5 String Banjos

If you would like to enjoy the picking and grinning fun of playing a 5 String Banjo, but you don't have a great grasp on all the different styles and brands of banjos out there, then this article will help you quickly narrow down your choices and find a banjo that fits your needs.

Banjos originated with the American slaves who crafted the first banjos based on instruments from their homelands.

Your search for a banjo will depend on the style of music you prefer and if you are a beginner, there are great starter banjos and even starter kits that will get you up to speed quickly.

Let's start narrowing your 5 String Banjo choices...

Are you a beginner? There are banjos that go by the name of Starter Banjos that are meant for beginners. They are easy to play and will not blow a hole in your wallet. These are the recommended place to start and you will be able to get a lot of wear out of a starter banjo before you need to move up.

Do you have a young player? Young banjo players with littler hands will find a Travel Banjo the perfect instrument to play. Travel banjos are not just for kids however, their smaller size makes them ideal for carrying with you on the trail or to the campfire and they are nice and compact to cuddle up with on the couch.

Now let's talk about the different styles of banjos and how to pick what you want.

1. An Open Back Banjo is a banjo that does not have a resonator (i.e a back plate). Open-back banjos typically produce a more mellow tone, will weigh less, and can be less expensive than resonator banjos. These banjos are often played without a pick and are usually featured in folk music.

2. A Banjo with a resonator or resonator plate is commonly used in Bluegrass music and will typically be played with a pick.

3. Long Neck Banjos were created by Pete Seeger, a well-known banjo player, who got the idea to have the neck of his banjo extended by 3 frets allowing him to tune his banjo to an E, which let him sing in the lower key.

4. Left Handed Banjos are designed for the South Paws who love pickin' and grinnin'

As you can see there are a number of different banjos to choose from but the one thing that will never change is the broad appeal of the banjo playing. Start strumming a banjo anywhere and people will gather around and start tapping their toes!