a six-string guitar, you will find it more fascinating to play a six-string banjo and create new tunes.
This type of banjo has a deep history that many musicians can associate with. For instance, a famous jazz player like Johnny StCyr used this type of banjo to add power to his work.
Pop and country fans today can dance and sing along to tunes made by Keith Urban, a renowned six-string banjo player, and enthusiast.
With this type of banjo, you have the opportunity to enjoy the versatility of a guitar.
You will have to tune the strings of your banjo to sound like those of an acoustic guitar.
You will start with the lowest tuning to the highest adjustment.
Fingerstyle players find it easy to play a six-string banjo as they can opt for tuning that opens a new opportunity to create top notes.
Four-String Banjo
The key feature that makes a four-string banjo different from other banjos is the fact that you will be playing a smaller banjo in terms of the sound produced.
Most often, you can use a four-string banjo to play jazz, dance hall music, and Irish.
You can tune your four-string banjo in several ways, a unique feature that makes this banjo stand out.
Turning considerations will vary with the music you intend to play. You can tune your four-string banjo to create better tunes.
It will work exceptionally well if you are using a tenor banjo to play jazz, folk, or Irish music.
If you like playing on the flat pick, choose 4-string plectrum and have fun.
How Many Strings Should You Get and Which One Is Better?
We suggest you get a 5-sting banjo to start with. It is the most common banjo so it will be easy to find tutorials and online lessons to learn on.
As well as having the standard tuning for most songs will be incredibly easy for you to get started in the beginning.
How Many Strings Does a Banjolele Have?
The banjo uke or “Banjolele” has 4 strings tuned to GCEA.
How Many Strings Does a Banjo Mandolin Have?
The banjo mandolin or “bandolin” has 8 strings tuned GDAE.
Materials Used to Make Banjo
Diverse types of materials make up banjo strings.
Whether you like playing a four-string, five-string, or a six-string banjo, there are notable string materials that make your banjo a complete instrument.
A five-string banjo comes with one fourth wound string while a six-string banjo has three would strings. Some of the significant materials used to make banjo strings include:
Stainless Steel – It is an excellent material for your banjo strings thanks to its corrosion resistance properties.
It is also a sturdy and durable material, and you can use your strings for many years. It is also one of the brightest materials to use and make banjo strings and provide a balanced tone.
Nickel-plated Steel – It’s an outstanding string for bluegrass banjo and creates a bright and clear tone when picked as well as offers strong projection.
Phosphor Bronze – It is used on the wound strings as it can add resonance and warmth when playing your five-string banjo.
Nylon Strings – Used on banjo varieties such as the ukuleles. It is an excellent choice for players yearning for a sound close to traditional gut strings.
These strings are not suitable for bluegrass players who need brightness when playing.
Coated Strings – These strings come with a polymer coating, especially on the wound strings, to alleviate corrosion and last longer.
However, some banjo players feel the surface reduces the depth in tone the string produces.
History
On the other hand, what do you know about a banjo?
Banjo is one of the ancient string instruments that have stood the test of time.
It is from conventional African tools that hold similar designs. African Americans went on to redesign this instrument, and it has gone on to become one of the popular stringed instruments.
Styles of playing the banjo have also evolved, and you can these days quickly learn how to play this instrument stress-free.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced banjo player or pursuing beginner lessons.
There is a lot you need to know about this stringed instrument with a deep-rooted history. Banjos come in different varieties, but it is the number of strings in each banjo that make the difference.
Conclusion
Even though there are a couple different types of banjos with differing amount of strings the basics of banjo are still the same and up to you to learn no matter the amount of strings on your banjo.
It honestly doesn’t matter what amount of strings you choose unless but if you’re a complete beginner and don’t know which one you should get then just get a 5-string and you will be set.
Image from flickr creative commons Chris Coyier
