Banjo
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Best Bluegrass Banjo (2023 Buyer’s Guide)
A complete guide to the best bluegrass banjos on the market in 2022 including some tips on how to pick the best banjo for bluegrass music.
Best 6 String Banjo (2023 Buyer’s Guide)
In this article I’ll give you some recommendations for what I think are the best 6 string banjos out there. A 6 string banjo (sometimes
Best Professional Banjo (2023 Buyer’s Guide)
The ultimate guide to the best professional banjo written by an expert. Find different types of banjos in a variety of styles and budgets.
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Types of Banjos
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Bluegrass Banjo
When you’re thinking of a traditional banjo and banjo sound, the Bluegrass banjo is probably what you have in mind.
This banjo has a closed-back with 5 steel strings and strong, metal parts. As the name suggests, you’ll normally hear these types of banjos in Bluegrass music, but also in some jazz, old-time and classical music.
Clawhammer Banjo
This is an open back banjo that comes with 5 strings which can be made out of nylon, steal or other natural materials.
The sound from a clawhammer banjo has that plunky tune that you’d expect from a traditional banjo and it is common in folk music and traditional old-time songs which are played in the “clawhammer-style”.
Tenor Banjo
Tenor banjos were first developed in the early 20th century when jazz music started adding them into songs in place of the electric guitar.
These are 4 string banjos, but the overall length of the instrument is quite a bit shorter than 5 string banjos.
Plectrum Banjo
The US wasn’t the only place that enjoyed banjo music. When the instrument finally made its way back to Europe and particularly Ireland, they developed their own version of the banjo which is called the Plectrum banjo today.
These banjos are not too different from tenors, but they are played more melodically with a pick in hand.
6-String Banjo
The 6-String Banjo is basically a hybrid between a banjo and a guitar, which is why many people call them Banjitars.
They are basically just a banjo body with a 6-string guitar neck and head attached. These first because popular in the early 20th-century when jazz musicians first started using them in their music.
Today they sound great in modern music and are a fun instrument for guitar players to learn.
Ukulele Banjo
The 6-string banjo (or banjitar) isn’t the only hybrid banjo out there. Another increasingly popular and travel friendly instrument is the Ukulele Banjo.
Like so many banjos, these were made popular in the early 20th century. They have 4 nylon strings and an open back and are tuned in the same pattern as a standard ukulele.
Mandolin Banjo
The 6-string banjo (or banjitar) isn’t the only hybrid banjo out there. Another increasingly popular and travel friendly instrument is the Ukulele Banjo.
Like so many banjos, these were made popular in the early 20th century. They have 4 nylon strings and an open back and are tuned in the same pattern as a standard ukulele.
Electric Banjo
Yet another Hybrid, the Electric Banjo is exactly what it sounds like, a banjo with a pick-up that can be hooked into an amp.
They usually have 5 strings and a smaller head that’s set in a solid wood body and pickups similar to electric guitar.
Folk-rock, progressive bluegrass, and jam bands love playing the electric banjo.
Gourd Banjo
That’s right, this instrument harks back to African instruments and some of the earliest forms of music, tone and sound.
The Gourd Banjo is created by hollowing out a gourd and using natural materials for the strings and head. This banjo is generally fretless and is played the same way that you’d play a clawhammer banjo.
Long Neck Banjo
As you would expect from the name, the Long Neck Banjo is a open-back banjo with a longer neck than normal, which allows the musicians to get a much deeper tone from the instrument.
Pete Seeger is the most famous banjo player to use a long neck banjo, but many others have adopted it as their go-to banjo.
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Banjo Strings
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Banjo Lessons
Beginner Lesson 1
Step-By-Step Tutorial
Beginner Lesson 2
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Beginner Lesson 3
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Beginner Lesson 4
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