The banjo is one of the most rewarding folk instruments to learn: a few rolls and chord shapes get you playing recognisable tunes within weeks. Finding the best banjo for beginners comes down to two questions. Do you want the bright, punchy bluegrass sound of a resonator banjo or the softer, plunkier tone of an open-back for clawhammer and old-time music? And how much weight and budget can you handle? Below are seven proven 5-string banjos from trusted makers, with honest trade-offs, a comparison table and the accessories every new picker needs.
Open-back vs resonator: the first decision
A resonator banjo has a wooden bowl bolted to the back of the pot that projects sound forward. It is louder and brighter, which is why bluegrass players using three-finger Scruggs-style picking almost always choose one. The trade-off is weight: resonator banjos with metal tone rings can be heavy for children and smaller adults.
An open-back banjo has no resonator, so it is lighter, quieter and mellower. It is the traditional choice for clawhammer and old-time styles, and its lower volume makes it friendlier for practising at home. If you are not sure which style you will play, some models are convertible, letting you remove the resonator later.
Almost every beginner should start on a 5-string banjo, which is what lesson books and online courses teach. Four-string tenor banjos suit Irish and Dixieland music, and six-string banjos tuned like a guitar are a shortcut for guitarists, but neither is where most teaching material starts.
Our picks for the best banjo for beginners
Deering Goodtime Openback
The Deering Goodtime Openback is the banjo many teachers recommend first. It is made in the USA by one of the best-known banjo builders, it is light enough for teenagers to hold comfortably, and its neck is easy to play. The simple maple construction keeps the price in the upper-budget band while still delivering a real instrument rather than a toy.
Best for: clawhammer, old-time and general beginners who want a banjo they will not outgrow quickly.
- Pros: US-made quality, light, very playable, strong resale value.
- Cons: no resonator, so it is quieter than bluegrass players expect; plain cosmetics.
Deering Goodtime Two Resonator
The Deering Goodtime Two adds a resonator to the same proven Goodtime design, giving the projection and brightness bluegrass picking calls for. It stays lighter than many heavy tone-ring banjos, which is a real benefit for long practice sessions.
Best for: beginners set on three-finger bluegrass style.
- Pros: bright, loud bluegrass voice, manageable weight, excellent build.
- Cons: lacks the deep punch of a heavy tone-ring banjo; costs more than the openback version.
Gold Tone CC-100R Cripple Creek
The Gold Tone CC-100R is one of the most widely recommended value resonator banjos. The resonator can be removed to convert it to an open-back, so a beginner can try both bluegrass and clawhammer styles on one instrument. Gold Tone has a strong reputation for consistent setup on its entry-level models.
Best for: undecided beginners who want to explore both main styles on a mid-range budget.
- Pros: convertible design, good value, reputable maker with solid support.
- Cons: less refined tone than a Deering; the stock head and strings are worth upgrading later.
Gold Tone AC-1
The Gold Tone AC-1 is a full-size 5-string open-back built with an acoustic composite rim, and it comes with a gig bag. It is lighter and more resistant to humidity changes than an all-wood banjo, and the maker pitches it for both bluegrass and clawhammer. A left-handed version is also available, which is unusual at this price.
Best for: kids, travellers and anyone wanting a tough, low-maintenance starter.
- Pros: very light, durable composite rim, gig bag included, lefty option.
- Cons: mellow, softer sound; not the bright projection bluegrass players want.
Epiphone MB-100
The Epiphone MB-100 is a budget open-back 5-string from a familiar guitar brand. It is a sensible low-risk way to find out whether the banjo clicks before investing more. Like most budget banjos, it plays noticeably better after a setup that lowers the action and adjusts the bridge position.
Best for: curious beginners on a tight budget.
- Pros: affordable, light, recognisable brand.
- Cons: budget tuners and hardware; benefits from a professional setup.
Ibanez B50 Resonator
The Ibanez B50 is a budget 5-string resonator banjo that gives bluegrass beginners the brighter, forward sound they want without a mid-range spend. Ibanez’s experience building affordable fretted instruments shows in the neck, which is comfortable for players coming from guitar.
Best for: budget-conscious bluegrass starters.
- Pros: resonator projection at a budget price, comfortable neck.
- Cons: heavier than an open-back of the same price; hardware is basic.
Recording King RK-R35 Madison
The Recording King RK-R35 Madison is the step-up pick: a maple resonator banjo with a tone ring, which delivers the punchy, cutting bluegrass tone associated with professional instruments. It is heavier and costs more than true starter banjos, but it is a banjo a committed player can keep for years.
Best for: adult beginners serious about bluegrass who want to buy once.
- Pros: tone ring for real bluegrass punch, quality build, long-term keeper.
- Cons: noticeably heavy for children; more money than a first try-out needs.
Comparison table
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Deering Goodtime Openback | Clawhammer and old-time | US-made, light and playable |
| Deering Goodtime Two | Bluegrass beginners | Resonator with manageable weight |
| Gold Tone CC-100R | Undecided beginners | Removable resonator |
| Gold Tone AC-1 | Kids and travel | Composite rim, gig bag |
| Epiphone MB-100 | Tight budgets | Low-cost open-back |
| Ibanez B50 | Budget bluegrass | Affordable resonator |
| Recording King RK-R35 | Serious adult learners | Tone ring for bluegrass punch |
How to choose
Match the banjo to the music. If you love Earl Scruggs and bluegrass jams, get a resonator. If you are drawn to old-time fiddle tunes and clawhammer, get an open-back. Convertible models like the Gold Tone CC-100R are a good compromise if you genuinely do not know yet.
Check the weight. Banjos vary hugely. A heavy tone-ring resonator banjo can be uncomfortable for a child or anyone with back or shoulder issues, and an instrument that hurts to hold does not get practised. A strap helps, but lighter is better for a first instrument.
Plan for setup. Banjos are adjustable instruments: the floating bridge can shift, the head tension affects tone, and the action may be high out of the box. A local guitar tech can set it up properly, and that one visit often transforms a budget banjo.
Avoid toy banjos. Very cheap no-name kits often have poor tuners that slip and frets that buzz. A reputable entry-level model from Deering, Gold Tone, Epiphone, Ibanez or Recording King will stay in tune and hold resale value.
Accessories to budget for
Most 5-string beginners need a set of finger picks and a thumb pick for bluegrass style, a padded strap, spare strings and a clip-on tuner. Banjos go out of tune easily, especially the short fifth string, so a reliable tuner is essential; see our guide to the best guitar tuners, most of which handle banjo too. A wall hanger or floor stand keeps the instrument within reach, which encourages practice; our best guitar stands roundup covers options that fit banjos. Lessons, whether in person or online, are worth budgeting for in the first few months to build good roll technique.
If you are comparing folk instruments for a family member, also look at our guides to the best mandolins for beginners and the best ukuleles for beginners, both of which are lighter and simpler starting points for young children.
FAQ
Is banjo hard to learn for a complete beginner?
Banjo is approachable. Open G tuning means strumming the open strings already sounds like a chord, and basic rolls come together within a few weeks of regular practice. Speed and clean bluegrass picking take longer, but most beginners can play simple songs early on.
Should a beginner get a 4-string or 5-string banjo?
Most beginners should get a 5-string banjo, because it is used for bluegrass, folk and old-time music and almost all beginner courses teach it. Choose a 4-string tenor banjo only if you specifically want to play Irish traditional or Dixieland jazz.
Can a guitarist learn banjo easily?
Yes. Guitarists already have finger strength and fretting skills, so the main adjustments are the open G tuning, the short fifth string and right-hand rolls. A 6-string banjo tuned like a guitar is an option, but learning a 5-string opens up far more teaching material.
