The 5 Dos and Don’ts for New Banjo Players
So, you’ve got yourself a banjo. Maybe you were inspired by an old folk record, a bluegrass jam session, or just the sheer joy of twangy stringed instruments. But now that you’re holding this five-string wonder, you’re wondering: What now?
Well, friend, you’re in for a ride. Learning the banjo is equal parts exhilarating and frustrating, rewarding and ridiculous. It’s an instrument that can sound like heaven one moment and absolute chaos the next. But don’t worry—I’ve put together five essential dos and don’ts to help you navigate the wild and wonderful world of banjo playing.
1. DO: Explore Every Style of Banjo Playing
Before you get too deep into your banjo journey, take a step back and explore the different styles out there. The two biggest contenders are:
• Clawhammer – A traditional, rhythmic, percussive style played without fingerpicks. It has that old-time feel, like something you’d hear on a front porch in the Appalachian Mountains.
• Scruggs Style – A bluegrass powerhouse, this melodic fingerpicking style is loud, fast, and full of intricate rolls that create that signature driving banjo sound.
Both styles are fantastic, and both require time, patience, and practice to master. If you’re feeling adventurous (or just a glutton for punishment), you could even try learning both at once—there are some transferable skills between them. Just pace yourself, or you might end up with a banjo-induced existential crisis.
2. DON’T: Get Sucked Into Banjo Forums!
Look, the internet is a great resource. There are some brilliant players out there willing to share their knowledge. But here’s the thing: online banjo forums and bulletin boards can be a black hole of madness.
One minute you’re looking for advice on a simple tune to play for the grandkids, and the next thing you know, you’re knee-deep in a heated argument about the correct angle of a Presto tailpiece in relation to the moon’s gravitational pull.
By all means, have a read, enjoy the banter, and take in some useful tips—but don’t let it dictate your journey. Forge your own path. The banjo world is full of self-appointed gurus, cult-like followings, and arguments over things that really don’t matter. Learn what you need, then put the phone down, close your laptop and go play your banjo.
3. DO: Learn the Basic Frailing Strum First
If you’re starting with clawhammer banjo, the frailing strum (also called the “bum-ditty”) is your first major hurdle. Master this simple motion, along with a couple of chords and you’ve unlocked the foundation of hundreds of tunes.
Don’t try to sprint before you can walk—get comfortable with this basic technique and apply it to a few easy songs. Simple tunes aren’t just for beginners; they’re great for warming up and honing your timing.
And if you start feeling overwhelmed by the endless depths of banjo music theory? Ignore it for now. That’s a rabbit hole you can explore later. Just focus on playing, having fun, and building confidence. (By the way, I’ve got a list of easy banjo tabs on my website—https://www.banjoadventures.com —if you need a place to start.)
4. DO: Find a Great Teacher
A great teacher doesn’t need to be a world class banjo virtuoso. Think about swimming instructors—most of them aren’t Olympic champions, but they can still teach you how to float, kick, and eventually swim laps on your own.
The same goes for banjo teachers. A good teacher connects with you, simplifies complex ideas, and keeps you motivated.
Now, allow me a shameless plug—I’m stepping into the banjo teaching world as of 2025! Am I the next Pete Seeger? Absolutely not. My playing mostly stays within the first five frets. But I love teaching, and I’d be honored to help people learn.
I can’t compete with the YouTube banjo giants like Clifton Hicks, Brainjo, and Tom Collins—they’ve got the whole thing locked down. But you know what they don’t have?
A broad Northern British accent that cuts through the bullshit and explains things in a way that actually makes sense to the Brits!
So, if you fancy learning clawhammer banjo from a down-to-earth, no-nonsense teacher, you know where to find me.
5. DON’T: Expect Instant Results
Banjo playing takes time. A great teacher once told me that it takes 500 to 1,000 hours of practice to become a half-decent player. That sounds like a lot, but it all depends on how you spend those hours.
If you practice consistently, focus on small improvements, and actually enjoy the process, you’ll make real progress. But if you expect to be picking like Bela Fleck in a week? Well… you’re in for a humbling experience.
The best thing you can do is embrace the journey. Some days will feel amazing, and others will feel like you’ve just picked up the banjo for the first time. Stick with it, laugh at your mistakes, and keep going.
Final Thoughts
The banjo is one of the most joyful, expressive instruments out there. It can be frustrating at times, sure—but the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
So, take your time. Experiment with different styles. Avoid internet drama. Learn from people who inspire you. And above all—have fun.
Now, go grab your banjo and start pickin’!
