Choosing a 5 String Banjo - The Best For Beginners
5 String banjo: The Guide to Choosing the Perfect One for You
Have you made the decision to play the 5 string banjo? If yes, you are now probably planning to buy one if you have none of this instrument in your household yet. This instrument comes in different styles and budget. However, before you buy one, it is imperative that you know exactly what style of this instrument will suit you. Here are some guides that will help you in your selection.
There are 2 types for this instrument: closed back and open back banjos. The necks for both types are similar and you are allowed to play any style of music on both. Here are the further options you might like to check out.
Open Back 5-String banjos
If you love playing clawhammer, Old Time and frailing style of music, this is the 5 string banjo for you. It does not have a metal flange as it has no resonator to hold to. This is the reason why it is lightweight as compared to others.
Long Neck 5-String banjos
This instrument is an invention of Pete Seeger. At the beginning of its fingerboard, three extra frets are found. It is great for those who are into singing styles. With its lower tuning, users are given more scopes to explore the keys for singing.
Resonator 5-String Banjos
When it comes to a 5 string banjo, the most common music style that is being played is the American Bluegrass music. For this style, you will need a banjo with 22 frets fitted with resonator. For most players of Bluegrass music, they are always looking for an extra projection for their sound. This is attained only with the resonator. Also, this is the style of this instrument that is most popular to its enthusiasts. It falls under the close back 5 string banjos category.
Short Neck 5-String Banjos or Parlor Banjos
The neck for this type of banjo has shorter length as compared to other of its kind. It is the ideal instrument for those people with small hands and little fingers. They are popularly used in getting children started with 5 string banjo. Because of their short size, they are also ideal for traveling as they can fit easier to your things.
Upon deciding that playing 5-string banjos is you’re the lesson you want to get a hold of, make sure that you know the things you need to know about it. As musicians, you might have a preferred style of music to play. It is essential to know which of the types of 5 string banjos will suit your style along with other factors to consider. This guide is intended to help you in your selection of the 5 string banjo that will suit you perfectly. When selecting the banjo for you, always remember to check out the details before any purchase. This way, you can avoid wasting money with the purchase and wasting time with trying to learn something is not your style