The Best Banjo for Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries and has been adapted by many different cultures. The banjo is a popular instrument in folk music, and there are many different types to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best banjo for folk music and what to look for when choosing one.

The Different Types of Banjos

The banjo is a string instrument with a rich history in American and Celtic music. There are many different types of banjos, each with their own distinct sound and purposes. In this guide, we will break down the different types of banjos and their features to help you choose the best one for your folk music needs.

There are four main types of banjos: the gourd banjo, the minstrel banjo, the Bacon banjo, and the five-string bluegrass banjo.

The gourd banjo is the earliest type of banjo, dating back to 16th century Africa. Gourd banjos were brought to America by slaves, who used them to play traditional African music. These banjos typically have four or five strings and a skinhead. They are smaller than other types of banjos and have a very mellow sound.

The minstrel banjo was developed in the early 19th century by white Americans who wanted to imitate the sound of African-American music. Minstrel shows were popular entertainment in the 1800s, and minstrel bands often featured a banjo player. Thesebanjos typically have six or more strings and a piano-style neck., resulting in a bright, twangy sound.

The Bacon banjo was developed in the late 19th century by New York luthier David L. Bacon. It is considered the first “modern” type of banjo and is still used today by many professional musicians. Bacon designed his banjos to be louder and more durable than other types of Banjos . They typically have five or six strings and feature an “open back” design that allows for better sound projection.

The five-string bluegrass Banjo is perhaps the most popular type of Banjo today. It was developed in the early 20th century by Earl Scruggs, who revolutionized Banjo playing with his three-finger style picking technique. Five-string bluegrass Banjos have five strings (hence the name) and are played with picks attached to the player’s thumb, index finger, and middle finger. This type of Banjo has a bright, twangy sound that is perfect for bluegrass music.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation orally. It is usually associated with the music of a particular region or culture. Folk music often has a strong tradition of storytelling, and many folk songs are about real people and events.

The Best Banjo for Folk Music

The best banjo for folk music is the one that is the most comfortable for you to play. Banjos come in many different sizes, weights, and materials. You want to find one that is the right size and weight for you, and that is made of materials that will hold up to the type of playing you do. You also want to find one that has the right type of sound for the music you play.

Deering Goodtime 2 Banjo

The Deering Goodtime 2 Banjo is the best banjo for folk music due to its price, weight, and ability to create a soft, melodic sound. The price is incredibly affordable for a quality banjo, it is one of the lightest weight banjos on the market which makes it easy to transport and play for long periods of time, and its unique neck shape allows players to create a wide range of tones. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Deering Goodtime 2 Banjo is an excellent choice for anyone looking to play folk music.

Gold Tone CC-100R Banjo

The Gold Tone CC-100R Banjo is our top pick for the best banjo for folk music. This banjo has a classic, vintage design and a warm, rich sound that is perfect for folk music. The CC-100R is also very versatile and can be used for a variety of other genres of music, making it a great choice for any musician.

Recording King RK-R20 Banjo

The Recording King RK-R20 Banjo is perfect for Folk music. It has a great sound and is very affordable. This banjo is also great for beginners. It comes with a hard case and a DVD that will help you get started playing this great instrument.