3 Banjitar String Gauge and Tuning Ideas

This is a follow-up to a video about how to get a better sound from your #banjitar that was prompted by a viewer’s question.
Link to Nashville Tuning Strings -
#6stringbanjo #nashvilletuning

[@markharwood7573]

Just this morning I thought of stringing the banjitar Nashville style. I knew some other folks would have thought of it first! This is interesting though, all the different gauges that are worth a try. My sixer is short scale, so one feasible tuning is standard gDGBD (one tuner unused), where the thumb string goes all the way to the nut & can be fretted where it usually cannot. That is really useful and I don't know why more people don't do that.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I tried out that tuning, but I added a low G, so it was like gGDGBD. It was useful for playing straight up banjo tunes, with an extra low G. You could even do clawhammer with it (but I suck at clawhammer style!)

[@markharwood7573]

@@GWGuitarStudio Yes, I've done that too. I think that's what some folks insist is the actual 6-string banjo: 5 plus a thumb string. I never mastered clawhammer or frailing either, just play fingerstyle.

[@eltonbarrett8001]

I watched this, and literally just tried it on my 6 string banjo. I’ve only attempted Banjo Bill’s method and have made extreme progress on this. I love the sound. This helped me extremely. Awesome video with very in-depth explanation that a simple man like me can understand.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

This makes my day!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BTW most 6 string Banjos these days have a Slightly Wider & deeper body than their 5 string Counterparts so that the Low Notes speak more clearly, plus they have the same scale length as a Guitar (25.5 or shorter) so that it feels slick & fast.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Nashville tuning string sets - amzn.to/3P0Zcew #affilatelink

[@dougmiller9567]

thanks..just the info I needed

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Glad to hear it!

[@xanther97]

6-string banjos require loop-end strings. How do you put any guitar strings onto a 6-string banjo? How does that work??

[@GWGuitarStudio]

I have four banjitars, all of different brands. All of them take standard ball-end guitar strings or loop ends. The bigger problem is that some brand of strings are too short. The 26.5” scale length, plus the extra length to the end of the tailpiece is way longer than a regular guitar. I have never had an issue with Ernie Ball or D’Addario, but the bulk strings from Musician’s Friend are too short.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Here’s the link to Banjo Bill- kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpW0oHuglKl-ec0

[@grahamhughes2656]

Hi, I wonder if you could help me out? I have just re-strung my 6 string banjo with the D'Addario Nashville EXL150H strings that you recommended, but when I was tuning it (standard tuning EADGBE) I broke the D(012) string straight away. I hadn't even started to tune the G(009) B(014) and top E(010) strings, which seemed really tight already!! Where am I going wrong??

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Depending on the video you watched, I mentioned that the scale length makes a difference. I tune mine a whole step down because my banjitars have a 26.5” scale length. (Most guitars are 25.5 or 24.75.) I use a capo on the 2nd fret to play in standard tuning.

[@grahamhughes2656]

Oh, I see. Thank you Greg, for your quick response. I've just bought a new 012 string so I'll start again!!! 😀 It's much appreciated and keep up the good work with the videos!!

[@mm552]

Considering I can't even do standard tuning (since the E strings, sometimes low E, sometimes high end up jumping out of the bridge) I think I'll pass on alternate tunings.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Might need to take a file and cut some bridge slots.

[@mm552]

@@GWGuitarStudio Thanks so much for the response, yeah, I thought so, especially after scouting some forums, I did try to file the slots, but the file was most definitely too big for the job, so I'm going to try and get a replacement bridge.