What is the difference between the tenor and the plectrum and the five string banjo?
The tenor has either 17 or 19 frets and the plectrum has 22 frets. There are no hard and fast rules about the use of either banjo. Generally the tenor is best known for its ability as rhythm instrument in Dixieland bands and the plectrum is the choice of many soloists. In the hands of the right players they are effectively interchangeable in terms of their uses. Some of the best solo banjo players around use the tenor and some of the best Dixieland players use plectrums. The shorter neck of the tenor requires more use of inside chords to reach all of the melody notes without getting to far up into the upper reaches of the fretboard where things can get some what squeaky. The longer neck of the plectrum allows for more notes to be reached on the first string. In addition the first string does not need to be stretched as tightly to be brought into tune. This allows for a somewhat easier tremolo. The five string is an institution unto itself. It is an exceptionally versatile instrument. T
