Chiff and Fipple Forums

Greetings folks..... any ideas for damping the 5th string on an open back banjo ? The first place to start would be to play it quieter I know and do practice that but wondering about changing the 5th string or dulling it with a piece of sponge I have seen. For a drone string I would want it at half the volume of the other strings which takes some technique especially at any sort of speed.

Hello there, Damping the 5th string on your open-back banjo is a great idea for achieving the desired balance. Using a piece of sponge or foam near the bridge can work well for softening the drone string's volume. Adjusting your technique and finger placement can also help you control the string's volume. Experiment with different methods and find what suits your style. Happy playing and experimenting on your banjo journey!