Getting started
When you first learn to play easy banjo songs on the banjo, you learn the simple two and three finger chords that form the basics that are needed to play any style of music. The first chords you learn in open G, for example – the tuning of the 5-string banjo – will probably be G, C, and D.
The 5-string banjo is the type to play if you want to get the most authentic banjo style and be able to play traditional folk and Bluegrass music.
If you are already playing a string instrument, there is a type of banjo that can make the transition a little less daunting. There are many 6-string banjos on the market, and they are great for guitarists who are interested in getting the timbre of the banjo but don’t have to worry about learning chords and scales anew. They are tuned like a standard guitar, so you can add a banjo sound to one or two songs without having to learn a whole new instrument.
If you have played a string instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.) and have it at a competent level, you will learn the banjo much faster than someone who has just started. You can quickly learn the essential banjo chords you need for good folk music. A good starting point to help you on your way to playing this unique instrument is this beginners guide.
Developing coordination
When playing the banjo, you must learn to control your left hand to form chords, and create new sounds by plucking with your right hand fingers. If you can assign a specific job to each hand and master it, you know that you have got the basics for playing banjo music. You can have fun while learning the simple banjo chords so that you can strut your way to playing seriously great music like Dueling banjos.
You want to play a song as quickly as possible, but you need to be patient. Pace yourself accordingly and make sure you play freely at all times. Stay relaxed while you learn as many different tunes on the banjo as you can get your hands on, and enjoy the journey.
There are some exercises and techniques that you should use to accompany learning the banjo. The simplest banjo songs are those that are learned in the Scruggs style, but also some other styles such as blues, country, folk, and country blues. The Clawhammer style comes more naturally to some people. With any style of playing, you can play a lot of songs using just a few simple hand positions and techniques.
Help with learning
If you want to learn with some visual cues, there are a lot of videos and books and website resources. After you have learned the basics, you should attend a banjo course or learn from an expert. It’s easy to get one-to-one online teaching with a professional these days.
Remember that unless you are already an expert in playing a musical instrument, you must always be practicing, so you continually improve.
You certainly want to sing and play while you look at the lyrics and concentrate on the notes of the music in front of you. It’s much easier to learn to play a song you are already familiar with. This helps develop coordination and focus which will help you to perform confidently, keep eye contact with the audience, and express your feelings through music.
It takes a few hundred hours of dedicated practice, but you can play simple pieces with ease and perhaps put together some of your own tunes.
Apart from being a source of pleasure, other advantages can be gained by learning the instrument. It takes a lot of practice and a good understanding of the functioning of the banjo as well as a strong sense of rhythm.