Best
Banjo for
Beginners
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Overall: Sturdy composite rim and maple neck
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Best Feature: Highlighted by a rosewood fingerboard and remo head.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Overall Banjo
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Overall: Designed with slender neck and a 22-fret fingerboard.
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Best Feature: Meticulously crafted with maple resonator and a steel rim.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Banjo for Intermediates
Banjo EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
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Overall: Laminated mahogany body and matte neck finish.
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Best Feature: Immaculately built with nickel plated hardware.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Strumming my banjo for the first time felt like finding a treasure chest of tunes; even though it was hard initially, the happiness of making music easily was amazing.
Finding the right Banjo Songs For Beginners was the key that turned my eager twangs into sweet, toe-tapping melodies.
One song that mainly stuck with me was Cripple Creek, with its gentle melody and repetitive chords—a perfect starting point for beginners.
Once learned, it’s the kind of song that becomes a lifelong companion, ready to be played immediately.
Keep reading, and by the end of this article, you’ll know where to start your banjo journey and have the confidence to join any bluegrass jam or even serenade a gathering.
Popular Songs to Learn on Banjo
When I first picked up a banjo, I found joy in the strings of some timeless bluegrass and folk gems, alongside a few modern tunes crisply adapted for the banjo’s twang.
Let’s explore some popular banjo songs perfect for beginners like you and me to start strumming along to.
Classic Bluegrass Tracks
If you’re starting to play banjo, you might be looking for easy banjo songs to kickstart your banjo-playing journey.
Cripple Creek
In the heart of bluegrass, “Cripple Creek” is an absolute classic, brimming with lively energy that’s perfect for honing your fingerpicking speed.
Clinch Mountain Backstep
Another staple for newcomers is “Clinch Mountain Backstep.” This tune gives a spirited twist to practicing those slides and rolls.
The Beverly Hillbillies
One classic and simple banjo song that’s perfect for beginners is the theme song from “The Beverly Hillbillies.” This well-known tune is a great way to familiarize yourself with the alternating thumb roll and get comfortable playing fiddle tunes on the banjo.
Hot Corn, Cold Corn
With its catchy melody and straightforward structure, you’ll soon be able to play the entire song, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to dive into simple banjo songs.
“Hot Corn, Cold Corn” provides a fun, approachable pattern for practicing the essential Scruggs style technique.
Salt Creek and Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
“Salt Creek” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” carry the soul of bluegrass music, combining the traditional melodies with the joyous feel of picking in the circle.
Country and Folk Selections
You Are My Sunshine
For those with a penchant for country twang and heartfelt folk tales, there’s no going wrong with “You Are My Sunshine.” This is one of the best banjo songs and a staple in the banjo learner’s repertoire.
Wagon Wheel
And let’s not forget the catchy and friendly tune, “Wagon Wheel,” a modern classic that feels like it’s been part of the folk scene for generations.
Ring of Fire
“Ring of Fire” brings Johnny Cash’s fiery spirit to the banjo’s strings.
Amazing Grace
For a touch of gospel, “Amazing Grace” is a sublime choice that adds a soul-stirring quality to your practice session.
Country and Folk Selections
Ho Hey
Even modern chart-toppers can find a new voice on the banjo, and “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers is one of those sparkling hits that shine with a banjo’s strum.
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” while not a traditional banjo song, adapts beautifully to the instrument, allowing for a tender expression of its haunting melody.
Johnny B. Goode
And who could resist the rock ‘n’ roll allure of “Johnny B. Goode” translated into banjo speak?
Cotton-Eyed Joe
“Cotton-Eyed Joe” might have historical roots stretched far back, but it’s a tune that’s remained buoyant and is often played on the banjo with a vigorous bounce.
Learning Basic Banjo Chords
When I first picked up my banjo, I knew mastering it would be a journey full of joyous sounds and a few challenges. Let’s get you tuning strings and strumming chords with confidence.
Understanding the Basics of Banjo Playing
Getting to grips with the banjo starts with acknowledging its uniqueness among stringed instruments. Its twangy sound bubbles up from the resonating drum-like body, which gives it a distinctly American folk feel.
You’ll usually find me playing with a mix of fingerpicking and strumming, known as clawhammer or frailing, as it suits beginners and advanced players alike.
Introduction to Banjo Tuning
The first step in tuning the banjo is my familiarity with standard tuning: G-D-G-B-D. It might startle you that the top string (the fifth) is not the lowest in pitch; it’s tuned to a high G.
I always keep a digital tuner clipped on the headstock for tuning, ensuring I’m pitch-perfect every time I play.
Beginner-Friendly Banjo Chords
Chords are the foundation of any banjo song, and as a beginner, I found a handful easy to learn.
Firstly, the G major, or simply the G chord, is often played by strumming all the strings open, making learning a breeze. Then, there’s the D7 and A major, which require more finger dexterity.
My tip is to start with these chords before moving to trickier ones like F# minor; they’ll help you build strength and familiarity with the fretboard.
Fundamentals of Banjo Playing
When I first picked up the banjo, I knew mastering this joyous stringed instrument would take plenty of practice.
I’m here to share a few tips that worked wonders for me, focusing on timing, rhythm, and song repertoire.
Holding Your Banjo Correctly
First things first, let’s hold the banjo right. I ensure the banjo’s back rests against my stomach and the neck points upwards at a 45-degree angle.
It’s all about balance and comfort, so I adjust the strap to keep the instrument snug against me, which allows my hands to move freely.
Finger Picking Techniques
Picking is where the magic happens.
Scruggs-style fingerpicking is my go-to, using my thumb, index, and middle fingers to pluck the strings. I also dabble in the clawhammer technique, where I strike the strings downward with the back of my fingernails.
Both styles have their charm and give your tunes that distinctive banjo twang.
Strumming Patterns
Now, onto strumming.
I start with a basic pattern, using a steady down-up movement with my right hand to keep timing tight. As I get more advanced, I play around with syncopation and more complex rhythms to add spice to my playing.
Remember, strumming’s not just about moving your hand; it’s putting your heart into the music.
Advanced Techniques to Aspire To
Once you’ve got the hang of the basic strumming and picking, it’s a real hoot to start pushing boundaries with your banjo playing. The techniques we’ll nose into here will surely add that extra sparkle to your melody, making each tune a series of notes and a story told through your fingers.
Mastering Slides and Bends
When I bring a slide into the mix, I elevate a simple note to a little journey, sliding my finger up or down the fretboard to reach another note. It’s a smooth, swooping move that adds a dreamy voice to the melody.
Equally enchanting are the note bends, where I press the string against the fretboard and gently push it upwards or downwards, literally bending the note’s pitch.
This magic trick breathes life into a tune, giving it an utterly captivating vocal-like quality.
Exploring Melodic and Single-String Playing
Diving into melodic playing, I draw out the melody note by note, combining the harmony and rhythm to convey the song’s essence. It feels like I’m painting with notes, creating a vibrant musical landscape.
Then there’s the adventure of single-string playing, where I focus on one string at a time, yielding a cleaner and more precise melody, as if I were a storyteller enunciating every word for impact.
‘Foggy Mountain Banjo’ by Earl Scruggs — what a classic!
It showcases these techniques splendidly, serving as a beacon for what mastery of the banjo sounds like.
Choosing Your First Banjo
Before you start playing the banjo, let’s make sure you have the right banjo in your hands. It’s all about matching you with an instrument that feels like an extension of yourself.
Understanding Banjo Types
I adore helping newbies find their perfect banjo match. You need to know several types of banjos are tailored for different styles.
Beginners commonly start with the 5-string banjo, celebrated for its use in bluegrass and folk music. It’s tuned to open G—G, D, G, B, D—which makes it a friendlier option for new players like you because it allows for simple chord shapes and easy playing.
Recommended Banjo Brand
Gold Tone
Gold Tone offers a diverse range of banjos that cater to all play styles and skill levels.
I am thoroughly impressed with the Gold Tone banjo due to its remarkable playability, wide tonal range, and robust construction.
I appreciate their innovative designs and consider them an excellent value-for-money option, balancing cost with quality.
Gold Tone AC-1 5 String Openback Banjo
FEATURES: Sturdy composite rim and maple neck
OTHER INFO: Highlighted by a rosewood fingerboard and remo head
- High-precision components like geared tuning machines
- Affordable price compared to other high-quality banjos
- Lightweight and easy to handle, making it great for beginners
- Durable construction with a classic look
- Bridge and tailpiece may need upgrading for better performance
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end models
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender
Fender might be a giant known for guitars, but they also craft some nifty banjos.
I’ve always admired their sleek designs and reliable performance, suitable for musicians who expect versatility from their instrument.
Fender PB-180E Banjo
FEATURES: Laminated mahogany body and matte neck finish
OTHER INFO: Immaculately built with nickel plated hardware
- Open back banjo designed
- Quality construction and durable materials
- Built to handle even the most chaotic front-porch jams
- Require experienced setup for optimal playability
- The historic design may be too niche for some
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Deering
Fender might be a giant known for guitars, but they also craft some nifty banjos.
I’ve always admired their sleek designs and reliable performance, suitable for musicians who expect versatility from their instrument.
Deering Goodtime Banjo
FEATURES: Designed with slender neck and a 22-fret fingerboard
OTHER INFO: Meticulously crafted with maple resonator and a steel rim
- Constructed with durable materials for long-term reliability
- Boast clear tones and superb playability
- Ideal for folk, bluegrass, and old-time music styles
- Higher price point compared to some other banjo brands
- Limited availability of certain models in some regions
- Some players may prefer a different neck profile
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Basic Banjo Setup
Now, my friend, tuning your banjo is a joyful ritual you’ll love. An accurately tuned banjo is beautiful—crisp, clear, and ready to sing.
Ensure your beginner banjo is set up correctly, which involves checking the bridge placement and ensuring the strings are snug and correctly tuned.
Practicing a healthy setup instrument will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
And if you’re in a pickle, always remember that a chromatic tuner or one of those nifty tuning apps can be a lifesaver!
Banjo Songs for Beginners:
Overview
Learning the banjo is a joyous journey, and these songs provide a gentle yet wonderfully engaging pathway for any beginner.
Cripple Creek and You Are My Sunshine stand out as delightful starting points, don’t they? With their straightforward melodies and chords, these tunes are just waiting for you to pluck away and make them your own.
I can’t help but smile when I think of you mastering The Ballad Of Jed Clampett. It’s a tune with that quintessentially upbeat banjo vibe, perfect for tapping your feet.
And remember the iconic Dueling Banjos; they’re a bit more challenging but rewarding!
Here’s a cheeky table to keep the essentials at your fingertips:
Bluegrass: The Ballad of Jed Clampett and Dueling Banjos
Folk tunes: You Are My Sunshine
Classic tune: Cripple Creek
I’m thrilled to have shared these songs with you. It’s a musical journey to enjoy, and I can’t wait to hear how you’re doing.
Keep playing, and have a great time!
Wait! There’s more…
Prepare to pick and strum your way to musical joy with this article: Best Brand of Banjos!
so when do we get banjo versions of edm hits asking for a friend
i saw the list of songs and while it’s alright, how come there’s nothing from the really classic stuff? seems like a lot of the newbies are gettin’ all the attention with the pop songs and whatnot, back in my day we learnt the hard stuff first, that’s how you really got good. no offense to Lewis Turner but this ain’t the way to keep the banjo tradition alive.
I’m thrilled to see ‘Wagon Wheel’ on the list! It was one of the first songs I mastered, and it really helps with learning the rhythm. Kudos to Lewis Turner for including a variety of genres.
Absolutely, ‘Wagon Wheel’ is a staple. A great starting point for rhythm and chord transitions.
hey, does anyone know if learning ‘Cripple Creek’ is good for a total newbie? got a banjo for my bday and wanna start with something cool but not too hard. thx