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What are some basics about the banjo?

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Let’s start with the physical basics about the banjo. The base is made with plastic, calfskin, or goatskin stretched across a wooden or metal ring. The neck is attached to one side of the ring and a tailpiece, which is on top of the base on the other end. The most common banjo has 4 strings stretched from the tailpiece across the bridge and then all the way to the top of the neck. Along the neck you also have frets where you position your fingers for different chords.

There are hundreds, or even thousands of different ways that you can adjust or customize your banjo. The first variable is the number of strings. Though most banjos do come with 4 strings, you will see many out there with five or six strings as well. Another variation is the wood that is used on the neck, tailpiece, and base ring. Some of the woods used commonly are maple, walnut, and ebony. The look of the fret boards and pick boards may be adjusted by material and design. The electronic pickup is an important consideration if you are planning on playing your banjo in public. There is also a resonator function on the bottom of the base. This variation is becoming increasingly popular with banjo players because of the bass it adds and the natural sound it gives. The final variation is the amount of time that you use your strings. Strings can be changed on a daily basis to get the right sound for the occasion from your banjo.

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