Bluegrass banjos are typically played using steel finger picks, so a resonator would generally be the better choice. However, for beginners just beginning folk music or clawhammer (both which use finger picking techniques), an open back banjo may suffice just fine.
Resonator banjos feature zinc tone rings called “flanges”, which add weight and help sustain notes longer than lighter instruments. While adding weight may seem beneficial, this feature is by no means essential.
Choosing a banjo
Your choice of banjo will have an enormous effect on how successfully you learn to play it. There are various styles available ranging from open-back models without resonators to noisy resonator versions; finding one suitable to your needs should not be difficult.
Resonator banjos feature a metal resonator which adds volume and projects the sound outward, making them great for playing live with other musicians. Unfortunately, however, resonator models tend to be heavier than open-back models making extended use difficult.
If you’re just getting into banjo, we advise choosing an open-back model as this will give you a better feel of the instrument and allow you to experiment with various techniques before committing to one resonator style. If unsure which banjo to select, visit a music store or workshop near you and try various models first before making your choice.
Getting started
Starting up a banjo can be both rewarding and exciting. But before purchasing one, there are a number of important decisions you need to make first – such as whether to opt for an open back or resonator banjo depending on what music style interests you; ultimately this choice comes down to personal taste – bluegrass players tend to favor resonator banjos more for louder sound projection but beginner players might find open back banjos equally good; ultimately it all boils down to personal choice!
It is also essential to purchase a high-quality banjo, and should avoid purchasing one manufactured by guitar brands as these often focus on aesthetics over quality. Make sure the banjo you select has a geared fifth string peg, easy tuning mechanism and is equipped with a geared fifth string peg or else you may end up frustrated and stop playing altogether – developing great techniques takes time and it is vital not giving up prematurely!
Tuning the banjo
No matter the style of music you perform, knowing how to tune your banjo is an integral component. An electronic tuner may help, but learning by ear will allow for greater precision when tuning and may prevent accidental string breaks by tuning too high or too low.
Modal tunings provide another useful tuning option, enabling you to access a vast body of traditional music that does not rely on chord progressions for its development. These tunings were originally developed by musicians who focused more on melody and drone than chords when designing these tunings.
For when purchasing a banjo, the primary consideration should be sound quality and musical style preferences. Resonator status should only be viewed as secondary consideration.
Learning the basics
Learning an instrument can be daunting and intimidating at the same time. With all of the different types of banjos out there and so many new terms to learn, finding one you enjoy and practicing it until it becomes second nature can be daunting! For best results, find something you enjoy playing and practice it until you can play it without making mistakes – which could take weeks or months but don’t give up!
Resonator banjos are the standard choice for bluegrass and clawhammer styles, providing louder tones that project sound to an audience. Their volume can also be reduced by simply taking off their resonator or installing a bridge mute.
One of the key points about banjo usage is selecting high quality strings and materials like hard wood for its head and bridge. Cheap materials may damage strings and the head, leading to costly repairs or replacement costs in future use.