Based on your budget and level of commitment to banjo playing, resonator banjos may provide louder sounds ideal for bluegrass or Scruggs style playing.
Modifying their volume by attaching simple bridge mutes can also significantly lower their sound level – this is particularly helpful for novice players living in noisy environments such as dorm rooms.
Scales
Resonator banjos typically produce louder tones than open-back models and are popular among bluegrass musicians. Due to requiring heavier strings and not being suitable for capoing on the first fret, newcomers may find it challenging to learn them quickly.
As a beginner, a backless four-string banjo may be ideal as it can easily be tuned up to standard tuning and customized further with a DIY mylar flange to reduce volume and create a rounder and less edgy tone – making fretting simpler!
One important scale pattern to learn is the chromatic scale, consisting of 12 notes which can be played on any string up to the 12th fret. Knowing this makes playing many melodies and improvising easier. There are free chromatic banjo scale apps online.
Fingerpicking
Fingerpicking banjo comes in many styles. To find one that best fits you, it is best to experiment and test different versions until one stands out as your preferred style. Once that happens, find an instructor to teach it to you.
Resonator banjos produce louder sounds than open-back models, making them popular with bluegrass musicians and clawhammer style players alike. If you prefer lower volumes, bridge mutes can help lower sound output from your instrument.
If you’re new to 5-string banjos, beginner models can be purchased for as little as $200. The Rover RB-20 offers an affordable open-back banjo with geared 5th string peg; or choose the RB-25 model with its bass-heavy tone from its resonator. When choosing any banjo it is essential that its strings remain clean and in good condition for optimal performance.
Tuning
While you can learn to play the resonator banjo in any tuning, most bluegrass musicians prefer using similar chord shapes and melodies as guitars for optimal results. That way, it will cut through the band while being heard.
No matter the type of banjo you purchase, if it is not properly assembled upon arrival there may be loose parts that need tightening up afterward. This is especially true of banjos purchased at full service music stores or from online dealers who do not provide adequate follow up policies.
One thing to keep an eye out for when purchasing a banjo is whether or not its head features a geared 5th string peg (one that includes an additional part to rotate during tuning, rather than simply being the peg itself). This makes hand tuning simpler. Also essential: ensure the bridge supports strings without buzzing or rattle.
Styles
Many banjos feature tone rings that can alter the sound of their instrument. A wooden tone ring (such as that found on Deering Hartford Model’s grenadillo tone ring) offers more rounded sound than metal ones.
Resonator banjos are perfect for bluegrass and clawhammer styles of music; however, if you prefer Scruggs style music or lighter sounds you can remove the resonator and play an open back banjo instead.
Beginners often begin learning banjo by picking with their fingers; this method does not require picking with a pick and can help build your aural skills and familiarity with song chords. As your proficiency with finger picking grows, however, other styles will likely emerge; creating musical sense early is vital – you need to recognize what a C chord looks like and where it fits within a G major scale scale.