Do you like the blues sound of a classic banjo? Learning your favorite folk song or even Celtic banjo can be fun and easy enough if you practice. Learn how to play the banjo yourself to enjoy the sound whenever you want.
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Method 1 of 2: Choosing Banyo
Step 1. Choose the number of strings
Banyo is a versatile instrument that is available in several options. The string banjo has the option of 4 string, 5 string, or 6 string. Choose the one you think is most suitable based on the type of music you want to play and how skilled you are at playing music.
- The 4-string banjo or tenor banjo is usually associated with Irish jazz/dixieland music. However, you can actually play more types of music on this 4 string banjo. This banjo is a good choice for beginners, because of its simplicity.
- The 5 string banjo is the most popular and traditional of all types of banjo. The banjo is most closely related to the folk or bluegrass style of song, but can also be used to play most other types of music. The 5-string banjo is known for its odd fifth string, attached at the midpoint of its neck. This is a characteristic that the 5-string banjo inherited from its ancestral musical instrument from Africa. This banjo is the best option for novice banjo players, as it is easy to play and offers a wider range of notes.
- The 6-string banyo, or guitar banyo (often referred to as the banjitar or guitjo) has the body of a banyo with a guitar neck. It is the least used of the three types of banjo and is often played by experienced guitarists, who want to produce a banjo sound while continuing to use familiar guitar fret positions. It offers the widest range of notes but is at the same time the most difficult to play, and inconsistent with 'regular' banjo. Therefore, this banjo is not suitable for beginners.
Step 2. Decide between an open banjo or a resonator banjo
Banyos are made in two main forms, namely with an open back, or with a resonator fitted. The open banjo looks true to its name: the drum-like covering has no back, so it looks like a bowl when placed upside down. The banyo resonator has a back and a wooden ring that will amplify the sound.
- It's better to decide what kind of banjo you want after you've tried playing both at a music store near where you live. These two banjos offer different sounds because of their different construction.
- Open banjos are most often used by beginners, as they are usually the cheapest option and are not too loud. Because the banjo is lighter and quieter, it is often chosen for study and practice purposes. Some of the traditional banjo songs and playing style match the open banjo. However, if you're looking to participate in a bluegrass band, open banjos may not be the right choice.
- Banyos with resonators produce a louder, fuller sound and last longer, but are heavier and more expensive. If you are ready and want to commit to playing the banjo for a long time, consider purchasing a resonator banjo.
- A common assumption is that the heavier a banjo, the better the quality. However, don't let this deter you from choosing a lighter banjo.
Step 3. Find the measure of action and scale that works best for you
Action is the distance of the strings from the fingerboard, while the scale is the total length of the strings, starting from the bolt to the bridge of the banjo.
- Choose a banjo with a low action so you can play more easily. If the action is too high, you'll have to squeeze the strings, so the sound can be shrill and your fingers uncomfortable under pressure.
- The scale on a banjo can be in the 23-32-inch range, but it's easiest for beginners to start with a 26 -inch banjo. This banjo is neither too long nor too short, but fits a medium size.
Step 4. Consider other styles
While the items listed above are important to consider when you are buying a banjo, there are other options you can also consider. Consider buying a plectrum banjo, which is played with a special pick, or perhaps a banjo with a pitch ring, which enhances the sound. Meet local banjo lovers in your area or employees of your favorite music store to find out which banjo is right for your taste.
Method 2 of 2: Playing Banyo
Step 1. Tune the banjo
Before you start playing the banjo, make sure it doesn't sound out of place. Turning the tuning knob at the top of the banjo will change the length and tension of the strings, which will cause the sound to change (the tighter and shorter the strings, the higher the scale; and vice versa).
- Use an electric tuner. Banyos require a chromatic tuner, but these are easy to buy online or from a local music supply store.
- If you have a piano or keyboard, play the piano keys according to the strings you want to tune. Turn the tuning knob counterclockwise if the sound is flat, and clockwise if the sound is sharp. This may be a little more difficult for beginners to do because it requires you to rely on your hearing, but it can help you figure out what note the banjo should make, whether it's correct or discordant.
- For a 5 string banjo: the most common tuning is Open G (g, D, G, B, D).
- For banjo tenors: the most common tuning is GDAE or CGDA.
- For banjo plectrum: the most common tuning is CGBD
- Use the online banjo tuner to hear the voices above.
Step 2. Adjust your body
It is very important to have the correct posture before playing banjo. Sitting in the wrong position can greatly affect the sound of your music, increase difficulty playing, and make you more likely to injure yourself.
- Always keep your shoulders straight and lean back without bending over. This applies whether you are sitting or standing.
- Hold the banjo at an angle of 45 degrees or higher (many banjo players hold the neck, in a position called the eleventh position, or one o'clock, as shown in section 8 below), with the bottom of the banjo perpendicular to the floor, or slightly turned up so you can see the strings clearly.
- Be careful not to hold the neck too hard. Unlike guitars, banjos have a sensitive neck. Holding it too hard can make your tone sound off-putting.
- Use banjo rope. Banyos are heavy and often have a longer neck than guitars. Make sure you use a rope to support the weight of the banjo. If your left hand or thumb is busy holding the weight of the banjo, you will have a hard time playing the frets in the correct position, and the banjo will continue to slip from your hand.
Step 3. Put your hands in the correct place
Your right hand should be resting on the string near the bridge, while your left hand should be holding the neck of the banjo.
- The little finger and ring finger of your right hand should rest on the head of the banjo, just past the first string. If you're having trouble keeping these two fingers in place as you play, try adding a double tip to help keep your fingers in position.
- The image above shows the left hand placement for the guitar. The weight of the banjo should be supported by the straps - not by your thumbs. The banjo neck should maintain its position as you release your hands. Keeping your thumbs straight and positioned over the 'crown' on the back side of the neck, then extend your fingers to the fingerboard in front. Keep your wrists in position while playing the banjo.
Step 4. Learn how to use pick
When you pick the strings in the bluegrass playing style, run your fingers down with your fingernail or pick as you sound the strings. When playing the banjo, you will usually use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to strike the strings. Some people do it with all three fingers (except the little finger), but this is considered an expert technique which is not recommended for beginners. Your ring finger and/or little finger should stay on the head of the banjo.
- You can buy finger picks to tuck into the tips of your fingers. This pick is like a metal guitar pick with a ring attached, which you slip into the tips of your plucked fingers, and serves to produce a louder sound.
- You don't have to worry about pulling or pushing the strings to make a pick because you don't have to. Banyo will produce a good sound with just a gentle beating of each string, either with a lateral touch up or down.
Step 5. Learn some basic rollers
Roll is a term that describes the picking pattern on the banjo, which is performed on the eighth notes. There are many basic rollers to choose from, and all of them are done with just your right hand touching a few strings in a repeating pattern.
- The forward roll is the most basic and is played by hitting the strings in this order: 5-3-1-5-3-1-5-3. The numbers here refer to the strings: the fifth, third, and first strings. You'll notice that there are six notes played, so this roll is performed in exactly one musical measure.
- Once you learn the basic rollers, move on to the more difficult ones to practice your picking and timing skills.
Step 6. Practice your rhythm
While you may already have mastered some of the roller techniques, keeping a rhythm while playing these rollers for long periods of time can be very difficult to do. Practice your timing using a metronome. A metronome is a device that produces an electronic clicking sound at a definite, consistent rate. Turn on the metronome while you practice so you can judge yourself based on the timings of the metronome.
Step 7. Learn more difficult music
Once you've mastered a few rolls, timing and rhythm skills, and are ready to move forward, learn some songs. You may need a few weeks of practice before you can play something that starts to sound like a song, but don't let this discourage you.
- Search for popular banjo songs online to learn how to play them. Many music books are also available in the market. These books will teach you how to master some standard songs.
- You can search the banjo tablature to learn the music of popular songs. The tablature is like music to the banjo, guiding you to hit certain strings and frets to produce the notes you want. Find the title of your song and add the word “tab” to get the musical guide.
Step 8. Practice every day
The most important part of learning to play a musical instrument is to put in the effort on a regular basis. In order to be a good banjo player, you must spend at least thirty minutes a day practicing your skills. This may feel frustrating or hopeless at first, but as time goes on, you'll enjoy playing banjo every day.
Tips
- For the maximum learning experience, hire a banjo teacher to guide you in learning how to play the instrument.
- There are left-handed movements called slides, hammers, chokes, and pull offs, which can be learned as your skills are honed.
