Discover the joy of playing banjo by learning its fundamentals. Depending on your preferred genre of music, start off learning either with a closed back banjo or an open back banjo; closed back banjos tend to work better for bluegrass playing as they feature resonators tubes for amplified volume.
Once you’ve mastered basic techniques, you can begin learning songs. There are countless traditional folk songs which are easy to pick up.
Learning to play the banjo
Learning the banjo can be both enjoyable and fulfilling; however, in order to maximize its benefits it’s crucial that you set aside an adequate practice schedule – 10-20 minute practices spread throughout each day are often considered the most efficient method of honing skills.
Select the ideal banjo type for your style of playing. Closed-back models produce louder tones and may be best suited to bluegrass music; open back models will work just fine in other genres of music. Also consider purchasing a banjo tuner to ensure that your instrument remains in tune.
Different styles of banjo playing utilize decorative notes to adorn their melodies, whether that means drone notes or additional harmony to fill in gaps in the melody. Therefore, finding an experienced teacher who can teach these techniques and prevent common errors such as accidentally plucking the wrong string with your thumb is crucial to developing great banjo skills.
Finding a teacher
Private tuition is one of the best ways to learn banjo, but it may not always be feasible or affordable. Also, scheduling can make finding suitable teachers challenging – an online platform such as Lynda can provide an alternative and help find one tailored to meet your individual needs and schedule.
This website offers lessons ranging from beginner to advanced levels, with new lessons added each week. They’re organized by category and there’s even an optional Gold Pick Membership package with over 400 detailed video lessons!
This website also provides lessons to teach both bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, such as “Cumberland Gap.” This classic old-time tune can be played in double C tuning with a capo at fret two for easy singing along. There are some exciting syncopations details as well as variations with drop thumbing and pull-offs that give it extra character!
Buying a banjo
When purchasing a banjo for beginners, it’s essential that they purchase an appropriate model – this depends on what style you intend to play and may include getting one with or without resonators; alternatively open back models may also work well.
Resonators make your banjo sound louder, which is ideal for bluegrass and playing with others. But you may wish to consider taking steps to remove it; doing this takes less than one minute and should have little impact on sound.
Other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a banjo for beginners include its neck and fretting action. You should easily be able to press strings against frets to produce different notes; furthermore, the instrument should feel comfortable to hold and play. You’ll also require accessories like gig bags, capos, tuners and tuner tuners; these items can be purchased either online or at local music stores.
Online learning
Online learning of banjo can be an ideal option for novice players looking to save on tuition costs by studying with experienced banjo teachers via an online platform. Many platforms provide courses from top teachers with audio, video and written notes as well as exercises and practice tips – perfect for newcomers to the instrument!
ArtistWorks is one of the premier online learning platforms for banjo, offering courses taught by esteemed players like Tony Trischka and Noam Pikelny. There are three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced so students can benefit from a full year’s worth of lessons from home.
Success with banjo begins by practicing regularly and listening to music that inspires you. Select a quality banjo made in either the US or Canada with three ply maple neck for optimal sound and ease of playing experience.