The Most Important Accessories For A Beginning Banjo Player
Snark Tuner
First, if you haven't bought your first banjo yet, include as many of these necessary accessories as you can afford when you do. I have put them in order of what I deem the most important for starting out. Some banjo brand models also come as a set, that includes these items, but be sure to look them over carefully, to make sure they have quality accessories and that you aren't paying more for something you could or should get separately.
A Good Banjo Tuner:
When you get your new banjo, the first thing you will need to do is set it up, and tune the strings. Even if you buy a new Deering, that historically at least, arrive ready to play, you will need to re-tune a few times as part of the breaking in of new strings. See my section on setting up a new banjo and tuning instructions if you need a little more help.
There are 2 good tuners I recommend, the Snark and the Korg. The Snark is a clip on and probably the most popular and is also very cheap, from around $10 to $12. The Korg is for you more old school folks. Both are easy to use and will do the job.
An Assortment of Banjo Picks:
You will need a decent set of picks that include both thumb and finger picks that are durable. I recommend getting a National Finger Pick Set.
A Banjo Strap:
Banjos are heavy and the weight is unbalanced, all in the head. A strap is essential for helping to keep the banjo in place as you play, and it's a lot more comfortable! When you are learning to finger the chords or picking a roll, a steady neck and head is a big help. I don't have any favorites, but a lot of people like the Neotech and Gold Tone straps. Here is a good selection to choose from.
A Good Beginners Instruction Book:
A good banjo instruction book should include all the chords, and picking techniques for both bluegrass and country methods of playing, a good assortment of songs to learn on and be easy to follow. For that reason, I recommend 2, either the Banjo For Dummies Book With Online Video and Audio Instruction, or Bluegrass for the Complete Ignoramus, book and CD set. Here is a big selection for you to look at.
A Banjo Bag or Case:
Because banjos are so unbalanced in their weight, it's easy for it to fall over, bang into things when you carry it or fall over if you try propping it up against something. I would get a padded gig back or if you can afford it, a hard case. When you buy your banjo, see if there is a specific case or padded bag sold separately for it. Be careful when choosing a hard case, that it fits the banjo you have!
If you can't afford it right away, make a note to get one when you can, especially if you take the banjo with you alot. You can also look for a hanger, for home use. Here is a selection of cases for you to look at.
A Good Banjo Tuner:
When you get your new banjo, the first thing you will need to do is set it up, and tune the strings. Even if you buy a new Deering, that historically at least, arrive ready to play, you will need to re-tune a few times as part of the breaking in of new strings. See my section on setting up a new banjo and tuning instructions if you need a little more help.
There are 2 good tuners I recommend, the Snark and the Korg. The Snark is a clip on and probably the most popular and is also very cheap, from around $10 to $12. The Korg is for you more old school folks. Both are easy to use and will do the job.
An Assortment of Banjo Picks:
You will need a decent set of picks that include both thumb and finger picks that are durable. I recommend getting a National Finger Pick Set.
A Banjo Strap:
Banjos are heavy and the weight is unbalanced, all in the head. A strap is essential for helping to keep the banjo in place as you play, and it's a lot more comfortable! When you are learning to finger the chords or picking a roll, a steady neck and head is a big help. I don't have any favorites, but a lot of people like the Neotech and Gold Tone straps. Here is a good selection to choose from.
A Good Beginners Instruction Book:
A good banjo instruction book should include all the chords, and picking techniques for both bluegrass and country methods of playing, a good assortment of songs to learn on and be easy to follow. For that reason, I recommend 2, either the Banjo For Dummies Book With Online Video and Audio Instruction, or Bluegrass for the Complete Ignoramus, book and CD set. Here is a big selection for you to look at.
A Banjo Bag or Case:
Because banjos are so unbalanced in their weight, it's easy for it to fall over, bang into things when you carry it or fall over if you try propping it up against something. I would get a padded gig back or if you can afford it, a hard case. When you buy your banjo, see if there is a specific case or padded bag sold separately for it. Be careful when choosing a hard case, that it fits the banjo you have!
If you can't afford it right away, make a note to get one when you can, especially if you take the banjo with you alot. You can also look for a hanger, for home use. Here is a selection of cases for you to look at.
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