How to Choose a Banjo Style and a Banjo

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

[@whyproductions1093]

What if I’ve told you in seven years you’re going to have a great beard.

[@JimPankey]

😊

[@Chelsealynnism]

Where's the lie tho 😂 excellent beard. Lovely. Thanks for bringing attention to it!

[@thatsyaboi8185]

I live that he still reply’s to old videos

[@mrksstrmntzr]

@Mirko Valbusa just order at thomann and try it out :) gold tone and deering are the only banjos you can get easily in europe

[@vishnurodondo4200]

🤣💯

[@JimPankey]

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. :)

[@ChrisRadloff]

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.

[@ShepFL002]

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.

[@mr.mikeaz1]

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.

[@Condemntheinfection]

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.

[@donaldfair4259]

My banjo obsession began in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia listening to Bluegrass Gospel music .

[@thealabamianchilihead5649]

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

[@jasonalbaum9600]

Hey- I am 45, just picked up a banjo last night. Jim wanted to say thanks for making these lessons available on KZbin for the newbies like me. Any advice to help me get going??

[@JimPankey]

You could start here: Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo kzbin.info/aero/PLimF2H1ED8fXabeFAr6Fnslf0ie6TRUL0

[@JimPankey]

Calvin, good to see you here!

[@nudge2626]

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.

[@shaunw9270]

nudge2626 Yay another Dock Boggs fan 🙌👍

[@kc8grp]

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.

[@hansun5502]

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.

[@diana88diana]

+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.

[@klcwarchitect]

I'm 67 and just started so you can too. Just do it.

[@Calboy31170]

Hey Jim! Great to have found you on youtube. I've been enjoying your videos very much.

[@davestambaugh7282]

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.

[@clubmike2910]

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.

[@shaunw9270]

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 👌👍

[@noahshillings6598]

I didn't even realize it was Jim because he doesn't have the beard

[@LuciaRaymond]

Thanks for putting up a clear and concise explanation, I really enjoyed listing

[@julienielsen3746]

I took clawhammer lessons once. I like open back banjos. Right now I want to learn melodic banjo.

[@JimPankey]

+Julie Nielsen melodic style is a lot of fun. Check out Carroll Best.

[@JimPankey]

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...

[@banjojaque]

Very diplomatic over view! Good job.

[@richthehoser]

This was a fantastic video. Very concise.

[@TheNerdyMusician]

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

[@JimPankey]

Congratulations on the banjo!

[@tdous]

Great advice for a new guy like me, about to buy his first! Thanks!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. It's a pretty good banjo for sure!

[@AndrewKurdelski]

Whoa! Beardless Jim is freaking me out. Love what you do brother.

[@JimPankey]

Spent too many years without the beard. 😅

[@finneire2081]

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 👍

[@JimPankey]

So glad I could help!

[@steveindorset]

I've always wanted to learn to play a banjo, and was wondering which one, so this was very helpful, So thank you. ;)

[@roozavelt]

Have you learned? I'm in the same situation five years in the future. 👀

[@billbuttlicker647]

@@roozavelt have you learned? I’m in the same situation 1 year in the future

[@sneakapeek2577]

Awesome sound!... strikes me in my heart .. great video+ info .. thank you!

[@isaacfranco5059]

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

[@TheMusicismyair]

open back is also lighter i like it for traveling and i love clwa hammer style and old timey sound

[@leonardoaces1]

You play very well, nice overview !

[@steveland810]

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

[@Bricktop1253]

Jim, great video. Very informative.

[@Cryozebra]

Wow. This was super helpful, thanks!

[@JackArctic]

I really like the sound of mumford and sons banjo. What kind of banjo would you recomend

[@philsnell7724]

Thank you for a charming and informative video.

[@ronlitz9055]

Very helpful, thanks for taking the time.

[@andyincov]

great tone on that RK

[@bedfordbanjoshop]

Nice job, Jim.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

You play both well. I am partial to the frailing style.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@TheHUhelps]

Verg helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@tubebusta]

Thanks Jim, that was really useful advice.

[@sveabryan9126]

This clears up a lot of questions I had.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😀

[@ee222]

although i loved listening to grandpa jones, and BTW, your openback has an incredible sound also, what really got me into banjo big time was the old bonnie & clyde movie which had the great earl scruggs playin' "foggy mountain breakdown"! it don't get no better than that!

[@JimPankey]

Yeah, that Ramsey is way more Banjo that I know what to do with. 😀

[@Lynxthejonin]

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..

[@486spud]

Good video. Very informative - Thanks. I'm intrigued by your use of the words 'Style' and 'Banjo' in the same sentence.

[@littleblackdoglilg]

Good job shedding light on different styles of playing, and the banjos associated with.

[@dillyconnolly]

I bought a resonator banjo and I can use it without a resonator just shows how flexible the instrument is

[@1974eagles]

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 :)

[@JimPankey]

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.

[@Buzzard5]

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.

[@gradymasonii6960]

i sure do enjoy your vids Mr. panky

[@steveramsey8415]

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

[@JimPankey]

You should give my Beginner Banjo Series a look. 🙂

[@willowreedable]

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

[@JimPankey]

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 KZbin 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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnzQZpeQh698os0

[@nigelkarney]

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?

[@markh9875]

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.

[@gabeknight6323]

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

[@KineticConstant]

Do you play four-string banjo? What considerations do I need to take account of when buying one?

[@goldynsylvers-wetheagingbl1562]

Pretty good info. I guess I must play a third way.

[@justinadams1213]

The Songcatcher movie did it for me. Appalachian style really moves me

[@JimPankey]

Yeah... it's a very cool sound. :)

[@mikejustinferrari]

Great vid! Thanks for posting.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Land of the Lost. Good man. Funny you mention Hee Haw. Grandpa Jones clawhammered and he played on a resonator banjo.

[@JimPankey]

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…

[@ianjamiesonmusic]

Helpful thank you! Off to buy one now

[@connorrosekrans7348]

Hey! Thank you so much this is great! I am wanting to learn how to play the banjo and this is a great videos

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😀

[@bumblefritz]

Thanks! This was an informative video!

[@JimPankey]

...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.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Excellent idea, and demonstrations! Thank you!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😊

[@tcbonline]

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?

[@hollydoodle]

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.

[@deliveryboy555]

Thank you Jim, very helpful.

[@sepultura7771]

So if I'm inspired by Earl Scruggs song of the south ,I should get one with a resonator?

[@paperdave1963]

sepultura7771 yes

[@hankfava]

what would be the best for bluegrass and mummers string band playing as a sit in on there practices thanks hank

[@JimPankey]

+Hank Fava I'm not entirely sure. I figured mummers played a plectrum or 4 string banjo. Not that you can't use a pick on a 5 string - I guess you're going to want a resonator banjo of some sort.

[@henrybazzacco4186]

Just wondering what the name of the opens back banjo is because I'm really liking the look and sound of it?

[@JimPankey]

It’s a Ramsey. Model is a Woody.

[@mryogurt892]

you didnt mention about the fret board on the clawhammer banjo, why is there no frets at the bottom?

[@Jonster78]

Hi Jim, You play well, I notice that you are only covering the 5 string style of playing, both Scruggs style and clawhammer/frailing/wrapping. DO you know much about 4 string banjos? These would be the ones that you would here in the old Jazz band(think Louis Armstrong and his hot 5 or hot 7) or those played by Harry Reser or Eddie Peabody. I think that is the Style played by the Mummers. I think Mumford and Son play a version of 5 string and also a banolin(cross between banjo and mandolin). I play tenor Banjo as well as 5 string but was wondering if there were any other recommendations on other types of Banjo's ( including Plectrums and foreign derivatives such as the turkish one

[@JimPankey]

I'm pretty much just a 5-string player. I do a variety of styles, but tried to keep the choices simple. While I could have muddied the water considerably with a lot of other 5-string styles I just didn't see it as pertinent to most folks that take up the 5-string. As for the 4-string banjos; I've noodled, but never dedicated much time to any of those.

[@wattsy944]

Is it easy to learn how to play the banjo like it is the ukulele

[@poorjudjement]

Hey Jim, I play guitar and have for years and I am a Lefty. I suspect that I can pick up on banjo playing without to much difficulty and don't want to find myself months in with a beginner piece of equipment, but also don't need to be at the top end price wise. What are my options for a really good midrange lefty banjo? Thank you for your opinion in advance.

[@diana88diana]

+Something from NoThing Hi. I"m a lefty but always play a right-handed instrument. It works out fine, don't worry about the right left stuff. I play "right-handed" and on a banjo you''re only co-ordinating 3 fingers anyway - the left hand does a lot of stuff also. You'll be able to get a better banjo if you get a righty. :)

[@jdymes101]

nice video, short and to the point.

[@kathyfrisbie4465]

I just started playing the banjo and I have a goodtimes banjo without a resonator. I watched u-tube videos and practiced clawhammer style. I then started lessons with a teacher that teaches exclusively bluegrass banjo. I like both. Do you think that it would be confusing to work on both styles? Seems like you do both.

[@markh9875]

I play mostly bluegrass, but I have dabbled in clawhammer/frailing to the point where I can play a few songs using drop-thumb techniques. I have found that there is no loss. Indeed, playing some clawhammer might even have improved my overall understanding of the instrument. The only downside is that to learn both you need twice as much time. The styles don't directly interfere with each other, but they take away practice time from each other. Every hour you spend practicing one style is an hour you could have invested in getting a bit better in the other style. So given a limited time budget, there will be an indirect price for not focusing on one.

[@battlehrfred]

Hi I just purchased a almost new fender 300, 5 string and is just a now new a beginner, the question is ,can I play the closed back (with resonator) clawhammer style? as I feel i cannot get the knack for 3 finger style. ty for your opinion nice video ty

[@JimPankey]

You can play any style you wish. If, however, you're drawn to a particular style persist with it. Don't choose something because you think it might be easier...

[@philmonk4159]

Hey there, I was given a 19 fret 5 string banjo (unknown HearthSong brand) I'm not sure what kind it is (tenor?) and if I can put regular banjo strings on it. Not sure how to tune it for that size. It measures 32 inches end to end, and ~15 1/2 inches is the neck (nut to 19th fret), would like your input!

[@JimPankey]

Looked online to see what that may be. Appears to be just a short scaled 5 string banjo. It should be suitable to learn either old-time or bluegrass. Some might call it a "pony" banjo.

[@rkbauch]

Would it be weird if I played 3 finger Scruggs style with finger picks on a Vega Old Tyme Wonder Openback 5 String Banjo?

[@shaunw9270]

rkbauch No not all, I play blues with a bottleneck on my open back and the banjo guy in my local Hobgoblin store plays Scruggs style on a similar model and frails on a resonator model. One rule: Have Fun !

[@TS-so2xi]

Great stuff!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@Popcorn_Kernel]

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

[@JimPankey]

Very cool.

[@MrRastamon731]

Hey sir, thank you for the awesome video. Is there a brand or model of open back banjo you recommend for a beginner? Under 4 or 500 preferably. Thank you

[@JimPankey]

Check out the Recording King RK-OT25 or the Recording King RK-OH5

[@marcioaraujos1]

Hi Jim, hood to see you teaching...I'm a 63 years old novice player im Brazil, trying with a Stagg resonator, and days ago I've decided buying a Rover open back...being a brand new instrument, mesured the suitable position for the bridge, mounted it, and tuned the instrument, but, sometimes the strings vibrate when I play...then I've noticed It doesn't have a tailpiece like the resonator, over the strings right before the bridge...can you help me with this issue? Should I do something else?

[@JimPankey]

Not sure how to advise you without hearing or seeing the problem.

[@marcioaraujos1]

Hi, Jim...I understand you...I Guess I'll start by changing the strings...an open back banjo uses the same as the ressonator's?

[@CMHealy]

Is there a big different between a 4 and 5 string for beginners. Leaning toward 3 finger style. Thanks.

[@JimPankey]

If you're interested in either of the styles I demonstrated then you'll need a 5-string. If you're inclined to play Irish or Dixieland music, then go with the 4-string.

[@charleslangridge5764]

Thanks for this film. Can you learn to play pluctrum banjo on a 5 sting? I've been trying to find a 4 string to start learning on. Or is it a good idea to start with a banjolele? Appreciate your a advice.

[@JimPankey]

Gosh... sure out of my realm of knowledge. I do know that there are probably people playing a five string with a pick, but I don’t know any of them. You should be able to find a 4 string pretty easily.

[@charleslangridge5764]

Ok thanks Jim I'll go for a 4 string. Just wondered if people took the 5th off? Living in the UK there isn't really as big a banjo culture like you have in US so just trying learn as much as possible about the instruments before I take the plunge. Do think starting out on a banjolele would be better than a tenor or is there no difference apart from instrumental tone?

[@JimPankey]

charles langridge tuning is different....

[@raychang8648]

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.

[@markh9875]

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.

[@phildann9225]

What sorta banjo/playing style would you suggest for Irish/pogues style stuff?

[@JimPankey]

You’ll need a tenor I suspect.

[@mmsound3667]

I'm guitarist and I want to start playing a trad jazz, New Orleans style banjo. So I'm thinking about buying a six string banjo. Yes I would like to tune it like a guitar and I've some questions. First of all I'm thinking about buying another set of strings and put a thinner strings for the LOW E-A-D to avoid the bass strings and tune it for the same notes E-A-D but one octave higher to get more like traditional banjo sound. I don't like the bass strings on banjo (especially E-A) because it just doesn't sound like traditional banjo and I'm playing mostly on jams with other people which are playing bass notes. Is it possible to tune low strings one octave higher with your six string banjo? The second question is: what kind of strings will be better for trad jazz? Nylon or Steel? I think I like more steel string and I guess it will be louder so It can be helpful during the jam sessions to mic it up or just to play unplugged.

[@JimPankey]

Let’s see... I have no clue. I really can’t offer any advice on guitar. I’m just a banjo player.

[@mmsound3667]

Yes but im talking about changing these string in 6-strings banjo@@JimPankey

[@JimPankey]

Pretty much still a guitar... So, if it’s possible to do that on a guitar then it should work.

[@plumtime1804]

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)

[@HoosInHere]

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.

[@simonhuffa9885]

That was great as a beginner who plays guitar I’d like to learn bluegrass what brand of beginners banjo would be good for that?

[@JimPankey]

Consider the Recording King Dirty 30s

[@simonhuffa9885]

@@JimPankey Gday Jim well thanks for that advice I just ordered a Barnes muller empress 5 string last night Are these any good?

[@JimPankey]

@@simonhuffa9885 Never heard of those

[@simonhuffa9885]

@@JimPankey yes me either but after some searching found this brand so I’ll see how I go I’ll be doing your lessons “go and get your banjo” …I WILL Thanks for your work putting that together… can’t wait… Cheers

[@anthonycollins1777]

Can you describe the style of banjo playing for Washington Square?

[@merlynschutterle7242]

I think Washing Square was played either on a 4-string tenor or a 4-string plectrum, but not on a 5-string. You don't have to have a 4-string to play plectrum. Take the 5th string off and tune the 4th string to C.

[@llathrum]

@ 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?

[@JimPankey]

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.

[@flintdavis2]

Now a want two banjos! But I’ll learn one at a time.

[@JimPankey]

Why have one when 12 will do? 🤪

[@charlesbrown7579]

I am hinkinng of buying a banjoele of a banjo what would i be best buy and the easiest to play

[@JimPankey]

Recording King makes a fantastic soprano banjo ukulele.

[@charlesbrown7579]

@@JimPankey i bought a 5 string banjo

[@kevinoconnell8242]

ok I have just found my new thing. I want to buy one with a resonator and I dont want a beginner model and I dont know even what brand. what is the best brand with a $400 budget? I saw a deering that looked nice and there was a b9 Washburn that looked good. Anyone have an opinion on which one?

[@JimPankey]

Recording King Dirty 30s! amzn.to/2UyPceA

[@kevinoconnell8242]

@@JimPankey Thanks so much. I found a local used deering goodtime two with a really nice case for $460. Thoughts?? Cant wait to get started...

[@davestambaugh7282]

I had heard it said that mandolin banjo's have the worst characteristics of both instruments. Of course I had to find out for myself so after having two different ones I had to agree. I have no interest in playing any of the fife string styles which combine the melody line with some cords. Kind of like the one man band style that was so popular in the early days. I never liked playing the finger style of playing as I am constantly breaking off finger nails as soon as they get a little long and the finger picks always hurt my fingers.So I like to play with a flat pic. I have found the short neck tenor banjo's have terrable intonation unless you use nylon strings.So I used nylon strings which work really good only if you have a powerfull tone ring like a mastertone. Even so the left hand requires considerable stretch. So I finally ended up with the ukulele banjo , concert scale (15") to be perfect for me. I use a chirango high E and a fiber core classical guitar E string for the A string then a baritone uke A string for my D and the guitar D string for my low G which is commonly used with standard uke tuning. All strung tensions are within one pound of being ten pounds.

[@AlldeLucas]

Hello, I want to buy my first one and I don't really know if I buy a 4 or 5 string one, i don't really got which one is better for which song so, could you help me in it ? since then thanks

[@JimPankey]

This video is for folks trying to decide which 5-String banjo and playing style they might want to pursue. As for the 4 string, my knowledge in that area is very limited. However, if you liked anything I played in my video, and if it's something you'd like to learn, then the 5-string might just be right for you. :)

[@AlldeLucas]

Thanks once again.

[@MrRuss192]

Thanks Jim , this vid has helped in choice.

[@EmiFolkMusic]

Whats the name of the second tune he plays with the open back banjo?

[@Alex16993]

It's also "Cripple Creek".