Why Do Banjos Have a Short String?
The Short Fifth String Is What Makes the Banjo Unique. the Fifth String Is Also Called the “Thumb String” or “Drone String” Because the Early “Clawhammer”...
The short fifth string is what makes the banjo unique. The fifth string is also called the “thumb string” or “drone string” because the early “clawhammer” banjo technique involved the thumb picking the fifth string often creating the syncopated sound that is associated with the banjo.
Why does a banjo have one short string?
If the fifth string were to be extended up to the peghead, it would be an exact duplicate of the first string (both D notes) since they tend to be the same gauges. But to answer: Having that string truncated at the 5th fret makes it a G note.
Is a 6 string banjo played like a guitar?
6-string banjos are tuned just like a guitar and are the perfect crossover instrument for guitarists. Sometimes they are called guitjos, ganjos, banjitars, etc., but we like to just call ours a 6-string banjo.
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