There is much advice out there regarding purchasing your first banjo; both good and bad advice exists. In general, however, it’s recommended that you get as good an instrument as your budget allows; consider both its resale value and future potential when making this decision.
Discover how to tune your banjo by ear with this interactive game! Click below and get started enhancing your musical ear for playing banjo! It is key that musical ability be developed as part of learning the instrument.
Learning to play
Guitarists looking to add banjo playing to their repertoire can start relatively cost-effectively by purchasing a five string resonator banjo. There are certain characteristics about this instrument which differentiate it from its acoustic guitar counterpart; most notably tunings and format.
Some players choose to tune a banjo like a fiddle (EADG), while others tune it similar to mandolin or ukulele tuning (GCEA), and some even use it like the first four strings of a guitar (EADB). Each tuning achieves different musical results and requires taking an individualized approach when learning it.
Banjos with resonators tend to be louder and brighter than open back models, which may prove problematic when trying to cut through a band. To combat this issue, an ideal setup solution includes adjusting string gauges, head tension, bridge height and tailpiece as needed.
Learning to tune
Resonator banjos are the classic bluegrass instrument and often seen in jam sessions. This type of banjo features a brass tone ring with an attached brass flange for tuning purposes and either maple or mahogany resonators resonators; additionally it often weighs slightly more than open back banjos.
Resonator banjos are great starter models for learning bluegrass or folk styles, which combine melody with chords without using finger picks. Unfortunately, however, resonator models require more frequent string changes than their open back counterparts.
Tuners can help keep you playing banjo in tune. At Sweetwater, you can purchase electronic tuners, pitch pipes and tuning forks as well as clip-on tuners that make tuning easy. Also helpful is using one to prevent over-tightening strings which could damage both head and sound of instrument.
Learning to strum
There are various styles of banjos available to musicians. Resonator banjos tend to be preferred by bluegrass musicians due to their louder and twangier sound than open back banjos; on the other hand, open back banjos produce more subdued yet soft tones.
Resonator banjos feature a sound chamber to reflect back the strings’ vibrations to make their tone brighter; however, these models require more regular tuning as well as special picks to maintain.
No matter which kind of banjo you select, it is crucial that you learn how to strum it correctly and practice fingerings while strumming chords and playing melodies. Furthermore, you should know how to tune your instrument by ear – for more information click below or get extra assistance by clicking here.
Learning to pick
Since there are so many styles of 5-string banjo playing, it’s essential that newcomers start learning the proper method from day one. A great place to begin learning this style of picking is through practicing clawhammer picking; although difficult, this style requires dexterity and mastering it is essential skill for any banjo player.
Another essential part of learning how to play the banjo is making sure your strings are regularly replaced, to keep it sounding great. At minimum, it should be done every three months for maximum performance, and also helps avoid snapping any strings during gigs.
The Recording King banjo comes equipped with a gig bag, picks and an instructional book – making it an excellent option for beginners looking to practice their skills at home. Though slightly more costly than other models, investing in this instrument could prove worthwhile.