I disagree Vectis. Drop the string - it becomes an inferior guitar or bass guitar.

The high G 0r A is part of what it does - like the drone string on the G banjo.

Only it doesn't drone - what it does is make the up and down stroke two distinct chords that can be deployed in a variety of both fast and slow rhythmic patterns. With the lift offs - - it gives the player access to four chords

That's the essence of the instrument You can get these dazzling counterpoints. Like flamenco. Its a real folk instrument.

As far as I can see - the 'we must take music as a po-faced serious business' crowd have mercifully not twigged yet.