Playing The 5th String

Lesson 5/52 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Banjo

Playing The 5th String

The fifth string is tuned to a high G note (the same pitch as G on the first string at the 5th fret). This string is played by the thumb of the right hand and is used as an open string. Here is an exercise to help you get used to playing the fifth string.

It is common to add the high G string to alternating bass patterns. This is demonstrated in the following example. Take it slowly at first and make sure all the notes sound clearly and evenly. Pay particular attention to the right hand fingering.

Once you are comfortable with the pattern on a G chord, try adding some other chords with the left hand, as shown here.

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Class Sessions

1- Using Finger Picks 2- The Major Scale 3- INTRODUCTION 4- The Eighth Note 5- Notes on the 1st String 6- The Pinch 7- The C Major Chord 8- Playing Single Notes (Picking) 9- The Three Four Time Signature 10- LESSON ONE 11- Sixteenth Notes 12- Combining Melody And Accompaniment 13- Approach to Practice 14- The G Major Chord 15- Sequences 16- Alternate Picking 17- The Hammer-on 18- The Lead-in 19- The Pivot 20- Alternating Bass 21- Notes on the 3rd String 22- Finger Rolls 23- Rolls in Three Four Time 24- Left Hand Bar 25- Key of G Major 26- The 8va Symbol 27- Notes on the 4th String 28- The Pull-off 29- Cut Common Time 30- Parts of the Banjo 31- Songs Using the C Chord 32- Notes on the 2nd String 33- Chord Diagrams 34- The F Sharp Note (F<span class="symbolA">#</span>) 35- The Slide 36- Electronic Tuner 37- Minor Chords 38- Strumming 39- Combining Rolls 40- Playing The 5th String 41- Rhythm Patterns 42- Rests 43- Left Hand Fingering 44- Dotted Notes 45- How to Tune Your Banjo 46- Slide Finger 47- Chord Shapes 48- The Seventh Chord 49- How to Read Music 50- Chord Progressions 51- Music Notation 52- How to Hold the Banjo

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Playing The 5th String