Bluegrass musicians tend to favor resonator banjos because their unique sound stands out in the mix. Open back models may still work for this genre but don’t deliver as much sound projection.
Beginners to banjo may prefer an open-back model and “stuffing” (holding together with large screws) their resonator in order to lower its volume if living with roommates.
How to Tune
Many 4-string banjos used for bluegrass come with string heights high enough that are difficult to finger, making chording more challenging while simultaneously decreasing volume of the instrument. If this occurs, strings can be lowered in order to lower pitch; however this could make chording harder to play and lower its volume too significantly.
Tuners can help, but it is also beneficial to learn to tune by ear as there may be times when one isn’t available or you leave it at home. An out of tune banjo sounds bad and will distract from your playing. If a string is flat or too low in pitch, tighten its tuning peg so as to bring its pitch up closer to its correct pitch; similarly if it’s sharp lower its tuning peg until its pitch matches up again with its correct pitch; this scooching back and forth may sound unsettling but necessary!
Basic Fingerpicking Techniques
Employing the correct fingers when picking and strumming will enable you to produce more consistent sound. Start slowly practicing simple rolls to a metronome before gradually increasing the tempo as your technique becomes more comfortable.
Resonator banjos can be played in various genres of music, from bluegrass and old-time to folk and punk punk scenes – with popular acts like Show Me The Body being notable examples. Available as either four, five, or six string varieties depending on what style of music you intend on playing it is important that its design suits its intended use.
Wax your banjo’s wood regularly to protect it from being scratched or damaged, and to store it properly when not playing it. Doing this will enable you to continue enjoying it for as long as possible; its resonator may even be removed if desired.
Advanced Fingerpicking Techniques
Just about anyone with dexterous fingers can learn to fingerpick a banjo. While training the motion may require time and practice, once achieved it can open up a wealth of musical possibilities.
There are various aides that can assist in making playing the banjo easier, including an electronic tuner (or better still an app on your phone) and metronome for developing rhythm. Furthermore, learning songs (you can search online for banjo tabs of many popular songs) may also prove invaluable in aiding learning how to pick it.
There are also hybrid instruments, with banjo bodies and necks joined to the bodies of other instruments, like mandolin or ukulele bodies; such as banjo mandolins or banjo ukuleles; some are played similar to bluegrass music while others can also be used for jazz and swing styles of playing.
Bluegrass Fingerpicking Techniques
Resonator banjos feature a metal pot which reflects and projects sound forward for a louder tone, making them the preferred instrument of bluegrass musicians while they can also be played in other genres such as old time.
While resting the pinky and ring fingers of your picking hand on your head may seem safe and secure to beginning players, this poses significant limitations to smooth bluegrass playing, eventually leading to finger injuries and hampering fast performances.
Claw hammer banjo playing involves fast, repetitive string picking sequences using thumb, index and middle fingers while pinky and ring fingers brace against the head of the instrument to produce an arresting syncopated rhythm with a swing or shuffle feel. This style can be used as an accompaniment for singers or instrumentalists or used solo for performances; effective practice is key to developing this talent; aside from learning chords and scales it helps develop dexterity and strength by practicing melodies as well.