Banjo B6 chord (Open D)B sixth on the 5-string banjo: 1 2 2 1, and 3 more shapes

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

1. String 4 (D): 1st fret, index finger (barre), D♯
2. String 3 (F♯): 2nd fret, middle finger, G♯
3. String 2 (A): 2nd fret, ring finger, B
4. String 1 (D): 1st fret, index finger (barre), D♯
5. String 5, the short f♯: open, F♯, in the chord

Sounds: D♯ G♯ B D♯  ·  B6 is B, D♯, F♯, G♯ (1 · 3 · 5 · 6)

The 5th string: the short f♯ is the 5th of B6, so let it ring.

With a capo: on the 4th fret it’s 0 1 2 2 (frets counted from the capo), an open G6 shape. Spike the 5th string at the 9th 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.