Many banjo novices often do not understand why some 5-string banjos come equipped with resonators while others do not, nor may they understand that choosing between these two distinct kinds of instruments only limits them to playing clawhammer music styles.
Count on Me
Bruno Mars released “Count on Me” as the fifth single from Doo-Wops and Hooligans and it became a top 10 hit on Billboard Hot 100. Written and produced by Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine.
Resonator Banjos Many beginners to banjo have no understanding why certain banjos feature “resonators” while others don’t – or what exactly a resonator does – and may assume that choosing either of these two distinct and separate 5-string banjo models will restrict them to playing one style of music only.
Deering Goodtime “Parlor” Banjo: an Ideal Instrument for Beginners This Deering Goodtime Banjo makes an excellent first instrument; however, it requires setting and adjusting for optimal performance to reach its full potential. While this is common with most banjos and should not be seen as a major setback, its lack of out-of-the-box usefulness limits its usability for beginners.
The Ballad of Davy Crockett
No matter your opinion of Davy Crockett, his name will likely be familiar. This classic fiddle tune can help banjo beginners become acquainted with fingering techniques and 3-finger rolls.
Bob Thompson debunks some of the myths associated with Crockett in this tune, including Disney movies that portray him inaccurately. He helps disprove some of these claims in this tune.
Taylor Swift may be known for her guitar playing, but for the Grammy-Award-winning song Mean she added country flair by choosing to use a Deering Boston 6-string banjo by Deering Boston as part of her Grammy Award-winning performance. Although playing banjo can be challenging and requires practice to master, playing one is immensely satisfying; most old-time picking bands consist of fiddles and banjos in traditional bands; however the advent of flatback resonator models led to the creation of bluegrass music.
The Ballad of Jimmie Rodgers
Jimmie Rodgers was widely revered as one of the greatest country artists of his era. Taking influences from hillbilly music, early jazz, stage-show yodeling and work chants from Black railroad section crews into account, his musical style was entirely his own.
“Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea” and his signature yodeling captured the spirit of rural American life perfectly, and are still treasured among fans of classic country and folk music today.
“Kisses Sweeter Than Wine,” one of Rodgers’ classic songs, brings memories of summer warmth and simpler living back. Its catchy tune and lyrics conjure an idyllic lifestyle. Additionally, the tune is easy for novices to learn – making it ideal for expanding banjo skills as it showcases different Resonator Banjo sounds and demonstrates their potential.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Although most people associate banjos with bluegrass music, this instrument can also be used for other styles. To use resonator banjo songs effectively and practice regularly to keep it clean and lubricated; over time your skills will improve and playing them will become second nature.
Most newcomers to the banjo may have no clue as to why certain models come equipped with a “back” known as a resonator while others don’t, nor what exactly this component does. Furthermore, many might assume that choosing one style of banjo play (e.g. clawhammer or bluegrass) entails choosing only certain models (think clawhammer vs bluegrass).
Resonator banjos are five-string banjos equipped with resonators incorporated into their bodies to enhance sound projection and clarity, producing fuller tones especially well suited for bluegrass music. As these instruments require additional care and maintenance than open-back models, resonator models may require more maintenance in general.