Introducing the five string banjo
Lesson time: (1min 21sec)
Avram Siegel introduces the five-string banjo - how to hold it and how to wear the thumb and finger picks.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Beginning Banjo with Avram Siegel
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Introduction to Playing the Five String Banjo
Hi, I'm Abram Siegel, and this is a video on how to learn to play the five string banjo.
Understanding the Banjo
This is the banjo. That's the fifth string right there.
Key Components
There are some slight differences between different banjos, but they basically all have:
- Head
- Rim
- Neck
- Frets
- Nut
- Bridge
Proper Banjo Positioning
When you hold the banjo:
- You want to have it sitting right in the middle.
- Avoid setting it off to the side.
Using a Strap
It's usually a good idea to have a strap so you don't have to think about holding the banjo neck up with your left hand.
The Picks
There are two types of picks used when playing:
- Two metal finger picks
- One plastic thumb pick
How to Wear the Picks
- The thumb pick goes on like that.
- The finger picks go on opposite to your fingernails.
And there you have it!
About the instructor
Avram Siegel is a banjo player and a mainstay of the California bluegrass scene. He has played with the Kathy Kallick Band and True Blue, among many others, and has taught for decades - his step-by-step method has turned out some of the state's most respected young players. In his courses he breaks down three-finger Scruggs rolls, backup and melodic playing so you can build clean timing and tone at your own pace. read more