There are several different types of banjos, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Banjos are stringed instruments that are played with a plectrum or pick and are known for their bright, percussive sound. They are often used in bluegrass, folk, and country music and have a long history dating back to the 19th century.
It can be tough to categorize the most popular types of banjos since different regions, music genres, and player preferences will all have an impact on their choice. Nevertheless, here is a general overview of the many types of banjos in order from most to least popular:
- Four-String
- Five-String
- Six-String
- Tenor
- Plectrum
- Banjo Mandolin
- Banjo Ukulele
- Open-Back
- Resonator Banjo
Four-String Banjo
The 4-string banjo is a traditional instrument that has been around for centuries. It typically sports four strings, tuned in perfect fourths…which creates its signature sound. This type of banjo is particularly popular in bluegrass and old-time music styles and is used to provide rhythm and backup accompaniment. In addition, it can be used as a solo instrument to play lead melodies as well.
Since the Four-String Banjo is highly considered the most popular, I go into more details over here on this article.
Tuning – One popular string tuning for a 4-string banjo is called “Chicago Tuning” and is constructed in the key of G. The strings are tuned to D-G-B-E (from lowest pitched to highest pitched, respectively). This tuning allows the banjo player to easily play melodies in the key of G, as well as chords and accompaniments in other keys.
Five-string banjo
The 5-string banjo is a versatile instrument used in many different styles of music, from bluegrass and folk to jazz and rock. It features five strings, usually tuned in perfect fifths, with the fifth string playing a higher octave than the fourth string. This banjo can be used for both rhythm and lead parts, as well as for solos. Its unique tone is often used to provide a unique flavor to any musical arrangement.
Tuning – Tuning for a 5-string banjo is called “Clawhammer Tuning” and is constructed in the key of G. The strings are tuned to G-D-G-B-D (from lowest pitched to highest pitched, respectively). This specific tuning allows for the range of tones available on traditional Clawhammer songs, as well as chords, solos, and accompaniments in multiple keys.
Six-string banjo
The 6-string banjo is designed to sound like a hybrid between a guitar and the traditional 4-string or 5-string instrument. It features six strings, tuned in perfect fourths, with two courses on the top three strings. This type of banjo can be used for both lead and rhythm parts and can lend a unique sound to many different musical genres. It’s great for those looking to bring an extra element of variety to their playing.
Tuning – Tuning for a 6-string banjo is called “G-Tuning” and is constructed in the key of G. The strings are tuned to G-D-G-B-D-G (from lowest pitched to highest pitched, respectively). This particular tuning allows for a wide range of tones and chords, as well as melodies and accompaniments in multiple keys.
Tenor banjo
The tenor banjo is a four-string instrument that is slightly larger than its five-string counterpart. It is usually tuned in fifths and is best known for being used in traditional Irish music, as well as bluegrass, old-time and swing jazz. The tenor banjo can be used for lead lines or rhythm parts, and its unique sound adds a distinct flavor to any musical arrangement.
Tuning – Tenor banjo tuning is called “C-GDAE” and is constructed in the key of C, with the strings tuned to C-G-D-A-E (from lowest pitched to highest pitched, respectively). This tuning offers great versatility, as it allows for a wide range of chords, melodies, solos, and accompaniments in multiple keys.
Plectrum Banjo
The plectrum banjo is a four-stringed instrument that is slightly larger than the five-string banjo. It’s commonly tuned in fifths and is used most often in traditional Irish music as well as jazz, bluegrass, old-time and swing.
The plectrum banjo has a bright sound and fast attack that suits many genres of music, making it an extremely versatile instrument. Its wide dynamic range allows players to craft unique tone colors with the subtlest of variations. Plectrum banjos are often used for lead lines or rhythm parts, adding a distinct flavor to any musical arrangement.
Tuning – Common string tuning for a plectrum banjo is called “C-GBE” and is constructed in the key of C, with the strings tuned to C-G-B-E (from lowest pitched to highest pitched, respectively). This tuning gives players a wide range of tones and chords to work with, as well as allowing them to play melodies and accompaniments in multiple keys.
Banjo mandolin
A banjo mandolin is a hybrid instrument that combines the strings and body of a banjo with the scale length and frets of a mandolin. This produces a unique sound that is perfect for playing bluegrass, folk, or country music. The four strings are tuned in fifths, much like a mandolin, but the unique sound of the banjo set-up gives this instrument its own distinct tone.
Tuning – The most common tuning for a banjo mandolin is “GDAD,” with the strings tuned to G-D-A-D (lowest to highest). This tuning is great for playing folk, country and bluegrass music, due to its ability to produce complex chords and driving rhythms.
Banjo Ukulele
A banjo ukulele, also known as a banjolele, is an instrument that mixes the four strings of a ukulele with the distinctive body and sound of a banjo. Its unique sound is perfect for playing jazz, blues, folk, pop, and country music.
Tuning – The most common tuning for a banjo ukulele is “GCEA,” with the strings tuned to G-C-E-A (lowest to highest).
Open-back banjo
An open-back banjo is a type of banjo that has no resonator on the back. This gives it a warmer, sweeter sound than a closed-back banjo, which is usually brighter and louder in tone. Open-back banjos are often associated with folk, blues, and old-time music styles.
Tuning – Common tuning for an open-back banjo is “GDEA,” with the strings tuned to G-D-E-A (lowest to highest). This tuning is great for playing folk, blues, and old-time music.
Resonator banjo
This type of banjo has a resonator on the back of the instrument that helps amplify the sound. It is often used in bluegrass and country music and has a brighter, more powerful sound than an open-back banjo.
Tuning – The most common tuning for a resonator banjo is “GDGBD,” with the strings tuned to G-D-G-B-D (lowest to highest). This tuning is great for playing country, bluegrass, and jazz styles of music.
What Is The Rarest Banjo?
It is difficult to determine the rarest banjo, as rarity can be subjective and depend on a variety of factors such as the age, condition, provenance, and desirability of the instrument. Some banjos that may be considered rare or highly collectible by some collectors and players include:
- Antique Banjos – Banjos that were made in the 19th or early 20th centuries may be considered rare due to their age and historical significance.
- Custom-Made Banjos – Banjos that were made by hand by individual luthiers or small workshops may be considered rare due to their unique construction and craftsmanship.
- Rare Models or Prototypes – Banjos that were made in small numbers or were experimental models may be considered rare due to their scarcity.
- Banjos with Unique Features or Materials – Banjos that were made with unusual or exotic materials or that have unique features may be considered rare due to their rarity and uniqueness.
- Vintage Banjos – Banjos that were made in the mid-20th century may be considered rare due to their age and the fact that many were produced in limited quantities.
Ultimately, the rarity of a banjo depends on the individual instrument and the demand for it among collectors and players.
For instance, a banjo owned by a particularly famous player…such as Julia Lennon’s (mother of John Lennon) banjo…can get bids upward of $1 million dollars at auction. However, in that situation you’re mainly paying for the name pedigree of the owner rather than the instrument value itself.
In the case of instrument value, some would argue the rarest banjo is the 6-string Fylder Tenor banjo, which was first developed in the late 1900s. It has a distinctive tone and projection compared to other more common 5-string models. These instruments are incredibly hard to find, but if you can score one it will be a prized possession for any banjo enthusiast!
An older model 6-string Fyldor will usually cost more than a newer one, while some vintage models have been known to command prices upwards of $10, 000. Condition is also important when it comes to pricing, as some instruments may require extensive restoration work before they are playable.