Young banjo players frequently lack an understanding of why some 5-string banjos feature resonators while others don’t, what exactly a resonator does or whether its presence forces players into specific forms of picking style. Some believe a resonator restricts players to two different picking techniques that might limit their style options.
Both of these ideas are, in reality, false.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass-style banjos feature a resonator and are best used in fast-paced music genres, though it can also be used for playing slower forms like clawhammer.
Bluegrass songs often possess a nostalgic quality due to the descendants of former Appalachian mountain residents making up many bluegrass musicians today, with songs often depicting work-related struggles like mining or railroads and featuring religious hymns as themes or narratives.
Bela Fleck and other bluegrass players such as himself have adopted improvisational techniques like rolls and drones in order to take bluegrass music to unexpected places. Bluegrass music has recently gained in popularity among young urban liberals; some may question its roots in traditional Southern culture but still appreciate its musical integrity and progressive tendencies; this demographic plays an integral part in keeping bluegrass alive for years.
Old Time
Many musicians today can be found employing banjo in styles they might not expect it, yet an excellent player can make any style sound fantastic. A well-played clawhammer banjo can add something special to a fiddle and banjo duet, especially if played well enough to do so.
Old time music refers to traditional folk melodies played with a fiddle and high drone string provided by the banjo’s short fifth string (commonly referred to as a “drone”). Most old-time players nowadays employ clawhammer style; however, other techniques exist as well.
Foggy Mountain Breakdown became an immensely popular song on both the Grand Ole Opry and in Bonnie and Clyde, helping establish Bluegrass as a genre in its own right. Unfortunately, most non-banjo players recognize this banjo song from it being performed at these two events, leading many to associate 5-string banjo playing with dangerous, ignorant country people – which is regrettably accurate.
Country
The banjo is an extremely versatile instrument, capable of being utilized across many genres of music including country. Notable country artists including Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have included banjos in their songs.
Resonator banjos produce louder and brighter tones than their open-back counterparts, as well as increasing sustain. Their resonator also increases sustain for an instrument with harsh tones; to correct this issue sanding or scraping inside of the resonator will help soften harsh tones.
Resonator banjos are also immensely popular with bluegrass and old time musicians, and can often be found in band recordings and videos. Players looking to add something different to their music often opt for this instrument – however it should be kept in mind that they may not fit well with some genres; heavy metal music might seem out of place when playing this style of instrumentation.
Jazz
Jazz music has long been known for its diverse influence, from various instruments to the banjo itself. Since its first appearance, jazz musicians have frequently used banjos as part of their compositions.
Bluegrass banjos are among the most widely played instruments today, known for their fast, rhythmic style popularized by Earl Scruggs. They often accompany other instruments while carrying melodies of songs they accompany.
Some may believe resonator banjos to be superior to open-back banjos, given their louder volume level and increased sound quality compared to open-back versions. While it is true that resonator banjos produce louder tones than their open-back counterparts, this does not equate to greater superiority; sound quality often depends on genre of music performed as well as construction factors. A brass tone ring equipped resonator produces brighter tones which helps it stand out during live performances.