Why Guitarists Need to Know These 10 Cheap Banjos • Acoustic Tuesday 294
Get your twang on while expanding your musical horizons with these 10 all-star options for beginner banjos.
We’re breaking out of the six-string mold and diving into the bright, toe-tapping world of the banjo. We’ll look at 10 affordable banjos that are perfect for any acoustic guitar player looking to dabble in some new sonic territories.
We’ve split our list into two categories: resonator banjos and open back banjos. Some of you may be scratching your heads, wondering, “What’s the difference, Tony?” Well, you’re about to find out!
Resonator banjos, like the Deering Goodtime #2 and the Recording King RK-R20, are perfect for those looking for that full-bodied, bluegrass sound. The resonator at the back of the banjo projects the sound forward, which gives these banjos a rich, powerful tone.
On the other hand, open back banjos, such as the Goldtone CC-100, provide a mellower and more intimate sound. These banjos are lighter, easier to hold, and are often used in old-time music and clawhammer style playing.
But regardless of which style you choose, here’s a pro-tip: learning to play a new instrument can have incredible benefits for your guitar playing. It can unlock new sonic patterns, giving you fresh ideas and ways of approaching your guitar. Plus, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to add a bit of banjo flair to their acoustic repertoire?
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode…
– Thompson Guitars
– Trey Hensley
– Fretboard Journal
– Molly Tuttle
– Billy Strings
– Andy Hall
Hi Tony, What about 6 string banjos so we don’t need to learn new chord shapes but use the ones we already know?
AMA: Hey Tony, is there going to be a BAC, Banjo Acoustic Challenge? I think you could come up with some good banjo lessons, or rather a systematic way to help us improve dexterity on the banjo while having fun and making progress. Yes, my guitarsenal includes a banjo.
Hey There Tony,
Love the old Thompson. I played it when I stopped by the shop. It has a direct brightness without the harmonic ring-forward I seem to only find in somewhat more vintage guitars. It was my favorite in the shop out of those that I played.
I played a little bit of banjo back in high school (way back, 40+ years ago). Recently, while feeling stuck on my guitar and piano journeys, I’ve been thinking about the banjo again. TAC to the rescue! This weeks Acoustic Tuesday reignited that desire. If I could afford it, I’d grab the Deering Goodtime 2 reso. But, for only $300, I’m really intrigued by the Recording King Dirty 30’s Open Back RKOH-05. Something about the look just grabbed my soul.