It's OK to Strum the 5-String Banjo
I know this statement seems like a “given” but I have spoken with many folks who feel they have to apologize because they “only” strum their 5-string banjo. My favorite way to play the banjo is to strum it! It’s relaxing, it’s easy, and it’s fun.
There are many wonderful advantages to strumming a banjo:
1. For those who have hand issues, the strumming movement is easier to accomplish than either the 3-finger picking patterns or the clawhammer/old time method of playing the banjo.
2. When you become successful with music through strumming, and given that you have no hand issues, it does encourage you to try to expand your playing style to possibly include the bluegrass finger picking or clawhammer/old time style. The “desire” sort of “sneaks” up on you; you begin to yearn for “more” from your playing. There is nothing like a little success to spur you on.
3. It is a great way to practice your chords! Because banjo is traditionally tuned to an open G chord, you already have your first chord without any effort. By adding D7 and C, you open a huge world of songs for practice.
Some examples:
If you use a simple Barre Chord method for C (at the fifth fret) and D (at the 7th fret), you have an easier time making your chords. For a great illustration of this, please look at our “Two-finger Method” DVD. With this method, you learn 3 songs; This Land is Your Land,Tom Dooley, You are My Sunshine
4. Barry Hunn, whose articles on musical inspiration you have read, offered this further insight to the advantages on strumming the banjo.
Many, many folk, popular and bluegrass songs have three chords that make up the song. All chords have a certain “character” in the way they relate to each other. In the famous Scruggs masterpiece, “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” the magic of starting with a G chord and then going to the E-minor chord has unique “sound” or a unique “relationship". Playing a G chord and then changing to a C chord, has a unique “sound” or character in how the two chords relate. The more we strum chords and sing songs, the clearer these “relationships” become. Guitar players, who play chords a lot, have an advantage in that they learn to hear the chord relationships, because they are playing the chords all the time. Sometimes banjo pickers who play notes and mostly leads, don’t have the opportunity to “get a feel” for the chords and how they relate to each other. Strumming chords on your banjo will train your ears and your “musical sense” about how a G chord relates to a C chord and how G chord relates to an F chord. You might not be able to verbally describe this relationship, but you hear it and it helps you learn new songs because you recognize the common chord changes that are the same in many songs.
Whether it’s “Cripple Creek”, “Oh Susanna”, or “Happy Birthday”, the chords and their relationship to each other will become clear after strumming your banjo. This is priceless training in addition to being just plain fun.
In short, STRUM THE BANJO! Not only is it ok, it’s a great way to expand your song repertoire and have fun with folks.
This past year has been devastating as far as health issues are concerned. I’m an instrument collector and musician. I have so many violins, mandolins, banjos, dobros, on and on and on,…. music is everything to me.
My joints are deteriorating. I’ve already lost the ability to play the violin. I can’t hold my arm in position anymore. Probably won’t be chording much in a couple more years, so I’m learning a new way to play with a lap slide and bar chords. I never liked bar chords compared to fingered chords but it’s a give and take world.
The most important thing is to be able to express what’s inside of you. I was thrilled to find this article, because it explains a truth in music. There is no one way to do anything.
I’m currently learning how to play violin and banjo as lap instruments. The hand positions are throwing me off.
Hey deering great article. Suggestion. Make a bridge and nut extender that’s high enough to use a slide on the banjo. Higher tension strings would help.
You can send me a test sample and a small percentage of the profit.
IS IT OK TO STRUM A 4 STRING 19 FRET BANJO TUNED TO OPEN “G”
Thank you
Owen
Just read through your Web page. I have played guitar for many years. Trying the Scruggs style on my banjo now,but I feel better knowing that it is “O.K.” TO STRUM in addition to my picking.
Purchased my first banjo at age65 never played an instrument before, tried three finger style didn’t work for me started strumming,am now almost68,am ably too play a lot of songs,and play along with my friends,strumming is great.
Al,
What great comments! Thank you so much for writing. It is comments like yours that help us know we are doing the job we mean to do.
Thanks for choosing Deering for your banjo and enjoy your new journey with banjo! With your enthusiasm as foundation, you will
be strumming and picking along in no time.
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