Dependent upon your budget and commitment level, there are banjo options with and without resonators that produce louder tones; those preferred by bluegrass players tend to favor those equipped with one.
Resonator banjos feature a metal tone ring mounted atop their banjo rim. Deering switched from using violin grade maple in 2007 for their resonator models, producing more rounded sound waves.
How to Play
Resonator banjos tend to produce louder tones than open-back models and are generally best used in bluegrass or clawhammer styles of playing. If players prefer lighter sounds, however, a bridge mute can be added that will significantly lower its sound output from the banjo – this modification may prove especially helpful for novice players living in noisy environments such as dorm rooms.
As a beginner, your thumb and index finger are typically enough for picking at strings. Experienced players may use their ring and pinky fingers instead, though this technique is best left to advanced players.
Befor e you begin playing, ensure the banjo is properly tuned by turning its tuner knobs. A chromatic banjo tuner is widely available online or from most music supply stores; alternatively consider purchasing one already attached as it will save time and money by eliminating later reinstallation costs.
Basic Tuning
Tuning a banjo requires familiarity with various tunings. Some players like to follow the tuning of fiddle or mandolin (EADG); other tune it like guitar’s first four strings (EBG); while still others may use double C tuning (GCEA). Knowing all these tunings allows you to play music from various genres.
Electronic tuners can be great, but you should also learn to tune by ear. Playing in tune can make every aspect of music sound better – including vocals and other instruments.
When tuning a string that is flat, tighten the tuning peg tighter until its pitch matches that of its neighbouring string; when tuning sharp, loosen it to lower pitch. Practice this technique frequently so you can quickly tune your banjo whenever needed. Also practice adjusting tension on the tuning peg so it fits just perfectly; over time this should become easier.
Clawhammer Licks
This lesson’s licks will expand upon your basic clawhammer stroke and give you more practice combining single string downstrokes with strums. Evie begins this lesson by playing “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” played in double C tuning with a capo placed at fret 2.
As she transitions into G, she shows you a variation on “Cluck Old Hen,” using G sawmill tuning or mountain modal tuning modal, this version adds some drop thumbing and unique pull offs to the traditional bum-ditty rhythm.
Resonator banjos aren’t necessary for clawhammer playing; many adept clawhammer pickers have used open back banjos successfully. Some even fill their banjos with towels, socks, sponges or foam to muffle its sound and achieve more of the plunkier tones associated with open backs. But having one makes creating great clawhammer tone much simpler!
Advanced Tuning
Banjos must be tuned frequently in order to produce optimal sound. A clip-on tuner can assist in keeping each string at an ideal sounding pitch; however, listening and matching pairs of notes is also crucial for optimal playback.
One can find various banjo tunings; each suitable for specific styles of music. For instance, five string banjos can easily be tuned to guitar tuning by raising the fifth string an entire step above open G – this gives it more of a guitar-esque sound and allows them to be used to perform many of the same songs as their guitar counterpart.
C-tuning, frequently used for bluegrass and old time music, lowers all strings an octave, making it simpler and easier to play than open G tuning (which requires using a capo on the second fret). C-tuning works equally well when using regular gauge banjo strings as well as heavier gauge ones.