Beginner musicians may find it daunting to begin learning an instrument, since there are so many parts and brands to take into account as well as unfamiliar terminology related to tunings and playing styles. This guide is here to provide assistance for beginning musicians looking to learn a new instrument.
We have created this Banjo Guide to simplify the process and take some of the guesswork out of what’s needed to start playing banjo.
1. Get a good banjo
For anyone serious about learning banjo and looking to play different styles, selecting an instrument with good durability, ease of tuning, and comfortable playability should be top of mind when purchasing their first instrument. A high quality banjo for sale should provide easy playing experiences while being comfortable to hold and tune.
Ideal situation would be buying an instrument already set up and in tune all the way up its neck. Many music stores can assist with this process, however for advice specific to banjos it would be helpful to speak to someone familiar.
Quality banjos should feature a rim made from hard, resonant wood to allow the instrument to vibrate freely when plucked, producing rich tone when plucked strings are plucked.
2. Practice daily
To become a good banjo player, daily practice is necessary. A solid practice routine involves devoting at least 20 minutes a day towards honing one skill or another.
Beginners should focus on learning the roll patterns and fretting techniques necessary for playing more advanced songs, namely roll patterns and fretting techniques that help develop strong rhythm and timing, essential when joining others in playing bands or jam sessions.
As soon as you start practicing banjo, keep a metronome nearby to ensure an uninterrupted stream of steady roll notes. This will enable you to develop muscle memory for playing without gazing upon the strings – something all banjo players must learn!
3. Learn by ear
An important skill for banjo players to develop is being able to play music by ear. This will impact nearly every aspect of your playing, from improvisation and songwriting through live performance and live gigs.
As well as helping to cultivate musicality from the get-go, practicing also strengthens the connection between your head and hands.
Improvisation can also help develop this skill, providing you with an opportunity to explore various rhythms and tempos as you create your own individual sound.
Learning to play by ear can be more straightforward than you think, though practice will still be necessary. Start out simple and progress towards more complex songs based on your level of experience.
4. Read tabs
Reading tabs is essential if you want to be successful at playing banjo, particularly as a beginner. Reading will familiarize yourself with the instrument while improving your picking techniques.
Tabs differ from standard music notation by not denoting the duration of each note but using symbols and numbers instead to represent strings on your banjo and frets to play.
Tablature staff numbers correspond with string positions on a banjo; for instance a “0” indicates playing that string open. Other symbols, like slides and bends, show specific ways of playing notes on a banjo.
5. Learn chords
Playing banjo chords is one of the best ways to hone your playing abilities as a banjoist. They form the backbone of every song, and learning a variety of chords allows you to explore new melodies and harmonies.
To play banjo chords, simply press down on specific fret positions with your fingertips at specific fret positions with each finger to produce G, C, D, Em or Am chords.
Learn to switch chords quickly and effortlessly when playing slower-tempo songs, particularly as this will give your fingers some practice switching between chords quickly. Practice these skills regularly!
