How I’d Start Learning Banjo If I Had to Do It All Over Again
Written By Ben Dorning
Banjo Teacher and Creator Of
www.banjoadventures.com
If you're new to the banjo, you might enjoy my Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning Banjo, where I walk through everything you need to know to start your banjo adventure.
2006 was the year I plucked my first banjo strings.
I half-joked to myself that banjo might be a bit too outside the box for a typical Bolton teen—but the sound got under my skin and never left. After a couple of stop-start attempts at learning guitar, I finally worked up the courage to spend my first proper paycheque on a banjo from Booths Music in Bolton. Booths—you really did me proud.
I’m properly grateful for my banjo journey. It’s been full of discoveries, daft mistakes, joyful wins, and new techniques. But when I look back, I can’t help but see how much space there was between me knowing nothing and becoming the competent player I am now. If I had to start from scratch, here’s exactly how I’d do it—and what I wish someone had told me.
Mindset Matters More Than Gear
If I could give one bit of advice to brand-new players, it would be this: your mindset will get you further than any banjo ever will.
You don’t need the “perfect” banjo. Banjos were originally made from whatever was lying around—gourds, wood, bits of skin. Ignore the brand names and shiny finishes. They won’t make you play better. Any half-decent 5-string will do the job. Just make sure it’s playable and feels OK in your hands. That’s all that matters.
What really counts is how committed you are. Be persistent. Learning banjo isn’t hard in the way most people think—it’s just awkward at first. You’ve got to want it, even on days when your fingers aren’t behaving and nothing sounds right.
A few years into playing, I splashed out on a fancy American banjo—imported it specially. And when I finally played it? It sounded… a bit like my first banjo. Just heavier. It was a good reminder that the real magic comes from playing regularly, not spending money. Keep your banjo somewhere easy to reach so you can grab it on a whim. That’s a better upgrade than anything you can buy.
Start Simple and Master the Banjo Basics
The best thing I ever did was get really good at the basics before rushing ahead. Focus on rhythm, timing, and the feel of the music before trying to sound fancy.
Start with just a basic clawhammer stroke. Let your hand get used to that motion. Once it feels natural, pick one simple tune—“Boil Them Cabbage Down” or “Cripple Creek”—and learn it slowly. Really learn it. Play it so often that it becomes second nature.
Mastering a single tune deeply is far more powerful than fumbling through ten different ones. Simplicity is your best mate at this stage.
Find Resources That Work for You
When I started, resources were patchy. A few books here and there, the odd forum post, some grainy old videos. Now, there’s loads—which is both amazing and a bit overwhelming.
The trick is to pick something that fits your learning style. If you prefer structure, go with a course. If you’re more relaxed or like chatting things through, find a community.
That’s why I created Banjo Adventures—a space for people who want to learn at their own pace and feel supported along the way. We’ve got a free Discord community where learners of all levels can ask questions, share progress, and cheer each other on.
Whatever you choose, try not to bounce between too many resources too fast. Pick one or two and stick with them long enough to make progress.
Play Banjo Every Day—Even If It’s Just for 5 Minutes
The secret to getting good at banjo? Play a bit every day.
You don’t need hour-long practice sessions. Even five minutes counts. Some days I’d sit down for a quick noodle and surprise myself with how much progress I made. It’s the habit that matters, not the length of each session.
Treat it like brushing your teeth. You might not always feel like doing it, but it keeps things ticking over—and before you know it, those little daily plays add up to big wins.
Find Your Banjo People
Learning alone can work, but it’s way more fun with others. Having a few people to share the journey with makes a massive difference.
In the early days, I had no one to ask questions or share progress with. That’s one of the big reasons I started Banjo Adventures—to build the kind of space I wish I’d had. Our Discord community is full of kind, encouraging people who know what it’s like to be a beginner.
Whether you join us or find your own banjo buddies elsewhere, don’t go it completely alone. Sharing your wins, your frustrations, and your wobbly recordings makes the whole process so much more rewarding.
If I could start again, I’d worry less about gear and fancy techniques. I’d focus on playing regularly, sticking to the basics, and finding a few good people to learn with.
Wherever you are on your banjo path, just keep going. There’s no right way to learn, and there’s definitely no deadline. You’ve already done the hard bit—you’ve started.
Grab Your Banjo And Come Join Us
If you’re just getting into clawhammer banjo, come say hi in the Banjo Adventures Discord. We’ve got players of all levels—and plenty of folks who remember exactly what it feels like to be starting from scratch.
We’d love to hear your story. How did you get into banjo? What’s been tricky? What’s kept you going?
Leave a comment below or hop into the chat. You’re always welcome.
