Resonator Banjos have a different sound than open-back models. This is because the resonator adds a lot of extra volume to the instrument. This makes them perfect for bluegrass music.
The Deering Goodtime banjo is great for beginners because it’s a bit less expensive than other models. It also has a slim neck, which is good for those with smaller hands.
John Denver – “Take Me Home Country Roads”
After banjo popularity faded in the 1960s as folk singers moved over to guitar, 5-string banjo playing re-emerged with Earl Scruggs’ groundbreaking bluegrass picking techniques. John Denver capitalized on this newfound interest with the 1971 hit “Take Me Home Country Roads.” This song showcases a masterful use of the resonator banjo, which was a relatively new instrument at that time.
When Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert started writing the song, they were hoping to sell it to Johnny Cash. However, when Denver heard the song he immediately wanted it for his next album, Poems, Prayers and Promises. Danoff and Nivert reluctantly let him record it, and it was a hit.
The song starts with a slow, tense buildup that promises an enthusiastic payoff. And it delivers, with Ray’s band establishing an agreeably woodsy country rhythm and a relaxed, happy vocal performance about the “almost heaven”-ly mountains and rivers of West Virginia. Danoff, Nivert and the other members of his Starland Vocal Band would go on to write 12 more hits for Denver.
Johnny Cash – “Mephistopheles”
If you’re a beginner banjo player, this tune is an easy one to learn and showcases the wide range of sounds available with a resonator banjo. It also allows you to play a simple chord progression and add 3 finger rolls to your strumming technique. Your non-banjo playing friends will expect you to know this one and request that you play it for them; a sure way to keep them entertained!
While resonator banjos are often associated with bluegrass music, artists like Noam Pikelny and Rhiannon Giddens have utilized the instruments to explore other genres of music beyond their traditional context. This Recording King Songster Resonator Banjo features a comfortable mahogany neck and Revebond fingerboard for excellent playability. Its authentic rolled tone ring delivers rich sustain, while fast planetary headstock tuners allow you to make tuning adjustments on the fly. The resonator is also removable, if you prefer to play without it. However, it’s important to regularly inspect the banjo for signs of wear and tear.
Willie Nelson – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
The Charlie Daniels Band’s 1979 release “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” straddled the lines between country and Southern rock music. The song and its accompanying album, Million Mile Reflections, remains one of the most influential and controversial roots-based hits ever to cross genre labels.
While the popularity of 5-string banjos dropped during the late 1960s due to folk singers switching over to guitars, the acoustic instrument enjoyed a revival in the 1970s with Earl Scruggs’ groundbreaking clawhammer banjo picking techniques. Today, open back banjos (without a resonator) are still preferred by Old Timey Pickers for their tone, while those who play Bluegrass often favor resonator models.
Resonator banjos have a built-in amplifier effect, making them much louder than open-back models. They are also more versatile and can be tuned to a variety of tunings, depending on the genre of music you plan to play. If you’re new to the world of banjos, a Deering Goodtime 2 or Bishline Okie are excellent beginner models.
The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun”
Resonator banjos are louder than open-back models and tend to be favoured by bluegrass musicians. They’re not difficult to play but do require practice to become proficient. To get started, it’s best to learn basic chord progressions and strumming techniques. It’s also recommended to regularly inspect your instrument for signs of wear or damage.
‘Here Comes the Sun’ is one of the most popular five-string banjo songs in the world and has been covered by numerous artists, including George Harrison. The Beatles’ version was recorded at Abbey Road studios on 7 July 1969. John Lennon didn’t appear on the recording, with Harrison instead completing the song alone using an acoustic guitar. He reportedly wrote the song while at Hurtwood Wood windmill in Ewhurst, Surrey. The song reflects the peace and optimism that Harrison was feeling during this time, as well as his relief from tensions with The Beatles’ management.