Banjo

Banjo
(BAN-joe)

A stringed instrument that is classified as a chordophone that can be either strummed or plucked. A folk instrument of African origin from the guitar family. It has a fretted fingerboard, elongated neck, a circular body, and four or five strings. The body has a soundboard animal skin or parchment like a drum.

Photo courtesy of Lark In The Morning

Table of Banjo Tunings

5 String Banjo Characteristics
Strings:	5
Neck:	Long (Shorter high G drone string)
Main use:	Strumming, picking or guitar-like solos
Example:
Note:	This is the traditional tuning, many optional tunings are often used
Tenor Banjo Characteristics
Strings:	4
Neck:	Short
Main use:	Strumming or guitar-like solos
Example:
Irish Banjo Characteristics
Strings:	4
Neck:	Short
Main use:	Picking melodies along with fiddle tunes
Example:
Plectrum Banjo Characteristics
Strings:	4 (Guitar-length)
Neck:	Long
Main use:	Strumming
Example: