Banjo E6 chord (Open D)E sixth on the 5-string banjo: 2 2 4 2, and 3 more shapes

Frets, string 4 to string 1: 2 2 4 2 (first position) · no 5th

1. String 4 (D): 2nd fret, index finger (barre), E
2. String 3 (F♯): 2nd fret, index finger (barre), G♯
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 G♯ C♯ E  ·  E6 is E, G♯, B, C♯ (1 · 3 · 5 · 6)

The 5th string: the short f♯ adds the 9th over E6, a colour rather than a clash.

With a capo: on the 2nd fret it’s 0 3 2 4 (frets counted from the capo), an open D6 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.