Best banjos for beginners

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 25, 2022

Our researchers have found and tested the best banjos for beginners the market can offer today. Below are our in-detail reviews of the top picks offered by ARTIBETTER, Jiayouy, EASTROCK, Fiddlerman, Martin Smith. To decide what exactly you need, make sure you familiarize yourself with the 26 reviews which we've written.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
#TOP 1
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Laminated Banjo Poster
#TOP 2
Laminated Banjo Poster
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Ibanez B50 5-String Banjo Natural
#TOP 3
Ibanez B50 5-String Banjo Natural
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 26 Best banjos for beginners Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

Deering

Features

  • 5/8-Inch maple/ebony Goodtime bridge with adjustable Deering tailpiece
  • Three-ply, 11-inch maple rim with steel tension hoop and high crown head
  • Low-profile, 22-fret rock maple neck with hardwood bow tie inlays
  • Sealed, geared tuning machines, including fifth string
  • Six-year warranty
#TOP 2

Laminated Banjo Poster

A New Song Music

Features

  • Made in the USA
  • ? LAMINATED 11" x 17" Instructional Guide
  • ? Great learning tool for beginning & intermediate banjo players. Hang on the wall wherever you practice for easy reference, instead of flipping through a book. This chart includes the notes of the banjo displayed on the fretboard, 5 basic right hand roll patterns and a chord chart for a standard G-Tuning. This information can be found in books, but rarely on one easy to read chart!
  • LAMINATED Heavy 80lb Glossy Paper
  • ? Essential Chord Chart including the most used chord types: Major, Minor, and 7ths
  • ? Right Hand Roll Patterns - Forward, Reverse, Forward-Reverse, Backward, Alternating Thumb
  • Note locations on the fingerboard
#TOP 3

Ibanez B50 5-String Banjo Natural

Ibanez

Features

  • Mahogany neck
  • 24-lug configuration
  • 5-string banjo design
  • Remo 11inch coated weatherking banjo head
  • Mahogany back and sides
#TOP 4

Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo (Banjo)


Features

#TOP 5

Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket

Jameson Guitars

Features

  • Geared 5th tuner: As a 5-string banjo, this model features a 5th geared tuner side peg. This is a beneficial enhancement over the more typical friction tuners, allowing for better control of your instrument’s sound.
  • Includes padded gig bag: Included with this 5-string banjo is a deluxe 15mm padded gig bag for secure carrying and storage. In addition, this guitar case is designed with a front pocket, backpack shoulder straps, and a carrying handle.
  • Premium craftsmanship: Crafted from the finest woods, with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, mahogany neck, closed back mahogany resonator, as well as a laurel fretboard, this beautiful 5-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
  • High-quality design: Jameson's banjo features a Remo Weatherking drum head, a 5/8-inch maple ebony bridge, a chrome plated armrest, an adjustable tailpiece, and truss rod. Also, designed with a removable resonator allowing you to play the banjo both open and closed back.
  • Beautiful tone: The design behind this banjo and the chosen materials enable it to produce an eloquent, rich tone. It offers distinctive and beautiful sound characteristics, perfect for playing bluegrass, clawhammer, folk, country, and rock tunes.
#TOP 6

5-String Geared Tunable Banjo

Pyle

Features

  • PREMIUM QUALITY - The rich wood and high-gloss finish are accented with white jade machine head tuner key pegs and chrome-plated hardware. Crafted with mahogany neck, back, and side, plus a rosewood fingerboard and Maple Wood bridge
  • LIGHTWEIGHT - Full scale & lightweight ideal for traveling, camping, hiking, taking to the beach. Whether you are pro, a weekend warrior, a hobbyist or a beginner: Start playing your favorite songs right away
  • GEARED 5TH TUNER - Important for both tuning and playability. A premium feature usually found only on more expensive banjos this geared 5th tuner is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • CLASSIC TRADITIONAL STYLE - Styled after the innovative models of the early 20th century, these new/old banjos are true players that exude undeniably providing a vibrant singing banjo tone in any situation
  • FABULOUS TONE - Brings you all the classic tones of a traditional 5 string banjo. Perfect for country, folk, bluegrass, and even some modern rock. It's designed to sound as good as it looks
#TOP 7

Banjo Beginners Jumpstart: Learn Basic Chords


Features

#TOP 8

Pyle, 5 String Resonator Banjo Size 24 Bracket

Pyle

Features

  • ADJUSTABLE TRUSS ROD: Features adjustable truss rod & pearl color tuner pegs w/ additional 5th geared tuner side-peg. Adjust the truss rod can balance the tension caused by strings/climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
  • HEAVY DUTY HARDWARE: This complete all-in-one standard acoustic banjo starter kit is equipped with a geared 5th string tuner and high quality remo drum head. It is handcrafted from sapele hardwood
  • PROFESSIONAL FULL SIZE : 38.6” instrument features a tunable 5-string banjo with 24 brackets and 22 frets, equipped with a classic traditional style binding design. Features a coated and polished rich wood finish with chrome-plated hardware/accents
  • COMPLETE BANJO SET: Pyle brings you an all-in-one banjo set, everything you need to start playing. Comes w/ a gig bag, digital tuner, spare strings, 3 finger picks, cleaning cloth, detachable shoulder strap w/ hanger & wrench (to adjust the brackets)
  • SAPELE WOOD: Features a rich and polished Sapele wood resonator, high-density man-made wood fingerboard, and remo milky skin banjo top, it is designed to sound as good as it looks. Includes maplewood bridge stand and truss rod adjustment tool
#TOP 9

Vangoa Banjo 5 String

Vangoa

Features

  • [Complete Banjo Beginner Kit]] This banjo set is safely stored inside a 8mm premium fabric padded gig bag with front pocket, soft durable carry handle, and adjustable shoulder strap. Curved design neck rest hugs the back of the neck for the perfect fit for great protection. Well-prepared all you need to start, just run right out of the box.
  • [Exquisite craftsmanship, Specialized Design] Quality durable fingerboard on the C-shape neck with finely manicured, smooth seated frets ensure hours of playing comfort. The reliable 5-ply birch rim and mahogany shell, well match the 14:1 ratio geared, precise-tuning white jade tuning pegs
  • [Considerate Details]]This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, which is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage, typically found on more expensive banjos. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straight for utmost playability.
  • [Weather King Remo Head] This banjo kit is produced sophisticatedly with a Remo head, provided by the world-renown Remo drum company. The crisp white, frosted head delivers a bright sound and great clarity. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets and resting on Remo's head is a beautiful 5/8" maple/ebony bridge for superior string vibration transfer
  • [Excelptional Tone] This premium mahogany banjo contributes to a sweet full sound, and the arched resonator offers an excellent vibration for a wonderful tone, bright and twangy. With its easily removable resonator, it is perfectly versatile as open or closed back banjo, whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound
#TOP 10

Vangoa Banjo 5 String Beginner Full Size Kit

Vangoa

Features

  • [Considerate Design] Built-in 2-way adjust truss rod makes adjusting string height easily, ensures a comfortable playing experience with a durable neck. 24 brackets pre-tuned the Remo head, making it stable and giving a great sound to the banjo throughout its optimal tension range
  • [Best Matching REMO Head] Quality Remo top frosted head has crisp, bright with a good snap which ensures a fast and stable bridge sitting for starters, and stifle some unwanted sustain for more clarity and good note distinction when fast fingerpicking
  • [Fabulous Tone] Premium Mahogany banjo contributes for a sweet full sound, perfect for any style of music. The high standard arched resonator offers an excellent vibration for a wonderful tone, bright and twangy, while it's removable to be an open back banjo for a mellower, more intimate tone, versatile for undecided beginners
  • [Precise Accurate Tuning] Sealed geared chrome-plated 5th pegs get that perfect sound with excellent protection from corrosion and dirt. White jade pegs are smooth and durable, making it easier to tune and stay tuned after settling down
  • [Sincere Service] All you need to start is well-prepared, comes with a starter manual and useful kits: bridge setting guide, clip-on tuner, fingerpicks, backup string set, audio cable, Allen key, tuning key, strap, cleaning cloth. We aim to provide customers with quality products, sincere service. For any problems, feel free to contact us via buyer-seller message, you could rest assured that you'll receive the best of care
#TOP 11

Vangoa 5 String Banjo Remo Head Closed Solid Back

Vangoa

Features

  • 5. ECONOMICAL KIT Coming with bag, guitar Tuner, Strap, Pick up, Strings, Picks, you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
  • 3. DURABLE MATERIAL Mahogany neck, sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.
  • 1. REMO DRUM HEAD It uses high-quality Remo drum head as Banjo panel that can produce a sweet tone. You can also gently beat the head to fusion different timbres in your melodies.
  • 2. ADJUSTABLE STRING HEIGHT It equips a truss rod that can adjust the string height, so that you will feel comfortable and perform fluently.
  • 4. SMOOTH DECENT TOUCH It has a fine bright paint, glossy and smooth, giving you a comfortable playing experience.
#TOP 12

Vangoa 5 String Banjo 26 Inch

Vangoa

Features

  • PORTABLE SIZE- 26-inch tenor banjo is perfect for music trips. It is light-weighted for taking out for parties, classes, etc. Mini banjo is easy to start which is quite suited for beginners and budget-friendly
  • PERFECT ACTION- 3mm action at the 12th fret, is pretty comfortable to press down. Adjust the truss rod can better balance the tension caused by strings or climate change, set up perfect string height to meet different needs
  • ECONOMICAL KIT- It comes with everything you need to start, Carrying Bag, Tuner, Strap, Pick-up, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key and Bracket Wrench. Get beginner kits one-off at a cost-effective price. We offer an 18-month warranty & lifetime after-sales service. Buy it with confidence!
  • GREAT SOUND- Superior mahogany body has a solid, warm tone. Quality Alice steel strings deliver a more punchy sound. 12 durable chrome-plated brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head
  • DURABLE MATERIAL- Mahogany body with beautiful wood grain is hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable. Anti-corrosion chrome-plated pegs stand the test of time and 15:1 ratios gear keeps the strings in tune
#TOP 13

Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo

Kmise

Features

  • The lacquered removable back cover makes the entire banjo more advanced and beautiful. Just open the gorgeous sapele back cover to get a cleaner sound; with the resonator the sound is fuller.
  • Comes with storage bag, banjo shoulder strap, extra strings, digital clip-on tuner, polishing cloth,allen wrench to adjust truss rod if needed,and quality metal finger picks.If you have any question about your banjo,please contact kmise for a quick resolution.
  • The okoume wood neck and sapele wood back combine to produce a beautiful and very distinct tone characteristic as well as looking great.
  • This banjo has a polished chrome installed armrest to provide comfort while playing.The sturdy, padded nylon gig bag holds the instrument security, allowing you to take your beloved banjo with you on trips
  • The Kmise 5 string banjo uses a high-quality drumhead that can produce a pleasant sound. The player can beat the drumhead panel when plucking the string to come percussion with a beautiful melody
#TOP 14

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo

Deering

Features

  • Sealed geared tuners
  • Slender rock maple neck
  • Three-ply maple rim
  • Single Bound Maple Resonator
  • Adjustable tailpiece
#TOP 15

4 String Banjolele Magic Gold Concert 23 Inch Banjo Ukulele

Magic Gold

Features

  • The Banjolele is equipped with comfortable armrests, so you no longer feel the pain or discomfort of metal armrests when playing for a long time. Play comfortably and fully concentrate on practice. Very comfortable for beginners
  • Beginner Kit, tuner, spare strings, bracket wrench, strap, picks, stage pickups, cleaning cloth, gigbag
  • The high-quality Sapele back and side panels bring a sweet, loud, and clean tone. The walnut fingerboard is smooth and resistant to daily practice, and the copper edges are carefully polished to avoid scratches
  • The 23" concert banjo ukulele has a unique and wide tone, which can be easily mastered by most musicians. The 15:1 ratio chrome-plated closed tuning nails are easy to tune and hold. The Italian Aquila strings are stronger and more durable. Stable sounds better
  • It can be a resonator banjo or an open banjo. The traditional resonator style produces a softer and softer sound, while the open-back style produces a brighter sound
#TOP 16

National NP1-8T Thumb & Finger Pick Pack

National

Features

  • 4 long-wearing NP-1 stainless steel finger picks
  • 2 mock tortoise NP-8T large sized thumb picks
  • Suitable for guitars, resos, banjos, and other instruments
  • Ergonomically designed for player comfort
#TOP 17

Kmise Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

Kmise

Features

  • 3. Multifunctional strap with an adjustable length from 45.6'' to 66.1'' can release the pressure of the banjolele and set hands free to play. The strap equips with two hooks can allow players not to drill a hole on the banjolele but fasten the hook on the metal frame and tie the leather belt on either headstock or strap lock.
  • 5. Kmise responsible for every item we sold and do our best to offer the best shopping experience, feel free to contact us once your product has any problem.
  • 2. Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
  • 1. The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
  • 4. Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound. The package also comes with a piezo pickup that can connect the recording equipment for stage performance, which makes Kmise banjolele a super playable and multifunctional musical instrument.
#TOP 18

AKLOT 5 String Banjos Full Size Open Back Banjo Adjustable Maple Body Remo Head

AKLOT

Features

  • AKLOT BANJO KITAKLOT 5 string banjo kit comes with full size banjo x1, strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, finger pick x1, strap set x1, cleaning cloth x1 and gig bag x1. All accessories can meet everything what you may need for new beginners and professionals. 2 years warranty.
  • BANJO STAYS IN TONE BETTERThe solid wood bridge is matched with the bull saddle, which can make the strings get better vibration and better sound. The con-sealed pegs can better protect the gears, keep the tone better, and make tuning easier.
  • ADJUSTABLE BRACKETS & BANJO NECKThere are 18 consolidation brackets around the drum which can be adjustable to your desire sound. And you need adjust the drum several times for a certain sound. The banjo also has a 2-way truss rod to adjust the neck and drum head.
  • OPEN BACK & REMO HEAD BANJOThe open back and professional high-quality Remo head can get a more professional sound. The head is fixed by 18 brackets, which can make the head more stable and easier to adjust.
  • MAPLE WOOD BANJOAKLOT 5 string banjo is made of all maple wood material, the sound is very bright and clear. Especially the head adopt tiger maple wood imported from Europe, compliment with Remo drum head.
#TOP 19

Banjo for Beginners: An Easy Beginning Method


Features

#TOP 20

ADM 5 String Full Size Banjo Guitar Kit

adm

Features

  • HIGH-QUALITY REMO DRUM HEADSelected banjo panel will produce a sweet tone, ensuring clarity sound. Proper bridge setting can stay stable when fast fingerpicking
  • ECONOMICAL KIT WITH FREE LESSONSOur pack is constucted with bag, digital tuner, strap, strings, picks, hanger and clearing cloth. You can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price. Meanwhile, you will also enjoy extra one-month lesson by contactng us when the item arrive
  • GEARED 5TH TUNERIt is important for both tuning and playability, bringing you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. And it is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • THICKENED BAG for BETTER PROTECTINGAn thicker bag will protect the banjo better, making it a great idea to take for traveling, camping, hiking, going to the beach. And also perfect for anyone who has always wanted to learn to play this iconic instrument
  • SUPERIOR MATERIALBlack walnut fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered. Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable
#TOP 21

Costzon 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket

Costzon

Features

  • ?With Useful Accessories: The digital tuner with button cell has the ability to precisely adjust the sound level. Ideal for beginners and kids.With a strap and a carrying bag, it is easy to take the banjo along with you while protecting it from corrosion and scratch.
  • ?With Geared 5th Tuner: Our 5 string banjo brings you the classic tones and it is perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock. It features additional 5th geared tuner side-peg which is important upgrade over the common friction tuner.
  • ?Mid-Range Closed Handle and Steel Wire: Mid-range closed handle is suitable for various ranges of people to hold and control. And the strings are made of mid-range steel wire which is solid but flexible to pluck, contributing to long service time and easy operation.
  • ?Solid and Durable Plywood Frame: The panel is wood, and the back and side is Sapele Wood, and the fingerboard is made of Ma qiao Rosewood, which are solid and resistant to corrosion. The durable plywood frame is of high quality that has a long service time.
  • ?24 Adjustable Brackets and Remo Drum: There is 24 consolidation brackets around the drum which is adjustable to make the sound meet the design requirements. It is needed to adjust the drum for several times in order to make a sound.
#TOP 22

Kmise 5 String Banjo

Kmise

Features

  • Comes with gig bag, banjo strap, extra strings, digital clip-on tuner , polishing cloth,allen wrench and banjo picks,great starter kit for beginners and professional musicians
  • Kmise is responsible for every product sold, if you have any questions about the banjo you received, please feel free to contact us
  • Kmise banjo uses high-quality drumhead that can produce a pleasant sound, player can beat the drumhead panel when you pluck the string to create beautiful melody
  • 18 brackets tight the drumhead equally for stable playing;Come with caring armrest which can protect your arm and comfort you while playing
  • Equipped with high quality tuning pegs and light stainless steel loop ends banjo strings,Kmise open back banjos create stable and fabulous sound,suitable for professionals
#TOP 23

Banjo 5-String 26 Inch Tenor Banjo

LOTKEY

Features

  • Full accessaries: The tenor 5 string banjo kit includes gig bag,digital tuner, extra string,strap, pick-up,transparent ruler,bridge, mental picks. Get beginner kits one-off at a cost-effective price.
  • Durable Material: PHL fingerboard and maple bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound of banjo more layered; Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making our 5 string banjo durable
  • Warranty Service: We provides 90-day warranty for the banjo and lifetime string replacement. If there is any problem with the 5 string banjo, please feel free to contact us and we will solve the problem ASAP.
  • Great Sound: Superior okoume neck , quality Alice steel strings deliver a more punchy sound. 12 durable chrome-plated brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head.
  • Excellent tuner: With battery,it is easy to tune. Important for both tuning and playability, brings you the classic tones and perfect for country, folk, bluegrass and even some modern rock.
#TOP 24

Banjo 5 String, MIRIO 41Inch Full Size Banjo Beginner Kit

MIRIO

Features

  • 100%Good Service-We provide a 3-year warranty,We aim to provide customers with high-quality products and sincere service. If you have any problems, just feel free to contact us. We will definitely give you a satisfactory solution
  • Classic Traditional Style - -Styled after the innovative models of the early 20th century, these new/old banjos are true players that exude unden, Full scale & lightweight ideal for traveling, camping, hiking, taking to the beach. Whether you are pro, a weekend warrior, a hobbyist or a beginner: Start playing your favorite songs right away
  • 24 Adjustable Brackets and Geared 5th Tuner - Important for both tuning and playability. A premium feature usually found only on more expensive banjos this geared 5th tuner is an important upgrade over the common friction tuner
  • Superior Remo Banjo Head - Brings you all the classic tones of a traditional 5 string banjo. Perfect for country, folk, bluegrass, and even some modern rock. It's designed to sound as good as it looks
  • Premiun Quality- The rich wood and high-gloss finish are accented with white jade machine head tuner key pegs and chrome-plated hardware. Crafted with mahogany neck, back, and side, plus a rosewood fingerboard and Maple Wood bridge
#TOP 25

MIRIO Banjo,5 String Full Size Banjo

MIRIO

Features

  • Easy to Tune: The 15:1 ratio chrome-plated closed tuning nails are easy to tune and hold, The steel strings are stronger and more durable. Stable sounds better, Premium Mahogany banjo contributes a sweet full sound, perfect for any style of music.
  • High-quality design: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, 12 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head.
  • Surerior Craftsmanship : MIRIO Banjo 41 inches full-size set is hand-made with mahogany wood as back, polished drum skin as banjo top, and technology wood as the fingerboard, that can produce a sweet tone.
  • Classic Traditional Style: Styled after the innovative models of the early 19th century, these banjos are true players that exude, Warm and retro tones, delicate, transparent, and with moderate overtones. All of our MIRIO banjos are fully backed by a lifetime warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. We are committed to providing you with satisfactory products and a pleasant shopping experience.
  • Banjo Kit Include: MIRIO banjo set is designed for both starters and professionals with all accessories you may need. The banjo kit Includes a full-size banjo x1, spare strings x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x3, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, gig bag x1, ruler x 1.
#TOP 26

Vangoa Mini Banjo 5 String Small Travel 26 Inch Set

Vangoa

Features

  • [Quality Sweet Tone] AAA mahogany body with a 5-ply climate-resistant 8-inch rim produces a rich, vibrant, sweet sound, perfect for any music style. 12 solid chrome-plated brackets properly tight the drum head to put out a satisfactory tone and playability
  • [Closed Open Back Switchable] It has great plunk for old-time clawhammer and the considerate resonator design provides enough punch for bluegrass while maintaining its light and portable. With the pickup, you could easily plug into an amp to spread out your music with more friends and families
  • [Easy to Start Support] Provide a 90-Day Warranty and lifelong aftersales service. Well-prepared everything you need to start: gig bag, beginner guide book, bridge installation ruler, extra string set, digital tuner, strap, picks, pickup, cleaning cloth, tuning key. Easier to begin, just unbox and play
  • [Mini Banjo Beginner Kit] 26 Inch banjo, lightweight design is perfect for children, youth, travelers, or anyone who's looking for a small portable banjo. Travel size easily fits in a regular suitcase while is still fully functional for professional learning
  • [Enhanced Playing Experience] Durable chrome-plated armrest enables comfort on the wrist of the picking hand, keep you more concentrated on banjo uke performance and practicing smoothly without getting weary and losing balance in hand placement, greatly speeding up your learning progress

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for the Top banjos for beginners

Can you teach yourself to play the banjo?

Finding an actual teacher might be the best way to master the banjo efficiently, but there are a lot of great online courses now and one can teach themselves as well. In this article, we outline five basic tricks everyone should follow if they are beginning to learn how to play the bluegrass banjo.

What is the easiest style of banjo to learn?

The 5 string banjo is actually the easiest stringed instrument to get started playing.

Which is harder banjo or guitar?

If you compare how easy it is to move fingers over fingerboard or frets, you will realize it is harder to work on guitar than banjo since banjo has fewer strings. The fact that guitar has more strings that are closer to each other makes it hard, especially for beginners, to pluck or strum a precise chord.

Can I learn banjo on my own?

While there are a number of methods that you can use to teach yourself have to play the banjo, but you still need to listen well in order to get really good at it yourself. The best way to do that is to listen to banjo being played by professional banjo players.

What is the average cost of A banjo?

On average, a banjo is going to cost anywhere between $50 – $3,000. For those just starting out, a beginner's kit with a lower end model should cost between $150 – $300, definitely a good buy if you aren't sure you'll stick with it or not. A very solid mid-range banjo can be found for between $300 – $425.

Is it harder to learn the banjo or guitar?

Summing up, the banjo is just as versatile an instrument as the guitar, but for beginning players, it is by far much easier to get started playing.

Do you have to use finger picks for banjo?

Some people prefer the softer sound of playing with bare fingers. But the most important reason for playing without picks is if you just don't enjoy wearing them! Seriously, if you find wearing picks doesn't work for you, then just play the banjo without them!

What brand of banjo should I buy?

Reliable brands are Ibanez, Epiphone, Fender, and Deering. If you are ready to make an investment in the instrument, and are seriously committed to learning the banjo, we recommend the Deering Goodtime Two. It costs around $700 new, but you might be able to find a used instrument in good condition for under $500.

Do you strum or pick a banjo?

Unlike most guitarists who strum with one pick held between their fingers, bluegrass banjo players wear finger picks. Typically, bluegrass players will wear a plastic pick on their thumb and a steel pick on the index and middle fingers on their right hand.

How difficult is it to learn the banjo?

Banjo is generally considered the easiest stringed instrument to learn! Because of the open G tuning and the lighter gauge strings, beginner banjo players are able to play a variety of songs within a month or two. Open G Tuning: Banjos in standard tuning is what is called open G tuning.

Editor's Notes

To compile this list of the top banjos for beginners we spent 41 hours to analyze over 1643 buyer reviews carefully. After that, our experts selected the 26 options most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 233, on average, and cost around $4423.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.