There’s plenty of advice out there on which banjo to purchase, but generally beginner players should aim for purchasing the highest quality instrument they can afford.
Resonator banjos such as the Deering Sierra feature louder tones that project further toward audiences, making them popular with bluegrass musicians and Scruggs style players. However, they require heavier strings; beginners may require installing bridge mutes to reduce volume levels.
Beginners’ Guide to Learning the Banjo
Resonator banjos feature larger sound chambers, making it easier to play at louder volumes. Resonator banjos make an ideal choice for beginners looking to jam with others or learn bluegrass music; their more melodic sound makes for easier jam sessions with others and learning bluegrass tunes. Resonators banjos can typically be purchased for under $500.
Banjo heads, resonator rim materials and tone rings all have the ability to dramatically alter an instrument’s timbre. Metal tone rings create harsher tones; wooden tone rings (such as those found on Deering Goodtime Hartford and Gold Star models) produce more gentle tones.
Consistent practice is key to becoming a more proficient banjo player, so set aside at least 30 minutes daily. When learning the banjo, listen to different genres and styles of music so as to understand its versatility. Even when encountering obstacles during learning, don’t give up! Keep going until your learning reaches a plateau – the effort won’t go wasted!
Getting Started with the Banjo
Before beginning to play the banjo, it’s essential that you find one that fits well and sounds good – this will make learning and continued play easier, increasing the odds that you will stick with it for good. Furthermore, consider purchasing a strap so you can hold the instrument with one hand while using your other to fret and pick. In addition, consider investing in finger picks – metal pieces designed to slide onto individual finger tips – this helps produce sharper sounds when picking strings.
Once you get your banjo, the first step will be learning its tuning basics. An electronic tuner should help ensure it remains in tune. Next, choose an engaging song to learn its chords – many songs come complete with tab for easy reference!
Tuning the Banjo
As a beginner banjo player, one of the first things you must learn is how to tune your banjo. Different songs require specific tunings and it is crucial that you can be able to do this accurately so you can play together or simply for fun with others.
Tuners are electronic devices which connect directly to the headstock. They measure string pitch by collecting data and display an arrow that shows when they are nearing their correct note.
To tune your banjo properly, start from the thickest string and work down. For instance, the 4th string should be tuned to G, followed by tuning all other strings accordingly – you could also lower its pitch to C for playing old time music such as Earl Scruggs songs.
Practicing
Once you know how to tune your banjo, the next step should be practicing basic rhythm. Although it may take weeks or even months until you can play something recognisable on it, practice is key and should never stop!
Most players use their left hand to hold the neck/fingerboard while their right hand plucks or strums the strings, with an additional strap around your waist providing support while you play. Staying comfortable when playing banjo is important; otherwise it can become harder to play effectively and even cause injury.
Based on your budget and playing commitment, resonator banjos may be worth purchasing. These louder instruments are perfect for bluegrass or Scruggs style banjo, while you can remove the resonator or install a bridge mute when needed for practice at lower volumes.