Common belief holds that banjos with resonators are superior to open back banjos; both types have their place in different musical styles.
Open-back banjos boast a warm tone that lends itself well to traditional music genres, while resonator banjos project sound with ease – ideal for bluegrass and other energetic forms of music.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass music is one of the more recognizable banjo styles, often used as accompaniment for groups with five strings or more.
Clawhammer is a percussive fingering pattern that employs thumb and index fingers to simultaneously sound each string on a banjo without an attached tone ring (some manufacturers mislead customers into thinking this piece counts as such). Resonator banjos won’t do as well for clawhammer; for best results when learning bluegrass music opt for openback or tenor models instead.
Resonators can be effective tools for various styles of playing, including jazz, dixieland and Irish/Celtic tunings. However, strumming chords that continue vibrating after switching chords will require you to use open strings that continue vibrating after switching chords; in such an instance, using a resonator could make it hard to discern where one note ends and another begins on 5-string banjos tuned to standard G tuning.
Clawhammer
Today’s banjo players usually rely on Earl Scruggs’ 3-finger picking style; however, clawhammer is another style which employs thumb and index finger chordal tones as melodic accents, providing more melodic accompaniment for songs or choruses.
Ted Ingham of Montpelier banjo teaching and performing fame states that clawhammer preserves in both music and execution an aesthetic from the past; furthermore it shows an increasing interest among younger players for old-time banjo playing.
As you learn this picking style, it is crucial that your hand remains relaxed. Muscle tension can lead to finger pain and make playing harder; in addition, try not to put too much pressure on the right hand when striking strings as this could result in claw hands (sorry). By following proper techniques when picking this style you will keep pain-free while being able to play more quickly and smoothly.
Fingerpicking
As with any fretted string instrument, fingerpicking is key to playing banjo. While basic musical skills may transfer across instruments, banjo-specific picking techniques require time and dedication to master. Remember that practicing good technique will lead to improved sound; investing time now is well worth your while!
Five-string banjos utilize a short fifth string that measures three-quarters the length of their other strings, creating an unusual tuning in which pitches ascend in order from lowest to highest rather than following a standard order of fourth, third, second, and first strings. Due to this reentrant tuning scheme, many banjo players utilize capos so they do not have to retune every time they change chords on their fretboard.
Washburn’s Americana B8-Pack provides an ideal starting point for new banjo players, providing everything needed to start picking: capo, carry bag and beginner instruction method books. Deciding between an open-back or resonator model depends entirely upon personal taste; choosing either will depend on how dedicated you are to picking style, musical direction and creative opportunities.
Strumming
Banjo players, particularly bluegrass enthusiasts, often rely on resonators as it allows for louder volumes than open back banjos can deliver. This feature can come in especially handy during jam sessions with guitarists and other musicians.
Resonator banjos can also be modified with metal tone rings in various ways to alter their sound, creating either an intensely harsh or delicately soft timbre that suits specific genres of music.
As a beginner, investing in a high-quality planetary tuner will help tuning easier. Removing the resonator will also significantly decrease sound levels; taking this step allows you to concentrate more fully on learning chords and strumming skills without being distracted by an ear-piercing tone; additionally it makes muddling strings with fingers easier to do.