Four String Banjo The plectrum banjo has four strings, lacking the shorter fifth drone string, and around 22 frets it is usually tuned CGBD. It is one of the first songs that my banjo teacher taught me, and I have really appreciated it more over time. Choose between Scruggs style, melodic style and backup arrangements. For many years, this type of music has made a huge impression on music enthusiasts around the world. And more than 100 years after the words were penned we find they still ring out across the nation.