If you want to start learning the openback banjo, it is essential to know which style you wish to play. Openback banjos typically feature resonators systems which amplify its sound (ideal for bluegrass or playing with others where loud sound must be heard).
Musical experience can be beneficial, but not necessary. Beginning banjo players should focus on mastering basic rolls and clawhammer licks before seeking banjo tabs online that teach how to play songs.
Getting Started
Beginners need a quality banjo, banjo case, strings and finger picks (metal guitar picks designed to slide onto fingers for plucking string), tuner (required regularly to tune your instrument), tuner resonators for bluegrass banjo or for playing alongside other musicians who need their instrument heard), tuner tuners and finger picks (metal guitar picks designed to slide onto fingers in order to pluck string). Open back banjos tend to be easier and lighter for beginners to start off playing than playing alongside musicians with instruments which require larger resonators than open back banjos. Resonators bans are recommended when learning bluegrass music alongside musicians who must play alongside musicians with larger instruments or playing alongside musicians with other instruments in order to be heard above their instruments resonator is recommended by professionals when learning bluegrass music alongside musicians playing together who need to play alongside each other musicians who require being heard above other instruments when learning bluegrass music together or playing alongside musicians who need to play alongside musicians who require being heard over other instruments when learning bluegrass banjo is recommended.
Once comfortable with the basics such as roll patterns and clawhammer licks, start practicing songs – this will improve both finger dexterity and musical ear! However, be careful of marathon sessions; too much repetition could cause tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome injuries so 10-20 minute daily practice is the ideal.
The Basics
As a beginner, it’s best to invest in essentials such as a banjo, strings, capo and frailing scoop. In addition, consider purchasing a gig bag if you plan on attending jam sessions, festivals or concerts with your banjo.
Beginners often prefer open back banjos without resonators as these models are easier to handle and less costly than those equipped with one. Once their skills have progressed however, beginners can transition easily into using those equipped with resonators to take advantage of their deeper sound for bluegrass or clawhammer styles.
Beginners looking to play banjo should ensure they’re as comfortable as possible when starting out – this includes sitting with shoulders back, not slouching, hands held at appropriate angles to contact strings at appropriate angles, using padded banjo straps when necessary and tuning their instrument regularly in order to stay in tune. A metronome may help ensure their music stays on key.
Practicing
Those interested in playing the banjo should dedicate themselves to daily practice. While this may initially appear tedious and unsatisfying, practicing daily is essential to becoming an accomplished banjo player. Start out practicing for thirty minutes per day; over time your time can increase as your speed and skill develop.
Learning musical terms for each note will allow you to tune your banjo by ear and play it perfectly, as well as understanding its string positions; for example, your thumb might play either the 5th or 4th string while your index finger strikes 3rd or 2nd strings.
Beginners need a banjo case, tuner and finger picks – metal guitar picks designed to slip onto fingers for string picking – for their first steps on this instrument. An open back banjo is highly recommended as its simpler clawhammer style makes learning to play easier; additionally it can be fitted with resonators to play bluegrass music.
Getting a Teacher
If Flatt & Scruggs have given you the Bluegrass bug, or one of Earl’s contemporaries like Kristin Scott Benson (The Grascals), Noam Pikelny or Ron Block has caught your interest; or contemporary banjoists like Bela Fleck or Old Crow Medicine Show have inspired you, it may be worth finding a teacher. Most Bluegrass teachers in your area should have experience playing longtime in Bluegrass bands as well as knowing how to teach.
Beginners may wish to purchase an appropriate banjo, either with or without resonator. Many novice players believe committing to one type will restrict them; however, most banjos can easily be converted to open back models.
Capo accessories allow musicians to play songs in keys higher than their typical tuning. A banjo tuner and gig bag provide essential means of maintaining tune.