Buying Guide

Understanding banjo types and musical styles

Before shopping, you need to know which type of banjo suits your musical interests. Different banjo configurations are designed for specific styles, and choosing the right one from the start can make learning much easier.

5-String Banjo

The 5-string is the most common banjo type, featuring a distinctive short fifth string that starts at the fifth fret. This "drone string" creates the characteristic banjo sound heard in American folk traditions. The standard 5-string has 22 frets and a 26¼-inch scale length, tuned to open G (G-D-G-B-D).

Five-string banjos come in two main configurations. Open-back banjos have no back panel, creating a mellower, more intimate sound perfect for clawhammer and old-time music. They're lighter (4-5 pounds) and comfortable for long playing sessions. Resonator banjos feature a wooden back panel that reflects sound forward, producing much louder volume with brighter tone—essential for bluegrass where the banjo needs to cut through other instruments.

The playing technique you choose determines which configuration works best. Three-finger style (Scruggs style) uses metal fingerpicks and thumbpick to create rapid "rolls"—the driving, syncopated sound of bluegrass pioneered by Earl Scruggs in 1945. Those playing this style typically prefer a resonator banjo. Clawhammer (or frailing) uses a downward striking motion with your fingernail, creating a melodic, rhythmic sound. This older style dates back to African slave musicians and is typically played on open-back banjos. While the type of banjo changes the sound and feel, both styles can be played on either type of banjo.

Tenor Banjo

Tenor banjos have four strings and no fifth string. Irish tenor banjos typically have 17 frets and a 21-inch scale, using GDAE tuning (same as mandolin/fiddle, one octave lower). It's played with a flatpick, focusing on single-note melodies that parallel fiddle playing. This is the standard banjo for Irish traditional music—jigs, reels, hornpipes, and sessions.

'Standard' tenor banjos typically have 19 frets and are played in CGDA tuning. They were originally developed for Jazz, Dixieland and dance band music of the 1920s.

Plectrum Banjo

Plectrum banjos have four strings like tenors but use the same 22-fret, 26¼-inch scale as 5-strings. They're essentially 5-string banjos without the fifth string. Tuned to CGBD and played with a flatpick, plectrum banjos dominated traditional jazz, ragtime, and vaudeville from the 1910s-1930s. They fell into relative obscurity when amplified guitars became popular but remain the choice for authentic vintage jazz sounds.

Ukulele Banjo (Banjolele)

Ukulele banjos are tuned the same as ukuleles (GCEA). They are played in a variety of styles, from ukulele-style strumming, plectrum playing like a tenor, or clawhammer. Ukulele banjos were most popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

6-String Banjo (Banjitar)

6 String banjos are typically tuned the same as guitars (EADGBE) and played with the same techniques. hey offer an easy entry point for guitar players who want banjo tone without learning new chord shapes or techniques. However, they lack the distinctive fifth drone string of traditional banjos, so purists consider them a hybrid instrument rather than a "real banjo."

Matching your musical goals to a banjo type

Choose a 5-string resonator banjo if you want to play: Bluegrass, country, gospel, or any style requiring three-finger picking with lots of volume and projection.

Choose a 5-string open-back banjo if you want to play: Old-time/Appalachian folk, clawhammer, singer-songwriter accompaniment, or more intimate musical settings.

Choose a 4-string tenor banjo if you want to play: Irish traditional music (jigs, reels, hornpipes), Celtic folk, or participate in Irish sessions.

Choose a 4-string tenor or plectrum banjo if you want to play: Traditional jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, or 1920s dance band music.

Choose a 6-string banjo if: You play guitar and want to add banjo sounds without learning new techniques

Deciding between new or used instruments

One of your first decisions is whether to buy new or used. Each approach has distinct advantages and challenges for beginners.

Advantages of buying new

New banjos eliminate uncertainty about condition and history. Quality brands from reputable dealers arrive professionally set up and ready to play. You'll receive a warranty (1-6 years for entry-level, often lifetime for professional models) that protects against defects. Most specialized dealers include accessories like cases, picks, straps, and tuners, plus some offer free online lessons. Return policies (typically 30 days) let you try the instrument risk-free.

New instruments from reputable sources require no immediate repairs or adjustments. Specialist dealers like Banjo.com, BanjoTeacher.com, and Elderly Instruments set up every instrument before shipping, ensuring proper bridge position, head tension, and action. You can start playing immediately rather than spending time and money getting the instrument playable.

Advantages of buying used

The primary appeal of used instruments is accessing higher quality at lower prices. Entry and mid level banjos can typically be found used for a significant discount compared to their new price. Vintage banjos can have distinctive, seasoned tone that many players prefer. Well-maintained vintage instruments from sought-after manufacturers can actually appreciate in value.

Used markets also provide access to discontinued models no longer in production. Some classic designs from past decades are only available used. For players with specific tonal preferences or vintage aesthetic interests, used markets are essential.