How to Choose a Banjo Style and a Banjo
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- Опубликовано: 4 дек 2012
- Be sure to check out my other video about choosing a banjo for multiple styles. • How to Choose a Banjo ...
Hopefully I'm able to pass along some information to help you decide what style (3 Finger/Bluegrass or Old-Time Frailing/Clawhammer) and what sort of 5-string banjo you want to play.
Banjos used: Recording King RK-R35 and Ramsey Woody
Recording King RK-35: amzn.to/2ITNHSw
I think most folks start out suspecting they'll only play at home. Eventually, though, the banjo winds up going out. Never-the-less either open back or resonator should be just fine if you're undecided.
It's much like when I was deciding on a bicycle - MTB or Road bike. A friend told me, "Just buy one". That's my advice here. Buy a banjo in your budget - that you like. Once you start learning you'll have some personal experience to guide you, and you can then buy another banjo. :)
As a longtime bass player who has a sudden yearning to own a banjo, I very much appreciate your explanation. It was exactly what I needed to know in buying my first beginner banjo! Thank you.
What if I’ve told you in seven years you’re going to have a great beard.
😊
Where's the lie tho 😂 excellent beard. Lovely. Thanks for bringing attention to it!
I live that he still reply’s to old videos
@Mirko Valbusa just order at thomann and try it out :) gold tone and deering are the only banjos you can get easily in europe
🤣💯
My banjo obsession began in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia listening to Bluegrass Gospel music .
Jim I've played simple guitar since the late 60s when I hurt my hand awhile back I could only move 2 fingers at the time and couldn't fret or bar the guitar so I figured out 2 fingers on 4 string banjo. Toured the Deering factory and bought a goodtime plectrum never regretted it.
I feel your pain. I was a bass player pretty much my entire life till the false bottom from a lauter tun was knocked over onto my hands at work. I can't thump a bass like I use to and it is frustrating to no end. I saw someone playing clawhammer and felt it looked similar to how I would slap a bass so I bought a banjo and have loved every minute of it.
I didn't even realize it was Jim because he doesn't have the beard
Gibson came into the banjo market very late in the four string era. After the war there were two camps. The first four strings were discovered when there were so many mandolin players who liked playing mandolin type instruments with a flat pic. There were many who were used to picking with a plectrum. At first they just removed the fifth string. Aquiring the tecqunique of playing the five string was considered to steep of a learning curve for some. So after playing five strings with the useless tuner someone started making banjos without the fifth string peg and the first four string banjo was invented. After the turn of the century a lot of these mando players started trying different scale lengths using capo on the plectrum banjo tuning to EADG that they were used to playing only with way more volume that you could get from a wood sound board instrument. So as with the five string becoming the plectrum a lot of these guys started having Vega make custom short scale instruments to eliminate the useless capo. In 1908 Vega came out with the Little wonder But they did nit make any Little wonder five strings at that time as the five string was not so popular at that time. Besides there was already a short scale version of the five string.
Grew up watching hee haw, and im young (18) haha, but roy is one of the best if not the best person to ever pick up a stringed instrument. Wasn't limited to just a banjo either, man could play a fiddle and a guitar too. I imagine he did many hours if practice to get that good
Thanks. It's a pretty good banjo for sure!
Thanks for explaining the difference in plain English. I just picked up a blue grass style banjo and hoping to start lessons after the new yr.
I took clawhammer lessons once. I like open back banjos. Right now I want to learn melodic banjo.
+Julie Nielsen melodic style is a lot of fun. Check out Carroll Best.
Thanks for putting up a clear and concise explanation, I really enjoyed listing
Thank you it was exactly what I needed to know and at the right time .
Thank you for taking the time to know that people like me had these questions very thoughtful 👍
So glad I could help!
This was a fantastic video. Very concise.
I definitely want to learn to play the 5-string bluegrass banjo. In fact, I've been wanting to for over 20 years, and I'm finally going to bite the bullet this year. I just hope it's not too late, and that I'm not too old. I'm 42 now, will probably be 43 by the time I'm able to take lessons.
Jeff L its not too late,i am 24,start learning 1 months ago, and i have no experiences about any instrument. i really love bluegrass music and old country songs . My english teacher,she is more older than you,but she is planing to learn mandolin,haha.just love it,so do it.
+Jeff L Hey Jeff. There used to be a book by Pete Seeger about how to play the banjo - this was back in the 60s, and I used it back then and it was great. See if you can find it somewhere, and you'll be ok to start off.
I'm 67 and just started so you can too. Just do it.
Calvin, good to see you here!
Very helpful, thanks for taking the time.
Hey- I am 45, just picked up a banjo last night. Jim wanted to say thanks for making these lessons available on RUclips for the newbies like me. Any advice to help me get going??
You could start here: Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo ruclips.net/p/PLimF2H1ED8fXabeFAr6Fnslf0ie6TRUL0
Wow. This was super helpful, thanks!
Awesome sound!... strikes me in my heart .. great video+ info .. thank you!
Thank you for a charming and informative video.
I thought about mentioning it, but as far as a style or even banjo goes I didn't think it mattered much. However, to answer your question, that area of the fingerboard is scooped out to facilitate playing over that area of the neck. Some folks seem to think it's easier if it's scooped there. Check out my review of the RK-OT25...
Verg helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
Great advice for a new guy like me, about to buy his first! Thanks!
Thanks Jim, that was really useful advice.
Very diplomatic over view! Good job.
Great vid! Thanks for posting.
Jim, great video. Very informative.
I've always wanted to learn to play a banjo, and was wondering which one, so this was very helpful, So thank you. ;)
Have you learned? I'm in the same situation five years in the future. 👀
@@roozavelt have you learned? I’m in the same situation 1 year in the future
Thanks. Very informative. I'm a big fan of dock boggs, gus cannon and papa charlie jackson so I'm thinking of starting to learn to play. Leaning more towards the open back.
nudge2626 Yay another Dock Boggs fan 🙌👍
Excellent idea, and demonstrations! Thank you!
Glad I could help 😊
Thanks! This was an informative video!
Whoa! Beardless Jim is freaking me out. Love what you do brother.
Spent too many years without the beard. 😅
Helpful thank you! Off to buy one now
This clears up a lot of questions I had.
Glad I could help 😀
Thank you Jim, very helpful.
The Songcatcher movie did it for me. Appalachian style really moves me
Yeah... it's a very cool sound. :)
Thanks for the videos,really informative and helpful.
Going to collect my first ever banjo tomorrow,it’s a Deering good time open back.
Really excited, thank you once again
Land of the Lost. Good man. Funny you mention Hee Haw. Grandpa Jones clawhammered and he played on a resonator banjo.
Yes he did. I use him, Stringbean, and Clarence Ashley as good examples of clawhammer players that use resonator banjos. Even so, the open back is the favored choice in the old time community…
great tone on that RK
Hey Jim! Great to have found you on youtube. I've been enjoying your videos very much.
You play very well, nice overview !
Hey! Thank you so much this is great! I am wanting to learn how to play the banjo and this is a great videos
Glad I could help 😀
Good job shedding light on different styles of playing, and the banjos associated with.
I play the goodtime banjo by Deering. I just use it for flat picking the melodies and throwing in some strumming. It does its job very well. It has a resonator on it and it sounds real good to me. I recommend it.
Charlie The Tuna I decided to buy an open back Goodtime about a year ago, the cheapest USA made banjo available in the UK . It sounds great also 👌👍
It is also worth mentioning that, aside from differing kinds of banjos; there are also many variations in: (1) the length of the banjo neck; (2) the diameter of the banjo pot; (3) the differing ways to capo the 5th string; and, *4) the softness, or hardness, of the strings chosen to play on the banjo; among a myriad of other customizable features.
Owning a banjo; or two; as the author of this video seems to have acquired; is, in many ways, like owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Banjo players, it has been found, are not "herd" animals; and, are quite imaginative; which remarkably, is, no doubt, why they have chosen to play the banjo in the first place.
There are also a seemingly unlimited number of ways to tune the strings of a banjo; and, more ways are always being experimented with by some backwoodsman (or, backwoodswoman).
When all the dust has settled, what is probably important to most folks is that when they open the case of their banjo to take it out and play it; that they like what they see; and, what they hear.
If a person purchases a banjo with cold, hard cash; and then, doesn't like what he or she sees or hears whenever that person saddles up the banjo on his or her knee; it won't be long before it is never played; as, in this day and age, there are many, many ways to enjoyably spend one's time; and, it don't have to be on some banjo.
There is also a lot said about not spending much money for a banjo; as, a plain, workingman's banjo will sound just as good as an ornate piece of genuine art.
But, what's wrong with buying a banjo from an independent banjo maker here in the US; and, paying him fairly for the time and effort he put in to make it?
He's just trying to make a living with his calling; just like everyone else.
If a guy spends his time ornately decorating a crafted banjo masterpiece; why not support that particularly wholesome activity?
Wouldn't it be better if people, world-wide, were making instruments of music; rather than instruments of destruction?
It never hurts to support craftsmen and woodworkers of all stripes so that a person can hand down an heirloom piece to his kids and his grandkids.
People take pride in masterful craftsmanship; and, rightfully so.
If a person gets a good banjo that he or she likes looking at; and, likes to hear when he or she sits alone in the evening and plays it; that person will end up being a grand banjo player just because of the time that banjo spends in his or her hands for the pure love of what they are playing.
Happiness doesn't come from having things; happiness comes to men and women when they accomplish something worthwhile; when they accomplish something that they are proud of; and, that benefits society objectively.
A good banjo player can do much for charitable organization fund-raising throughout his or her lifetime.
Interestingly, a person playing the banjo well does not offend any political group; nor, does a person playing the banjo well ever offend any religious affiliation.
Good banjo playing opens many doors; and, brings men and women; young and old; together in hand clapping and foot tapping.
Look at the smiles you see when a person is playing the banjo well.
It has been tried to think of something else that does that when done in public; but remarkably, so far, that something else can't be thought of.
Norwood BayBridge Yes, those are exactly the things a novice should worry about before buying a first banjo....
"A person playing the banjo well does not offend any political group"
I dunno, Pete Seeger was known to stir things up a bit, and he was pretty good at the banjo.
I really like the sound of mumford and sons banjo. What kind of banjo would you recomend
...and many players played clawhammer style using a finger pick on resonator banjos.
I play several different banjo styles, but I only picked two of the more prominent styles that someone interested in learning might have heard.
Like I said, "Yes, you can play any style of banjo on any style of banjo." The intent of the video was to give a starting point, and not give hard and fast rules about how things have to be done.
i sure do enjoy your vids Mr. panky
Great info, thanks.
Nice job, Jim.
Honestly I'm finding a lot of these things out after the fact of buying my banjo. Bought a used one with a resonator - its great - but I'm most accustomed to punk rock and folk, so I'd figure the frailing style works. Man is it heavy..
Pretty good info. I guess I must play a third way.
I wanted to learn banjo because i saw/heard Bela Fleck and Steve Martin they are amazing at banjo. Just purchased my first banjo closed back resonator
Congratulations on the banjo!
Great stuff!!
Thanks!
Thanks Jim , this vid has helped in choice.
You play both well. I am partial to the frailing style.
Thanks
open back is also lighter i like it for traveling and i love clwa hammer style and old timey sound
Been playing the one string banjo for 30 years.
Time for an upgrade.
😊
Great advice thx
Good video. Very informative - Thanks. I'm intrigued by your use of the words 'Style' and 'Banjo' in the same sentence.
nice video, short and to the point.
Thanks! very informative
My banjo, purchased in Taiwan, is called "Rally". The same banjo sold in USA would be called "Fender", and probably cost a lot more. A Korean company supplies "Fender" with musical instruments, and they're now made in China, as the sticker on the back of the neck of my banjo states. I guess they chose the name "Rally" as not to offend the "Fender" name, and since the Asian market for these things is so small, they don't have to make different banjos for different places. Mine cost about US$200, but I imagine under the Fender name, it must cost more.
I don't have any complaints about it except that one of the planetary tuners is loose, and I need to manage a network of rubber bands to keep it in tune. Once I get it stable, then I enjoy playing.
Earl Scruggs is my hero. I love the 3-finger picking sound. I've even expanded this to my mandolin and my friend's ukelele. I started improvising with his ukelele and he was surprised that he'd never heard this kind of music from his own instrument.
So, as Jim (the OP) says, research a little bit about what you want in a banjo before you buy one. Simple, and good advice.
My impression is that there are dozens of "brand" names for a handful of basic (low-end) banjo models all made by the same company or two or three companies. Light weight, tinny sound and poor tuners are hallmarks of these banjos. I would recommend to anyone seriously considering banjo to invest a few hundred dollars more for a better, if need be used, instrument.
this was very helpful. thx
Hi I am 57 years old. Have never been able to read music and have no idea about how to form "keys" whilst playing. I have recently bought a banjo and am wondering how do I form keys and how do I remember which key to play in each song. I have started to learn rolls but that is all I have learned and I am still slow. Thanks in advance
You should give my Beginner Banjo Series a look. 🙂
Who is this guy impersonating Jim 😜. Wow! What a transformation!
☺️
Jim I had to double take. I thought you had a guest speaker on at first 😂
Can find a lot of surprises in the archives….
@@JimPankey the yee old Jim pankey vault.
Hi Jim! I am looking forward to start playing the banjo, however I'm not quite sure if I should get a hollow one or one with resonator, I'm into Caribbean music, and I'd specially like to learn to play Calypso; What would you recommend me to get? And do you think I should start w/ a 4-string or a 5string banjo?
Thank you for your time and your music, blessings from Costa Rica
See also the article on "So You Want To Learn the Banjo?" at Blog '66 for some explanation of the two basic styles and some links. This video already covers the main idea, however.
Do you play four-string banjo? What considerations do I need to take account of when buying one?
Hello,
Great informative video thank you.. I just wondered (new to banjo) whether getting a 5 string banjo with removable resonator would be the best of both worlds? Then both styles and sounds could come from the one instrument. Apologies if this sounds silly :)
Great question! It is a good option and certainly adds a huge degree of flexibility. I've never owned a banjo like that, but I've certainly considered it. Two makers that come to mind that offer that is Ome and Deering, but I'm sure there are others.
I can’t believe I watched everyone of those television shows
Same!
thanks! very helpful
Hi JIm. I am a novice player. Concerning the frailing style, on some videos the players have no armrest fitted and one instructional video advises you to remove this if one is fitted on your banjo. I have one on my banjo and find it comfortable for learning bluegrass style. I see that you have an armrest on both your banjos. What is your advice please concerning armrests?
Why do people dislike it. Wonderfully informative. =)
It's ok. Not sure why either, but maybe I didn't say what they wanted to hear?
@@JimPankey I'm trying to decide on regular banjo or banjo ukelele. Looks like banjos cost more and might be more complicated to pick up. I've never been great at instruments. But I dig seeing frail strumming on either. I dunno, I've never understood how talented musicians actually get their start.
That start comes from hours of practice. The desire to learn is stronger than the end result.
1:31
4:14
what banjo would creep tourists out most if i sit on the front of my boat playing whale my brother is fishing (thinking about songs like dueling banjos)
I bought a resonator banjo and I can use it without a resonator just shows how flexible the instrument is
Great info thank you! Even after your video, I'm struggling with the decision about open back vs resonator. I'm basically interested in learning both styles, but the catch is I will most likely only ever play at home alone, much to the chagrin of my wife haha. Anyway, considering I don't need loud, I'm leaning towards the open back. Can you easily do 3 finger picking on an open back just the same as resonator? Any other thoughts?
I bought the gold tone AC-1 banjo. It's an open back. But then I ordered the resonator separately and added that on. They are a really reasonably well-built banjo from what I'm told. Banjo was $199 and resonator $79. Add tax and some shipping to those numbers. I didn't want to spend a lot and am satisfied. There are a few videos on you tube reviewing this banjo.
Is it easy to learn how to play the banjo like it is the ukulele
hi Jim I play some cords on my guitar not good I never could use a pick. keep losing them in hole I just strum it do you think a claw hammer would be a better bet for me.
Hello, I come from the future and as soon as he said "Hey Jim Pankey here", I was like WHAT!
But truly this i s a good video. just surprised how much a person can change visually over the years.
Also I should consider my resonator maybe.
That strumming is really cool
Thanks ☺️
Now a want two banjos! But I’ll learn one at a time.
Why have one when 12 will do? 🤪
Gingerly way through the peer pressure comment. Lol wish I'd had a video like this for my viewing pleasure when I was on the hunt. I'm sure it'll be very helpful for prospective pickers.
They're both good ! I bought both.
Thank
you!👍
You’re
Welcome!
I'm wanting to get a banjo but I don't want a clawhammer I want to pick with my fingers what is the best place to get one like the first one you had
Awesome, thank you
You’re welcome
I have 7 banjos 5 are 5 string and two are 4 string I play clawhammer and two finger on my 5 strings and classical on the 4 strings all but one of my banjos are open back
Very cool.
Thank you.
Resonator 1:31,open-back 4:14
Hi Jim! I am thankful (it is nearly Thanksgiving after all :D) for your video! I want to play Irish music (take a look at double dollars playing the Tamlin) on it and I am a total noob, I am thinking that a resonator banjo is what I need but I wanted to ask your opinion about that. Thanks :D
If you're interested in traditional Irish music, the tenor banjo (4 strings) might be your instrument of choice. The music Double Dollars has on RUclips seems more old-time based. So if it's an old-time sound you're interested in then an open back will be fine (nothing preventing you from using a resonator banjo). Here's a sample of traditional Irish banjo: ruclips.net/video/XKm5dZRJIlk/видео.html
Thank you sir!
Late to the party but, that video helped me. Thanks
Glad I could help
you didnt mention about the fret board on the clawhammer banjo, why is there no frets at the bottom?
@ Jim Pankey
Is it just me or does the resonator make the banjo louder?
Besides a 5th string, what's the difference in a 4 and 5 string banjo?
The resonator does make it louder. 4 string banjos are typically played with a flat pick. They’re most often used in jazz and Irish music.
do banjo's have chords like a guitar
Yup
Very helpfull. Thank you:)
What size ukulele banjos are available. I am buying a Christmas gift , in expensive starter, for college senior who expressed interest. Have no idea about size. If he likes it he can get a better ukulele banjo later.
Most banjo-ukes you will find now are all concert size. The only company making a soprano size (that I'm aware of) is Recording King.