Beginners may wish to start off with an open back banjo without resonators since these models are less costly and easier for novice players to handle. As their skills develop and they desire deeper sounding instruments for Bluegrass or clawhammer styles, more expensive versions might become desirable later.
Basics
Beginner banjo players may feel overwhelmed. There are multiple styles, as well as an entirely new vocabulary like resonator, open back banjo, 19 fret tenor banjo etc. To begin playing banjo is exciting! But once you learn it all can become somewhat daunting.
First step to mastering banjo is getting your hands comfortable with it. This involves sitting with shoulders back, not slouching, hands at appropriate angles for string contact and when necessary using padded banjo straps for additional support.
Once you feel confident enough to start learning basic songs, start learning basic songs to increase finger dexterity and musical ear. Be wary not to engage in marathon sessions; too much repetitive strumming can lead to tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome if performed for too long a period. 10-20 minutes daily practice should suffice. You will need several accessories including a capo, frailing scoop and banjo string; in addition an electronic tuner should also be used, though learning by ear is highly encouraged!
Equipment
Aspiring musicians face one of their primary challenges when starting out: choosing equipment that will give them the greatest chance for success. New players may feel overwhelmed by all of the options and must also become acquainted with different parts of instruments and styles of playing them.
Beginners need a good quality banjo as a cornerstone piece of equipment, featuring openback models with resonator systems to amplify sound – ideal for bluegrass music or when performing alongside musicians who must be heard.
Fingerstyle banjo is the most widely played style of openback banjo and requires percussive striking of strings using either index or middle fingers on one of your left hands. A resonator banjo is best suited to this technique, though clawhammer players may use an openback instead – it just won’t sound quite as nice!
Finding a teacher
As a beginner to an instrument like banjo, it can be daunting determining the equipment and style best suited for you. Many novice players become overwhelmed with all their options and never even attempt learning!
Beginners often start off with an open back banjo without resonator, as these models are easier to handle and less costly. Later on when their skills progress further, resonators can be easily added for clawhammer and Scruggs styles of music.
Beginners should purchase a banjo case, strings, and tuner from a large music store; additional accessories should include padded banjo straps and metronomes to stay in tune when playing. Players should make themselves as comfortable as possible when practicing by sitting up with shoulders back, not slouching and using a hand position that allows fingers to contact strings at appropriate angles.
Practice
Becoming an accomplished banjo player starts with daily practice. While this may feel challenging and discouraging at times, dedicating at least 30 minutes to work every day will help improve your technique, build dexterity and develop rhythm.
If you’re new to playing banjo, an open back banjo may be best as an initial choice. These models are lightweight and affordable – ideal for beginning players looking for their first instrument – while offering more mellow tones suited for folk, old timey and clawhammer styles of music.
One advantage of an open back banjo is its ease of tune up; simply use a tuner and be aware of whether a string is sharp or flat to find the proper key, then twist its head clockwise or counterclockwise accordingly for adjustments if it needs flattening/sharpening.