Banjo E chord (C Tuning)E major on the 5-string banjo: x 1 0 2, and 5 more shapes

Frets, string 4 to string 1: x 1 0 2 (open position)

1. String 4 (C): not played
2. String 3 (G): 1st fret, index finger, G♯
3. String 2 (B): open, B
4. String 1 (D): 2nd fret, middle finger, E
5. String 5, the short g: open, G, not in the chord

Sounds: G♯ B E  ·  E is E, G♯, B (1 · 3 · 5)

Found in: A major (V), B major (IV), B mixolydian (IV), B dorian (IV), E major (I), E mixolydian (I)

The 5th string: the short g rubs against the G♯ in this shape, a semitone away: some players let it ring, some skip it.

C Tuning tuning: gCGBD, the short 5th string first, then strings 4 to 1.