Best strings for clawhammer banjo

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2022

Our experts know exactly how tiresome it can be to scour the endless online stores by yourself. The good news is that you don't have to do it if you're in need of the best strings for clawhammer banjo! We've done all the hard work for you, selecting and reviewing the 51 greatest options offered by top brands: JSI, GUITARX. Read on to find out what exactly made us pick these ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pisgah Banjo Co-Aquila Old-Time Nylgut Frailing Banjo Strings
#TOP 1
Pisgah Banjo Co-Aquila Old-Time Nylgut Frailing Banjo Strings
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Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
#TOP 2
Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo
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Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
#TOP 3
Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
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Top 51 Best strings for clawhammer banjo Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Pisgah Banjo Co-Aquila Old-Time Nylgut Frailing Banjo Strings

Pisgah Banjo Co

Features

  • Synthetic Gut Strings for Clawhammer
#TOP 2

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo

Artist Unknown

Features

  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck, 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets, Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays, Sealed Geared Tuners, Geared 5th String Tuner, Durable Satin Finish, Deering Fiddle Shaped Peghead
  • 11" Blonde 3-ply Violin Grade Maple Rim Steel Tension Hoop 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head 5/8″ Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32″ Nuts 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece Steel Coordinator Rod for Adjustments Durable Satin Finish Openback
  • Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″, Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″, Rim Diameter 11″, Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2″, Weight Approx.4.5 lbs
  • Comes with a deluxe padded gig bag and a True Tune chromatic tuner
#TOP 3

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 4

Deering Goodtime Americana Banjo 12 In. Rim

Deering

Features

  • OTHER FEATURES: 12-inch Remo Renaissance Medium Crown Head, 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments, 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32" Nuts, 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Fretsg,D,G,B,D in standard G tuning Can easily be tuned in other tunings as well. Geared 5th String Tuner, Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2", Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays.
  • RENAISANCE HEAD - WARM TONE: The renaissance head complements the Grand 12" rim on the Goodtime Americana to further enhance this banjo's sweet, warm tone.
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Blonde 3-ply Violin-Grade Maple Rim, 5/8" Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge, Blonde 3-ply Violin-Grade Maple Rim, Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
  • ENGRAVED PEGHEAD AMERICANA: Beautiful engraved peghead featuring the Americana name, Goodtime logo, and scrollwork design. Collections: 5 String Banjos, Banjos, Featured Banjos, Goodtime Banjos, In Stock, Openback 5-String Banjos Type: 5 String Banjos
  • NEW GRAND 12" RIMFULL, FAT TONE: The new wider Grand 12" rim found on the Goodtime Americana emphasizes the bass response and gives the banjo an unmistakeble tone.
#TOP 5

String Swing CC01B-BW Banjo Hanger Wooden Wall Holder Black Walnut Hardwood

String Swing

Features

  • Structural lifetime warranty; handmade in the U.S.A.
  • Protective padding gently and securely supports the instrument
  • Real North American Black Walnut hardwood offers beautiful & unique wood grain; no 2 wood blocks are identical
  • Banjo does not rest on its tuners
  • Mounting hardware included
#TOP 6

D'Addario EJ64 4-String Dulcimer Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • Contains 3 plain steel strings and one nickel-plated steel wound on steel string
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
  • Distinctive bright tone and excellent intonation
  • Designed specifically for the 4-string dulcimer
#TOP 7

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 8

Deering Goodtime 2 Resonator Banjo

Limxink

Features

  • 3-ply Violin Grade Goodtime Maple Rim
  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
  • Includes a Gig bag
  • 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
  • 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head
#TOP 9

Aquila New Nylgut AQ-42 Banjo Ukulele Strings

Aquila

Features

  • Accurately gauged strings of varying densities provides increased accuracy of fret-intonation
  • Proprietary composite material absorbs less moisture to assure tuning stability
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Designed to have excellent player feel and a sweet tone similar to that of genuine gut strings
  • New Nylgut strings provide better sound than traditional nylon or PVDF
#TOP 10

The Banjo Columns: Tunes


Features

#TOP 11

MUSCELL Banjo Strings

MUSCELL

Features

  • STRING GAUGES:Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
  • Hex core strings are generally perceived to have a brighter, less muddy tone than round core strings. Many also perceive hex core strings to have a tighter pick attack and increased clarity. because of the advantages they provide in tuning stability, longevity, and high-end clarity.
  • Plain Steel & Phosphor Bronze Wound – which has a good combination of warmth and brightness, a strong picking attack, and is the most popular option.Nickel-plated steel also has more magnetic response since the core wire and the cover wire are both mostly steel.
  • HANDMADE.Sound natural than produced by machines.
  • VALUE PACKED:Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
#TOP 12

Ernie Ball Earthwood 5-String Frailing 80/20 Bronze Banjo Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • All strings are Loop End
  • Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials
  • Made from the same 80/20 alloy as our most popular acoustic strings
  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones
#TOP 13

Elixir Strings Banjo Strings w POLYWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Banjo strings constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wire
  • Medium gauge: .010 .012 .016 .023 .010
  • Original POLYWEB Coating provides a slick, fast feel that keeps the strings from getting in the way of playing
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Played for their rich, golden tone
#TOP 14

GHS Strings PF160 5-String Banjo Strings

GHS Strings

Features

  • Featuring NitroPack singles, guaranteed to be fresh from the factory!
  • Phosphor Bronze with extra large loop ends
  • Light Gauge: 011-013-016-026w-010
  • Model: PF160
  • 42" Winding Length
#TOP 15

Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek Banjo

Gold Tone

Features

  • Tailpiece Other Features: Neck binding, Curly maple headstock veneer, Low action
  • Body: MapleNeck: MapleResonator: MapleTone Ring: BrassTruss Rod: Two-way adjustableTailpiece: Straight Line
#TOP 16

Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo (Banjo)


Features

#TOP 17

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 18

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 19

Golden Gate GB-1T Standard 4 -String Tenor Banjo Bridge

Golden Gate

Features

  • Bridge top inlaid in long-wearing ebony with pre-cut string notches
  • Standard 5/8" height fits most modern banjos
  • Well seasoned, close grained, hard rock maple base for stability and clear tone transmission
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
#TOP 20

D'Addario EJ55 5-String Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
  • Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmth
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • Phosphor Bronze wound 4th string for added warmth^Loop end construction for universal fit^Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .013, .016, Phosphor Bronze Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
#TOP 21

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 22

Vangoa 5 String Banjo Open Back Full Size

Vangoa

Features

  • [Beginner-friendly Kit] Beginner Banjo kit comes with everything you need to start, just focus on your learning, play right out of box. Vangoa Banjo set offers a 2-year warranty and life-long sincere after-sales service, you could rest assured that you will receive our best assistance
  • [The Most Popular Remo Head] Trusted by every major banjo manufacturer worldwide, the frosted banjo head brings a crisp dry tone without too much sustain providing great clarity and note distinction. 24 Chrome-plated brackets ensure a better tension distribution on the head for more accurate and precise tuning
  • [Considerate Design] Adjustable coordinator rod on the head and truss rod on the neck, making adjustment easier for you. Fret dots on the neck side helps you find chord locations quickly. 15:1 ratio tuning peg design enhanced durability by anti-dust, erosion-resistant sealed design, help you to hold tune firmly
  • [Beautiful Design with Premium Material] Maple fretboard blends in perfectly with Maple body, external quality combined with inherent grace, even on the craftsmanship of back edge, making it smoothy and durable, easier to play
  • [Lightweighted Portable] This Open-back banjo offers a mellower sound and is easier to play and carry aside for the lighter body, it perfectly meets the needs of clawhammer and old-time music players, gently pluck the string, bring out the pleasing melody
#TOP 23

Christmas Songs for Banjo


Features

#TOP 24

Ashthorpe 5-String Banjo

Ashthorpe

Features

  • Banjo bundle kit includes: This banjo is safely stored inside a 15mm premium fabric padded “gig bag” guitar case with pocket, carry handle, and shoulder strap. Extra strings, a polishing cloth, and three celluloid picks are also included.
  • High-quality craftsmanship: Ashthorpe's banjo features a mahogany neck and laurel fretboard with finely manicured, smooth seated frets. The body is crafted from mahogany with a high-gloss finish. The closed-back resonator can be easily removed, allowing this banjo to be played open back. Designed with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, a 5-ply maple rim, 15:1 ratio geared tuners with high-quality tuning pegs, an adjustable hinged tailpiece, and chrome-plated armrest.
  • Traditional style: This 5-string banjo is perfect for any style of play with its guitar-style headstock and neck combined with a tambourine shaped body. Whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound from this right-handed banjo.
  • Remo head: This banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The crisp white, frosted head delivers bright sound and clarity. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets and resting on the Remo head is a beautiful 5/8" maple/ebony bridge for superior string vibration transfer.
  • Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straight.
#TOP 25

Gold Tone AC-5 Composite 5-String Banjo

Gold Tone

Features

  • Composite rim & resonator
  • Maple neck
  • Professional setup
  • Rosewood Fingerboard
  • Geared 5th string Tuner
#TOP 26

Gold Tone, 5-String Banjo (AC-1)

Gold Tone

Features

  • Includes Gig Bag
  • Gold Tone 12-point set-up
  • Zero-glide nut system
  • Composite rim open back
#TOP 27

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 28

The Nashville Banjo Songbook: Instruction

Morrell

Features

  • Includes Banjo Chord Charts
  • Incororates the 4 basic rolling patterns
  • Also includes complex techniques, Leading Licks, Tags and endings
  • Nashville Banjo Songbook: Instructions for the Bluegrass Banjo Player!
  • Instruction is taught in the tablature method
#TOP 29

Complete Banjo Repair: The Setup


Features

#TOP 30

Mulucky 5 String Banjo

MuLucky

Features

  • Remo Head: This resonator banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The professional retro imitation animal skin; warm and retro tone, delicate, transparent, with moderate overtones. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets
  • Adjustable Bracket - 24 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head, It can be adjusted according to the sound you want
  • Traditional style: This 5-string banjo is perfect for any style of play with its guitar-style headstock and neck combined with a tambourine-shaped body. Whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound from this right-handed banjo
  • Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straightd
  • Mulucky Banjo Kit: The 5 string banjo kit comes with a full-size banjo x1, spare strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x4, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, and gig bag x1, ruler x 1. We are a professional banjo supplier, If you have any questions about this banjo, please contact us
#TOP 31

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 32

D'Addario J61 5-String Banjo Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • J61, D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo set, provides the ideal balance of playing tension and bright, projecting tone. Loopend construction for universal fit. D'Addario banjo strings are trusted by legends like Ralph Stanley, Rob McCoury, Ron Block, Alison Brown, and more, for their authentic tone and reliable performance. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and available in a wide variety of gauges.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • D'Addario's most popular 5-string banjo gauge, ideal for all playing styles
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • Nickelplated steel for bright tone, smooth feel and long life
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • String Gauges: Plain Steel .010, .012, .016, Nickel Wound .023, Plain Steel .010
#TOP 33

Vangoa Banjolele 4 String Banjo Ukulele Mini Travel Banjo Uke 23 Inch Concert Portable Small Banjo Ukele Kit

Vangoa

Features

  • [Play Anytime Anywhere] Portable 23 inch concert banjolele comes with nylon 4 string, which is easier to push down thus much suitable for beginners to master. With a shoulder handheld dual-use padded bag, the lightweight banjo ukelele is suitable for various occasions: music travel, courses, or other indoor-outdoor activities
  • [Tailored Design for Beginners] String action is considerately designed for beginners and intermediates, low enough to make playing easy and comfortable, but not so low to cause buzzing, keep a nice balance between playability and sound
  • [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
  • [Open Close Back Switchable] Versatile banjo ukulele better fits beginners' needs to step in different music styles, bluegrass, old-time clawhammer, mellower or brighter. With self-adhesive pickup, you could plug into an amp to spread out your happiness with more friends and families
  • [Quality Sweet Tone] AAA mahogany body with 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 playabilityeet sound, perfect for any music styles. 12 solid chrome-plated brackets properly tight the drum head to put out a satisfactory tone and playability
  • [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
#TOP 34

6 String Banjo Bridge 3 Legged Banjo Parts Maple Ebony

Swhmc

Features

  • Popular Three Legged Model
  • 6 string banjo bridge
  • Maple and ebony bridge for 6 string banjo.
  • Quality sealed machineheads
  • Brand New and Never Used
#TOP 35

GHS BANJO - Stainless Steel String Set- 5-String

Ghs

Features

  • SET: PF 155 Light (10-11-12, 5-20-10)
  • BEST MATERIAL: Stainless Steel (Extra long 42" Loop End fit any Banjo)
  • PLAY WITH THE BEST: One of the best-selling strings in the world!
  • BEST QUALITY: Made in USA according to the latest technology!
  • FOR YOU: Your tone! Crisp and perfect Attack. Claw-Hammer your Sound!
#TOP 36

Jameson Guitars 6-String Banjo Guitar

Jameson Guitars

Features

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Sold as a package: Included with this 6-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 6-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
  • 6-String banjo: This 6-string banjo is tuned similarly to a standard guitar and is perfect for those who want to cross over from playing the guitar to the banjo. Guitar players will enjoy the rich sounds the banjo creates while playing chords that are familiar to them. This banjo features six chrome plated closed geared tuners.
#TOP 37

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 38

3 Pack Full Set Stainless Steel Coated Copper Alloy Wound 5-String Loop End Banjo Strings DBGCG (.009 .011 .013 .020 .009)

Alice

Features

  • Loop End;
  • Alice AJ05;
  • .009 .011 .013 .020 .009;
  • Stainless Steel Coated Copper Alloy Wound;
  • Compatible Models: 5-String Banjo
#TOP 39

Ashthorpe 6-String Banjo

Ashthorpe

Features

  • Traditional style: This 6-string banjo is perfect for any style of play with its guitar-style headstock and neck combined with a tambourine shaped body. Whether you’re playing mellow country tunes, folk, bluegrass, clawhammer-style, even rock, you’ll get a great response and sound from this right-handed banjo.
  • High-quality craftsmanship: Ashthorpe's banjo features a mahogany neck and laurel fretboard with finely manicured, smooth seated frets. The body is crafted from mahogany with a high-gloss finish. The closed-back resonator can be easily removed, allowing this banjo to be played open back. Designed with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, a 5-ply maple rim, closed geared tuners with high-quality chromed tuning pegs, an adjustable hinged tailpiece, and chrome-plated armrest.
  • Remo head: This banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The crisp white, frosted head delivers bright sound and clarity. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets and resting on the Remo head is a beautiful 5/8" maple/ebony bridge for superior string vibration transfer.
  • 6-String banjo: With strings tuned similar to that of a guitar, this 6-string banjo is perfect for all player levels, from beginner to advanced. Guitar players looking to pickup playing the banjo will handle this stringed instrument with ease.
  • Banjo bundle kit includes: This banjo is safely stored inside a 15mm premium fabric padded “gig bag” guitar case with pocket, carry handle, and shoulder strap. Extra strings, a polishing cloth, and three celluloid picks are also included.
#TOP 40

Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo

Deering

Features

  • Maple neck
  • Three ply maple rim.
  • Slender, ergonomic neck shape
  • Nickel Plated
  • All geared tuning machines.
#TOP 41

Golden Gate P-101 Vega-Style Armrest

Golden Gate

Features

  • Perfect for the restoration of vintage models of the 1920's and 1930's as well as upgrades for modern banjos
  • Triple nickel-plated brass construction with double leg Vega style design polished to a mirror finish
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
#TOP 42

Aquila Red Series AQ-11B Banjo Strings – Medium Tension DBGDG-Set of 5

Aquila

Features

  • Each string Shares a similar diameter, yet differs in material density providing a uniform feel and enhances intonation
  • Aquila Red Series strings have an extremely comfortable player feel and a greater volume than standard strings
  • Improved composite material and proprietary design makes the tone brighter and more responsive across the Fretboard
  • Proprietary composite material also absorbs less moisture than other synthetic strings to assure tuning stability
#TOP 43

Deering Artisan Goodtime 5 String Openback Banjo

Deering

Features

  • Lightweight - Only 5lb!
  • Made In USA
  • 3-Play Violin Grade Maple Rim
  • Easy to learn on!
#TOP 44

Jameson Guitars Left Handed 6-String Left Handed Banjo Guitar

Jameson Guitars

Features

  • 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.
  • Sold as a package: Included with this 6-string left-handed 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.
  • 6-String left-handed banjo: This 6-string banjo is tuned similarly to a standard guitar and is perfect for those who want to cross over from playing the guitar to the banjo. Guitar players will enjoy the rich sounds the banjo creates while playing chords that are familiar to them. This banjo features six chrome plated closed geared tuners.
  • 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 left-handed 6-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
#TOP 45

Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Resonator Banjo

Artist Unknown

Features

  • Comes with padded gig bag, True Tune tuner, Kyser capo and Gold Tone banjo mute
  • 6 Year Warranty
  • Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck, 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets, Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays, Sealed Geared Tuners, Geared 5th String Tuner, Durable Satin Finish, Deering Fiddle Shaped Peghead
  • Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″, Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″, Rim Diameter 11″, Resonator Diameter 13 7/8″, Overall Instrument Length 38″, Weight Approx. 6 lbs
  • 11" Blonde 3-ply Violin Grade Maple Rim, Steel Tension Hoop, 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head, 5/8″ Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge, 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32″ Nuts, 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments, Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece, Steel Coordinator Rod for Adjustments, Durable Satin Finish
#TOP 46

Bnineteenteam 24pcs Banjo Round Hook Prime Meal Silver Durable Professional Banjo Round Hook Banjo Parts

Bnineteenteam

Features

  • [AFTER-SALE GUARANTEED]:We provide a customized and professional customer service before and after your purchase. If you have any questions about the product, please consult our customer service immediately we will reply you soon.
  • [LIGHT WEIGHT]: These banjo hooks are lightweight as this product is, it will add no burden to your beloved instrument.
  • [LONG SERVICE TIME]:These banjo flat hooks are made of durable metal for long lasting and and corrosion resistant.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • [DO IT YOURSELF]: These banjo hooks are good choice for the perfect music enthusiasts, do it yourself and change the fittings.
  • [NO DAMAGE TO BANJO]: These banjo hooks have smooth plating, these banjo tension hooks will do no damage to banjo body.
#TOP 47

5 String Banjo, Full Size

LOTKEY

Features

  • Sound - Removable Back Cover, You can choose close or open back at any time The open back produces a more mellow, softer sound, and since the sound chamber rests against the player, some of the sounds are absorbed into his clothing and the player’s body, which lowers the banjo’s volume.The close back sounds loud and clear.
  • Remo Head: This removable back banjo kit is flawlessly designed with a Remo head, made by the world-renown Remo drum company. The professional retro imitation animal skin; warm and retro tone, delicate, transparent, with moderate overtones. The head is secured with 24 chrome-plated brackets
  • Adjustable Bracket - 24 brackets ensure even head panel tension to fusion melodious percussion timbres by gently beating on the head, It can be adjusted according to the sound you want
  • Lotkey Banjo Kit: The 5 string banjo kit comes with a full-size banjo x1, spare strings set x1, tuner x1, tuning wrench x2, fingerpick x4, strap x1, cleaning cloth x1, and gig bag x1, ruler x 1. We are a professional banjo supplier, If you have any questions about this banjo, please contact us
  • Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod: This 5-string banjo also includes a geared 5th string tuner, typically found on more expensive banjos. The geared 5th tuner is an upgrade over the common friction tuner, providing more accurate tuning and less slippage. The adjustable truss rod allows you to adjust the neck, ensuring it remains straight
#TOP 48

Bysesion Top Grade Exquisite Professional Wood Metal 5-string Banjo White & Wood ColorNotopleura Wood Alloy 6-string Banjo

Bysesion

Features

  • Offer you dulcet, melodious and wonderful tone . A perfect gift and instrument for someone crazy for banjo
  • We have screwdriver tools and wrench tools, guests can maintain worry-free maintenance including: The adjustment of the neck bending, the adjustment of the height of the strings
  • Our banjo has been fitted with a strap buckle for easy access to the strap
  • Adopt high quality and solid metal & wood . Eye-catching and brilliant look
  • Our banjo side has the standard phonetic mark, makes it easy for beginners to remember the silk position
#TOP 49

Grandpa Jones 5-String Banjo


Features

#TOP 50

GHS BANJO - Nickel Plated String Set

Ghs

Features

  • PLAY WITH THE BEST: One of the best-selling strings in the world!
  • BEST QUALITY: Made in USA according to the latest technology!
  • FOR YOU: Your tone! Crisp and perfect Attack. Claw-Hammer your Sound!
  • BEST MATERIAL: Nickel Plated Steel (Extra long 42" Loop End fit any Banjo)
  • SET: PF 115 Medium (10/12/16/24/10)
#TOP 51

6-String Banjo 24 Bracket

HOM-DIS

Features

  • Adopt high quality and solid metal & wood
  • Offer you dulcet, melodious and wonderful tone
  • A perfect gift and instrument for someone crazy for banjo
  • We have screwdriver tools and wrench tools, guests can maintain worry-free maintenance including: The adjustment of the neck bending, the adjustment of the height of the strings
  • Our banjo side has the standard phonetic mark, makes it easy for beginners to remember the silk position

Things to Consider When Selecting the Best strings for clawhammer banjo

Is clawhammer or bluegrass banjo easier?

Traditionally, clawhammer style has been thought to be easier to learn than bluegrass Scruggs style banjo. That's because once you learn the basic clawhammer stroke, everything else easily falls into place. It's like the old analogy of riding a bicycle. Once you learn to ride the thing, everything else is easy.

Is clawhammer the same as frailing?

While the terms "clawhammer" and "frailing" can be used interchangeably, some old-time players draw a distinction between the two. On the banjo, frailing most commonly means always picking the drone string, while clawhammer allows the picking of other strings with the thumb, which is also called "drop thumbing".

What does a 0 in mean in banjo tab?

For illustrative purposes, this is how it looks superimposed on a 5-string banjo: The note to be played is indicated by placing on number on the string, which indicates the fret that should be held down when the note is played. A “0” indicates that the string should be played open (i.e. – unfretted).

Can banjo be self taught?

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.

Can you play bluegrass on a clawhammer banjo?

Bluegrass is played with either type but Scruggs style is generally associated with Resonator styles and clawhammer with open back styles.

Can I take the resonator off my banjo?

You can take the resonator off, but it will not be a true open back banjo.It would make it sound more like an open back, and be much more quiet. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just play the banjo with the resonator on, whatever style you want.

Is clawhammer easier than bluegrass?

Traditionally, clawhammer style has been thought to be easier to learn than bluegrass Scruggs style banjo. That's because once you learn the basic clawhammer stroke, everything else easily falls into place. It's like the old analogy of riding a bicycle. Once you learn to ride the thing, everything else is easy.

What tuning is clawhammer banjo in?

open G tuning As shown in Figure 1, this tuning is virtually the same as open G tuning but with one variation: open G tuning is, low to high, D, G, D, G, B, D; clawhammer tuning is D, G, D, G, C, D, which tunes the 2nd string to C, which is the 4th of G, instead of B, which is the major 3rd.

Do people play banjo without picks?

It is very true that you do not have to play with picks. As a matter of fact, some styles do not require or encourage you to use picks. Clawhammer style of playing banjo is warm and inviting.

How long does it take to get good at the banjo?

Some banjo instructors claim that it should take about 2,000-hours of work to get to the point of playing banjo where you can reasonably be expected to do pretty much anything on it. We tend to agree with this. A good solid 2,000-hours of work should allow you to play the banjo with incredible ease.

How many strings does a clawhammer banjo have?

5 strings Clawhammer Banjo Banjos constructed for clawhammer or old-time playing always have 5 strings just like their bluegrass cousins. Clawhammer style is often played solo or lightly accompanied and therefore doesn't require the same level of volume and presence a bluegrass player would need.

Editor's Notes

A considerable amount of time and effort was put into this review. We spent a lot of time (over 77 hours to be exact) to deep dive into the topic, analyzing at least 1543 consumer reviews. As a result, we compiled a selection of the most noteworthy models with an average rating of 447. The products you'll find in this compilation are available at $9104 on average (as of 03-10-2023).

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.