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First, the banjo is a stringed instrument with a neck and a resonator. The banjo has 5 strings tuned in a certain order. You can play banjo by plucking the strings with your fingers or using a pick. In case you want to know more details about banjo, check more details here.
There are different techniques that you can use to play the banjo. For example, you can use the clawhammer technique or the three-finger picking technique. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with the clawhammer technique as it’s simpler.
To play banjo, you’ll need to practice regularly and listen to banjo music to get an idea of how it’s supposed to sound. You should also try to find a banjo teacher who can help you learn the basics and beyond.
Beginners’ tips for playing banjo
Start by learning the basic chords.
Don’t try to learn too many at first, just focus on a few basic chords. You can find banjo chord diagrams online or in banjo instructional books. Take a look at some of the basic banjo chords here:
Practice strumming different rhythms
Again, start with simple rhythms and then gradually add complexity. If you played any string instrument before you might find easier to play banjo chords with accessories rather than with fingers.
Start using exact melodies via tabs
Once you feel comfortable with chords and strumming, start picking out melodies. You can find banjo tablature online or in banjo instructional books.
It’s not a bad idea to follow early works of most popular banjo players that changed history, check our article about greatest banjo players ever.
Listen to a lot of banjo music
There is no better way of getting to know an instrument but listening to masterpieces written for it. This will help you develop your own style and sound. There are many great banjo players out there, so find some of your favorites and listen to their music often.
To get more familiar with banjo music we created a list of the most popular banjo songs, where we are sure you will be able to find something for yourself!