Resonator Banjos are louder than open-back banjos and are commonly used in bluegrass music performances. Additionally, these louder instruments help amplify your banjo’s sound to make soloing easier when performing bluegrass solos.
Your choice of banjo should depend on what style of playing you intend to pursue. Bluegrass players tend to favor resonator banjos while those interested in Scruggs or clawhammer styles may opt for open-back instruments.
Learning to play
Resonator Banjos produce louder tones, making them popular with bluegrass musicians and Scruggs style players. Furthermore, these instruments project more volume to an audience than open-back models can. However, resonator models tend to be more costly than their open-back counterparts and require heavier strings that may prove challenging for beginners to manage; bridge mutes may help lower volume levels on these models.
Some types of banjos may be better suited for specific styles than others, but music shouldn’t be constrained by rules. There are numerous ways to enjoy playing the banjo and beginners should be encouraged to experiment until they find a style they resonate with. Practice makes perfect and this interactive tuning game provides the perfect way to develop musical ear and tune your banjo by ear while getting used to lower string gauges required by resophonic banjos.
Getting started
Before purchasing your first banjo, take some time to examine all available options. When searching for your ideal instrument, resonator banjos such as Deering Sierra are ideal; their quality resonators make live performances more audible while being better suited for bluegrass, Scruggs style and clawhammer styles of playing.
Resonator banjos are ideal for beginners as they make learning the instrument much simpler and are also suitable if you want to join a band or jam session.
If melodies, or different genres, are what interest you, consider the tenor banjo from Sweetwater’s Goodtime Two 19-fret series. Tunable for open G, GDAE (like an octave mandolin), Irish/Celtic tunings and Irish/Celtic tunings provide for a versatile soundscape. Make sure that when sitting up straight you use a strap if necessary to avoid neck discomfort – leaving finger picks on will cause string buzz!
The basics
Resonator banjos tend to be louder than open-back models, making them ideal for bluegrass music and beginners looking for an immersive experience. Furthermore, resonator models allow for higher tension steel strings that produce fuller tones than what can be found with open back models.
When purchasing a banjo, look for one that feels good in your hands and sounds pleasing to you. A quality instrument should also be in good working condition; avoid those which feel too slippery; the finish may muffle its sound.
Old-time players should choose banjo models with frosted heads for a smoother tone than mylar heads. Beginners can reduce twang by cutting and installing an additional mylar head over their resonators; this method is easy, inexpensive, reversible and will dampen some harsh string sounds while strumming. In addition, learning to tune without tuners may prove useful as well.
Getting to know your banjo
Make sure your resonator banjo or open-back model is properly tuned before beginning to learn a song; otherwise it could prove frustrating when discovering out-of-tune strings or an impractically tight neck are impeding your progress.
Beginners often opt for a guitar-style tuner that clips directly onto the peghead, though these cannot handle all the subtleties associated with banjo tuning. If using one, make sure it has chromatic capabilities so it can be used in other tunings than standard G.
While some might consider certain styles of music better suited to certain banjo types, the truth is that there is no single best banjo instrument; pick the one which makes you the happiest and allows your musical creativity to blossom the most!