Banjo A chord (Open D)A major on the 5-string banjo: 2 3 4 2, and 2 more shapes

Frets, string 4 to string 1: 2 3 4 2 (first position)

1. String 4 (D): 2nd fret, index finger (barre), E
2. String 3 (F♯): 3rd fret, middle finger, A
3. String 2 (A): 4th fret, ring finger, C♯
4. String 1 (D): 2nd fret, index finger (barre), E
5. String 5, the short f♯: open, F♯, not in the chord

Sounds: E A C♯ E  ·  A is A, C♯, E (1 · 3 · 5)

Found in: A major (I), D major (V), A mixolydian (I), B mixolydian (♭VII), B dorian (♭VII), B minor (♭VII)

The 5th string: the short f♯ adds the 6th over A, a colour rather than a clash.

With a capo: on the 2nd fret it’s 0 1 2 0 (frets counted from the capo), an open G shape. Spike the 5th string at the 7th fret to keep it in tune with the capo.

Open D tuning: f♯DF♯AD, the short 5th string first, then strings 4 to 1.