5-String Banjo:
1. 0.010: This gauge is often used for high-pitched melodies and fast picking.
2. 0.011: Slightly thicker than .010, it is also commonly used for melodies and picking.
3. 0.012: A versatile gauge suitable for a range of playing styles, providing a balanced tone.
4. 0.013: A heavier gauge that produces a louder and fuller sound, often preferred for bluegrass music.
4-String Banjo:
1. 0.022: The thinnest gauge, commonly used in Irish traditional music for a bright, sharp tone.
2. 0.024: A popular gauge for Irish traditional music, offering a bit more depth and sustain.
3. 0.026: Provides a warmer and fuller tone, often used in bluegrass music.
4. 0.028: The heaviest gauge, producing a deep and resonant sound, suitable for bluegrass, old-time, and clawhammer styles.
Tenor Banjo:
1. 0.022w: A lightweight string, especially for Irish tenor banjos, known as "whiskey strings."
2. 0.023: A standard gauge for Irish tenor banjos, providing a bright and clear sound.
3. 0.025: Typically used for plectrum-style banjo playing, offering a louder and fuller sound.
4. 0.027: Suitable for Bluegrass and old-time music on tenor banjos, producing a warm and mellow tone.
Plectrum Banjo:
1. 0.011: Similar to the 5-string banjo, this gauge is common for high-pitched melodies.
2. 0.012: A standard gauge for plectrum banjo, offering a versatile tone.
3. 0.013: Provides a brighter and louder sound, suitable for some plectrum styles.
It's essential to experiment with different string gauges to find the ones that best suit your banjo and playing style. Factors like scale length, neck tension, capo placement, and personal preferences all influence the choice of string gauges.