Banjo Bolton - Posted - 07/13/2025:  05:06:56

I've been playing for around 18months now. Currently playing a fretless Tackhead.

Everything's great and progress is steady.

But, I have an inch for a guitar.

I went to look in a local shop were the bloke played a few for me and tbh, I was blown away with sounds it could produce.


I'd buy one in an instant but I worry it will stall or even set back my Banjo progress.

...and there's the 'starting from scratch' again.

Over the past 18months I'd say I average about 30-50mins a day.

I'm guessing many people on here have gone through the very same decision?

And how did it work out?

Thanks.

calicoplayer - Posted - 07/13/2025:  05:36:39

Getting a guitar will probably help your banjo playing. Every banjo player I know also plays the guitar, and in fact the guitar was most often their first instrument. Regardless of what instrument you're playing, a note is a note, a chord is a chord, and a measure is a measure. There are, after all, only 12 notes. Playing a second instrument will likely make you much more conversant with chord structure. And the picking and strumming approaches on both instruments have much in common.

I've also found over the years that some tunes work best on one instrument but not on the other. Good to have that flexibility to switch instruments. For example, "Ashokan Farewell" can be played on either instrument, but IMHO it sounds better, and is easier to play, on the guitar. It's a tune that needs rich fat bass notes, which just aren't part of a banjo's qualities.

And here's a personal opinion that others might not agree with: if you're going to mess with the guitar, consider DADGAD Celtic tuning; it's not too different from basic open G tuning on the banjo, and sounds wonderful. I've been playing standard tuned guitar for more than sixty years, just took up DADGAD tuning about five years ago, and found it so much richer and more rewarding than standard tuning. But, that's just my opinion.

Bawheid - Posted - 07/13/2025:  06:01:51

I can relate.

Banjo was my first instrument and always felt sometimes the banjo was a bit too harsh, niche and limited for certain things i wanted to do musically, but thought it would be better to dedicate all my time to one instrument.

Caved one day and just bought a guitar and glad i did. Each instrument learning complements the other. Somedays i fancy playing banjo, others the guitar, or both.

Trust your gut.

Banjo Bolton - Posted - 07/13/2025:  06:03:06

Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated.

GS - Posted - 07/13/2025:  06:19:00

Go for it, Craig! Go for it big time and get a 12 string guitar! 

Edited by - GS on 07/13/2025 06:19:21

Dean T - Posted - 07/13/2025:  06:29:30

Buy the guitar, remove the low E strong, tune the rest to open G. You know who else does this? Keith Richards… yep, The Rolling Stones… plays a banjo tuned Telecaster.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/13/2025:  08:14:14

I bought a guitar because I was teaching a slow jam and most of the students played guitar. It didn't take me long to learn and remember the basic chords and basic rhythms and to add a few riffs and runs to help my students.

Very glad I did. I used to take both banjo and guitar to jams and played which ever one was needed the most.

As said above, a second instrument is usually much easier and quicker to learn.

As most have said: go for it!

Banjo Bolton - Posted - 07/13/2025:  08:52:03

Oh this is incouraging!

As I'm only 18months in, I half expected the advice to be... dedicate all my time to the Banjo for a little longer before venturing outside.

I did hold a guitar or two at the shop but they felt totally alien.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 07/13/2025:  10:03:27

Many folks do indeed begin on guitar and add the banjo later.  Because of this they often approach the banjo from a guitar frame of reference- chords, etc.

No reason not to take up the guitar, as long as you keep in mind that the banjo is not a guitar and keep the two separate in the main.  This will be much easier for you since you are a fretless banjo-player.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/13/2025:  11:13:39

The main problem I had learning guitar was learning to flat pick. I'd played banjo long enough where that type picking was what I was used to and picking up a flat pick and trying to do much of anything took time. Making chords and rhythm was no problem at all. You may find you'll be hunting that drone string and wondering where it went (G). Once you get over that, then its just learning the picking patterns.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 07/13/2025:  13:42:50

Sometimes, and some years, I am a complete banjo player. Then something in me flips and I’m on the guitar for months or a few years.

Sometimes it’s a constant blend.

Played both instruments at a professional level way in the past.

When I get back to either instrument I always feel as if my playing has improved on some level, so I guess it can’t hurt.

Do what you enjoy and play them both.

writerrad - Posted - 07/13/2025:  14:26:53

I started playng guitar when I was 14.   I did not start playing banjo until I was 53 or 54 and I am now 78. I have now reached a stage where I play the banjo much more and instead of making guitar chords on the banjo,  I start to make banjo chords on my guitars.

 If you have the time and the patience, and above all if you can find a good teacher,  learn both instruments.   For one thing, at least in US old time and bluegrass circles, everyone expects that if you play the banjo, Bass,  mandolin or the fiddle, that you also play the guitar. 

 Playing the guitar will give you stronger hands than playing the banjo. This can be a real assistance to banjo playing.   It is pretty much expected at least over here that you can play the guitar, so why not learn some basic guitar.

Emiel - Posted - 07/14/2025:  04:38:38

quote:

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Originally posted by Texasbanjo

The main problem I had learning guitar was learning to flat pick. 

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Flat-picking sure  is different from clawhammer or banjo-fingerpicking (for a moment disregarding the the 4-string banjo techniques that do use a flat-pick). But of course, as you probably know, you can also finger-pick on the guitar (with or without finger-picks). Might complement more than flat-picking the guitar. See, e.g, many of the old blues guitarists, Sam McGee, and also Earl Scruggs…

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/14/2025:  08:10:17

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

quote:

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Originally posted by Texasbanjo

The main problem I had learning guitar was learning to flat pick. 

---

Flat-picking sure  is different from clawhammer or banjo-fingerpicking (for a moment disregarding the the 4-string banjo techniques that do use a flat-pick). But of course, as you probably know, you can also finger-pick on the guitar (with or without finger-picks). Might complement more than flat-picking the guitar. See, e.g, many of the old blues guitarists, Sam McGee, and also Earl Scruggs…

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I can do fair with fingerpicking the guitar, but I wanted to learn flat picking.   Don't know why, guess because that's the way I see most guitar pickers play.

Emiel - Posted - 07/14/2025:  08:28:43

quote:

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Originally posted by Texasbanjo

quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

quote:

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Originally posted by Texasbanjo

The main problem I had learning guitar was learning to flat pick. 

---

Flat-picking sure  is different from clawhammer or banjo-fingerpicking (for a moment disregarding the the 4-string banjo techniques that do use a flat-pick). But of course, as you probably know, you can also finger-pick on the guitar (with or without finger-picks). Might complement more than flat-picking the guitar. See, e.g, many of the old blues guitarists, Sam McGee, and also Earl Scruggs…

---

I can do fair with fingerpicking the guitar, but I wanted to learn flat picking.   Don't know why, guess because that's the way I see most guitar pickers play.

 

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Of course, flatpicking is also nice, and it's what most guitarist do. I always was a fingerpicker on the guitar, but I like to flatpick too. Different sound, differend mood, though it has limitations in respect to fingerpicking. 

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 07/14/2025:  14:04:17

Then there's clawhammer guitar ( a la our own Steve Baughman):

SHADY GROVE Clawhammer Guitar Solo (Orkney Tuning) - Steve Baughman - YouTube

janolov - Posted - 07/14/2025:  23:38:39

My first instrument was banjo, but I bought a guitar after some year. I think the guitar playing (both flat pick and finger-style)  didn't help my banjo techniques, but it helped to better understand the music. Even if I didn't become a better banjoist, I think I became a better musician.

Paul R - Posted - 07/15/2025:  07:32:58

I started on guitar, and lately it's my main instrument. I used to use a flat pick, but for some years have used finger picks. I think that using a flat pick and playing rhythm in bluegrass or old time is a very valuable, and tough, discipline.

One benefit of being a banjo player who plays guitar is the ability to recognize the chords the guitarists are playing, an asset in jams.

BG Banjo - Posted - 07/15/2025:  08:28:01

I was bluegrass guitar flatpicker long before I started playing banjo. Before that I strummed a guitar and thought I was a folk singer. And I never really planned on playing banjo until our banjo player quit and we had three guitar players. I had some of the same misgivings, if dividing time between them would I have time for both, would my guitar playing suffer, would I lose interest and abandon the guitar. None of that happened. I'm pretty much primarily on the banjo right now, but I still play guitar and sometimes take both to jams just to switch around, a change of flavor. Sometimes we need another player instead of a banjo player.

The only thing I will say though, is that I played guitar for decades before I picked up banjo. I'm not saying that I know everything about guitar playing, but I will say that I had learned pretty much everything I wanted to learn on the guitar when I took up the banjo. I honestly was getting a little tired of just playing the guitar. So I guess there is that to consider. Also, I have the time to sit around and play. I get out at least once a week, often time more than once a week to play with and for other people. I play every day. I probably average a couple hours a day picking. I don't have much else to do. So, there is that as well, I have the time for both.

Just my thoughts on the subject. But one last thing, the people I play with most regularly, almost all of them play multiple instruments and it is not at all unusual for a couple of them to trade instruments with each other for a song or two when we get together. I mean, being a multi-instrumentalist is not an unusual thing. Lots of people play more than one instrument.

BG Banjo - Posted - 07/15/2025:  08:33:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by Paul R

I started on guitar, and lately it's my main instrument. I used to use a flat pick, but for some years have used finger picks. I think that using a flat pick and playing rhythm in bluegrass or old time is a very valuable, and tough, discipline.



One benefit of being a banjo player who plays guitar is the ability to recognize the chords the guitarists are playing, an asset in jams.

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This too. 

Banjo Bolton - Posted - 07/15/2025:  12:58:21

Thankyou for all your advice!

I'm drawn more to flat pick strumming which I believe a Dreadnought size would be best...but I hear a slightly smaller size might be more versatile and who knows what style I'll gravitate to over time.

Mudrock - Posted - 07/18/2025:  07:35:25

I'm very fond of my National Triolean resonator guitar CLONE made by ROGUE ( CT-44 ) with solid mahogany body, & excellent resonator cone. No longer made - they are a well kept secret.

If I were going to buy another guitar I'd look at:

1) Some of the nice quality Asian made hollow body electrics. I saw an olive green one - set up with tremolo bar - just like a classic Gretch. Easy on the wallet on E bay.

2) I'd buy a replica Gypsy Jazz Guitar IF I could afford one. Years ago some bargains were seen on E BAY. NOW all are beyond my means. They seem to have a unique sound, judging from the DJANGO-like videos I've seen of them being played well.

I bought my wife a nice vintage Epiphone dreadnought size guitar. It had one of the most resonant bodies I've heard.
But she couldn't deal with its proportions, even though she is an average size person.
My daughter loves playing her acoustic/electric YAMAHA - even though it was much cheaper & lighter than the Pricey ALVAREZ she sold.
I've always had good luck (+bang for the buck) with the used string instruments I've bought - but I know how to set them up properly. As long as the neck is straight & the body is sound - they can be enjoyed.
I'm currently learning slide Lap-Steel, & have a couple of wonderful 1930's VEGAs Oldest is cast Alluminum - other is wood with horseshoe pickup.
GOOD LUCK & HAPPY HUNTING, C.

stevedenver - Posted - 07/22/2025:  06:38:38

My first instrument is guitar.

Rock, jazz, folk, some classical/renaissance, lots of fingerstyle…jansch,  renbourne, piedmont country blues, and yes, bluegrass.

I heartily recommend playing guitar.

its a beautiful instrument in every way.

And, i happen to believe there is no better guitar than a dreadnaught. Very versatile for all genres, imho. Otoh, truly, itll be more about playing music than body size. I have no idea of the uk market/prices. There are many superb Asian guitars. My philosophy in every new instrument, except fiddle, was to make the mental commitment to play, and buy the best possible instrument you can afford. Imho, economic and musically rewarding.



I respectfully suggest that you ‘immerse’ yourself in guitar, daily for a few months. I did this when learning mandolin and banjo and bass. Imho, it helps you think /focus in guitar terms, not banjo, ie not transposing. And, physically, it will be different, more difficult than banjo to fret, and will require additional muscle memory. Thus my suggestion for immersion for a time. To do so will not hurt your banjo playing. Im certain youll still pick it up at least weekly.



I think guitar is possibly the best most versatile stringed instrument for vocal and rhythmic accompaniment. Playing banjo will give you a bit of a jump. A bit. 

You can sing rock, folk, pop, bossa, etc. it will likely help broaden your musical vocabulary.



Very exciting. Good luck.

the worlds a banquet!

Edited by - stevedenver on 07/22/2025 06:48:39

stevedenver - Posted - 07/22/2025:  06:57:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by stevedenver

My first instrument is guitar.

Rock, jazz, folk, some classical/renaissance, lots of fingerstyle…jansch,  renbourne, piedmont country blues, and yes, bluegrass.

I heartily recommend playing guitar.

i more heartily recommend getting a teacher, a good one, which isnt the same as a good player.

it will dramatically improve your progression, avoid bad form/habits, and reduce the chances of stagnation. Otoh, theres plenty on line.....try to find one that builds foundation, as well as simply playing fun songs.

its a beautiful instrument in every way.

And, i happen to believe there is no better guitar than a dreadnaught. Very versatile for all genres, imho. Otoh, truly, itll be more about playing music than body size. I have no idea of the uk market/prices. There are many superb Asian guitars. My philosophy in every new instrument, except fiddle, was to make the mental commitment to play, and buy the best possible instrument you can afford. Imho, economic and musically rewarding.



I respectfully suggest that you ‘immerse’ yourself in guitar, daily for a few months. I did this when learning mandolin and banjo and bass. Imho, it helps you think /focus in guitar terms, not banjo, ie not transposing. And, physically, it will be different, more difficult than banjo to fret, and will require additional muscle memory. Thus my suggestion for immersion for a time. To do so will not hurt your banjo playing. Im certain youll still pick it up at least weekly.



I think guitar is possibly the best most versatile stringed instrument for vocal and rhythmic accompaniment. Playing banjo will give you a bit of a jump. A bit. 

You can sing rock, folk, pop, bossa, etc. it will likely help broaden your musical vocabulary.



Very exciting. Good luck.

the worlds a banquet!

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Banjo Bolton - Posted - 07/22/2025:  23:57:23

Thank you.

Although I must say the thought of starting again with a new instrument is nagging at me.

I'm 18months into the Banjo and play every day. I've learnt maybe 15 songs and progression is nice and steady.

Part of me thinks I should carry on with 100% Banjo focus.

I am drawn to the UK folk music played on classical guitars (Ben Howard, nick mulvey) looks like a finger picking almost claw hammer style
youtu.be/j_6SIAb8zl0?si=Ij8j0D-I2B7tm27Q
youtu.be/d7vdqlxroVg?si=QWx33mY8XvXtqg2C

stevedenver - Posted - 07/23/2025:  12:04:39

As you decide, of course.

i too love uk folk, have for decades.

Focus and dedication makes for a better player. Ive been playing guitar 55 years, berklee, bands, im still average, certainly not studio level, and i should be (but for having had a demanding profession, limited talent and above-average- but -not -crazed -ambition and drive and time).



Oddly, been playing mando 15 years, banjo 4ish…im equally adept/inept (your choice..lol) on these as i am on guitar, with the exception of jazz chord extensions in those ‘vocabularies’…just dont use them as frequently.



Otoh, lets face it, with the exceptions of bela, jens, possibly noam, theres a ton of music that does not necessarily lend itself to banjo, at least not at mere mortal playing levels…..or mere mortals listening tolerances....lol.



Point, its not an either or choice, imho, unless you’re truly in an intense, conservatory type pedagogy.

fwiw, im in my first weeks of learning violin......

i suspect the 'itch' will return at some point.

Cheers

Edited by - stevedenver on 07/23/2025 12:14:50