6 Best Banjo Strings

The right banjo strings will primarily depend on the type of banjo that you have, your playing style, and the main genres of music you want to play. The best is to try as many different ones as possible so you can hone in on the characteristics you want to get from your strings. 

Luckily banjo strings are relatively inexpensive, so trying different ones won’t put you out of pocket too much. Make sure you check with the manufacturer of your banjo before changing to heavier gauge strings to ensure that your instrument can handle the extra tension and avoid any unfortunate accidents.

The banjo that most people are familiar with has 5 strings. 4 string banjos are gaining in popularity these days too. 6 string banjos are popular cross-over instruments for guitarists looking to get an authentic banjo sound.

The 5-string is the beloved instrument of bluegrass players and is what most people think of when the banjo is mentioned. 4-string banjos or banjoleles are a crossover between a banjo and a ukulele. 

How often you change your banjo strings will depend on how much you play. On average aim to change your banjo strings every 2 months. If you play many hours a day you may have to change them once or twice a month.

You’ll know it’s time to change your strings when you can start to see signs of oxidation on them. They’ll start to change color, and sound duller. Your fingers will find it harder to glide and change notes on old and dull strings that need to be changed. 

Factors that affect how often you need to change your strings will include how often you play, the type of climate you live in (humid climates will mean you may have to change your strings more often), and the composition of your skin. People with oily complexions can cause strings to corrode faster and consequently may need to replace their strings more often than ‘drier’ people. 

The different types of banjo strings are usually classified by the alloy they are made from. Different alloys produce different tonal qualities, and players will have to experiment with different types to see what works best for them.

Only the 4th or B string on a 5-string banjo is usually wound. Long-neck banjos will often have wound 3rd and 4th strings, as do tenor and plectrum banjos due to the higher string tension needed for the Flatpicking techniques.

Wound strings often have a steel core that’s either round or shaped. You can distinguish wound strings when shopping as they often contain a “w” following the gauge number.

Below are some of the most common alloys used for banjo strings. 

Nickel-Plated – Smooth tone, good projection, and bright sound.

Stainless Steel – Corrosion resistant, and produces a balanced and smooth tone.

Phosphor Bronze – Often used on wound 4th strings, and produces a warm tone.

Coated Strings – Strings are coated in a polymer to reduce corrosion and extend the life of the strings. Tonal qualities vary between manufacturers.

5-string banjo strings usually come in extra light, light, and medium. Light gauge strings are easier to play so are more suitable when you’re learning the banjo. Heavier gauge strings have a fatter tone with more tonal width to them, but can be harder to fret.

Heavier strings add more warmth to your tone as well as more attack and volume.

There’s no easier answer to what the perfect string gauge is for you. Because banjos are designed differently between manufacturers and have different native ranges, players use different playing techniques and styles, there’s no easy way to answer what the best gauge for you is. The best way is to experiment with different gauges until you find out what you like and don’t like.

Some players prefer the responsiveness of light gauge strings, whilst others prefer the heaviness and depth of higher gauge strings. This is especially apparent in the lower and mid ranges.
 
If you’re just beginning to learn the banjo then consider light gauge strings as they’re easier to fret and will likely let you progress quicker than heavier strings will.

Wound strings typically last longer than unwound ones and can be more resonant, whilst unwound strings are usually brighter. Where you are willing to compromise is entirely up to you.

On a 6 string banjo, the bottom two or three strings will typically be wound with the same material or contrasting material to the core.

Most strings are made from stainless steel which is popular as they project sound well and are durable, responsive, and provide a smooth tone. Nickel strings give a brighter tone with a sharp attack, which may be preferable if you’re using your banjo to solo in a rock band, for example.