The five string banjo is the archetype of the American banjo. It is derived from instruments of African origin with similar names. Since the early 19th century banjo 5 strings today is played in America - initially without it, later with 22 frets. The 5th string is next to the bass string to the center of the neck in the 5th fret, and was not originally picked (from modern, contemporary banjo players intensely resorted). The diameter of the head is approximately 11 inches. The five-stringed banjo is played with the fingers (classic, frailing, clawhammer) and fingertips (3-finger bluegrass style).

Usage: American folk music, troubadour, lounge music in 1900, folk, bluegrass, sporadically pop and modern jazz.