Which Acoustic Instrument to Learn: Banjo vs Guitar

Subject: banjo versus guitar
Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 11:21:46 -0400

Hi,

Which is more difficult to play: a 5-string banjo or a 6-string guitar (playing individual notes with a pick)? I realize this may not really be answerable, but if you could try I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, Rick George

Greetings Rick,

I believe, if you're playing guitar with a flatpick, you're going to find it quite a bit easier to learn than banjo with fingerpicks...there are many more mechanics involved with fingerpicking banjo than flatpicking guitar...with flatpicking guitar, you have focus on only one pick striking the string; whereas, on 5-string banjo, you have to learn fingerpicking patterns where three different picks are striking the strings...your first song learned on guitar is quite a bit easier since you're only playing single line melodies; on banjo, you're striving to play where there's not only a melody but the harmonic support of the chords being played with rolls. Yes, on guitar, you can make it as difficult as you want...for, you can also use the fingerpicking approach...however, on guitar, it's quite common to approach it with a flatpick...and with a flatpick, you're either strumming chords or playing single line melodies as songs or improvisation...this is also true for mandolin...which might be another consideration for you...Mickey

Subject: Re: Fwd: Deering Sierra 5 String Banjo
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 08:46:36 -0600

Hello Mickey

Maybe you could help!? I am in a pickle here, I need some professional advice. Here is my problem, I can't decide on getting a new Banjo or a Guitar? I have been driving myself crazy here researching the net for days and hours on end for guitars, I have spent over a YEAR checking out Banjos and I like the Deering Sierra and I also like the Morgan Monroe MGB-1 and the Gold Tone BG-250F, but I have not heard any of them in person except on your web site. However I do know that the Deering is better made and seems to have better sound, which is what I want.

However, on the plus side, I used to play Banjo and take lessons when I was about 12 years old, so I still know some chords and and maybe a few songs yet I am now 37 years old.

I have been thinking of learning to play the guitar now too. But there are so many different typs Acoustics, electrics and so on. I have been a Johnny Cash fan ever since i was very young i grew up listening to him and love his music and would love to learn to play it on guitar i also love all kinds of music oldies, classic rock, older country and of course Bluegrass. But i have no idea on what kind of guitar to get. Acoustics seem like they would be harder to play do to them being thicker, but on the other hand you have to have an amp and cord to play electric. and I do not know any chords on the guitar.

In your opinion what is the easy instrument to learn to play between Guitar and Banjo?

Both would be difficult to master...however, the guitar on the basic level is quite a bit easier...the basic level meaning that it's quite easy to learn to strum...all that is required is to hold a flatpick and learn a few chords. Now this would be classified as back-up guitar...not lead guitar. To learn to play guitar fingerstyle would be just as difficult as learning banjo in the 3-finger style. I guess it depends on what you hope to achieve with your guitar playing...if you only look to accompany vocals or another lead instrument, the guitar, at the basic level, would be quite a bit easier. Banjo has quite a bit of foundation mechanics required before learning your first song...you might check out our free online lessons at: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3

These lessons will give you a window of what you're up against on 5-string banjo...

The other problem is that I can easily find a guitar teacher their a dime a dozen around here. But i can't find any Banjo teachers....yet. I have a Banjo video that I could learn some more basic stuff from but where do I go from there?

Have you considered learning a little of both? It sounds like you're really divided between the two...and, by learning the basics on both, you may have found your calling.

I purchased the 2004 Guitar & Bass buyers guide the other day and that really confused me! All the different types of guitars and prices. as far as Guitars that i like so far are the Gibson ES-137 classic (electric), Martin D-28, Morgan Monroe MN-DLX-6.

This is quite an array of models...as beginner, the Morgan Monroe will do you fine...

No one around here has heard of Morgan Monroe instruments. I found one place that is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from here and I am going there today to at least look at the Morgan Monroe Banjos and Guitars. Is Morgan Monroe not that great of an instrument or what? i just wonder why no one around here carries them. Around here it's mostly Gibson, Fender, Guild, Martin and Ibanez.

Morgan Monroe is a great value...and are of decent quality...especially when set up correctly. They're relatively new and that's why they haven't been recognized to date.

The other Problem I have is I really want a instrument NOW! but no $$ right know. I am trying to find some one to loan me the cash for 2-3 months until I get my tax returns, but so far no luck. i hope I don't have to wait till March to get somthing. I really want to start playing NOW!

Well Mickey I hope that you could help me out here on which way to go. Banjo......... or Guitar?? Please let me know ASAP. I would really appreciate your help. Thank you very much. And THANKS! for getting back to me on the price of the Deering Sierra Banjo so quick

You're most welcome...I hope I've been of further assistance...and have not added to the confusion...Mickey

Dan