Beginner Banjos

Q: What should I learn first when playing the banjo?

Begin with proper tuning, hand positioning, and basic picking. 4-string players can start with jigs; 5-string players should learn rolls and chords. Consider using a beginner book or online course like those in our accessories collection.

Q: What notes are on a banjo?

4-string banjos use G-D-A-E tuning; 5-string banjos use G-D-G-B-D. Each fret raises a note by a semitone. Tablature helps beginners start without memorizing all note positions.

Q: What’s the easiest type of banjo to learn?

The 4-string tenor is easier for beginners, especially with prior string instrument experience. The 5-string offers a richer bluegrass style but has a steeper learning curve.

Q: How much should I spend on my first banjo?

Expect to spend €250–€500 for a good beginner banjo. Cheaper models may hinder progress due to poor setup. Our beginner range includes well-setup options like the Celt Tenor and McNeela 5-String Banjo.

Banjos for beginners

Affordable beginner banjos for Irish & bluegrass
4-string tenor & 5-string models in stock
Starter kits with books, picks & straps
Free shipping & 30-day returns
Expert setup by Irish musicians

At McNeela Instruments, we specialise in crafting high-quality, budget-friendly instruments for traditional Irish music enthusiasts and budding musicians alike. Our banjos are specifically designed to help beginners get started with confidence, without falling into the common traps of low-quality, hard-to-play instruments.

Whether you're a first-time learner or picking up the banjo again, you’ll find a great fit in our range of beginner-friendly instruments.

What is the best entry level banjo?

Choosing your first banjo can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there are a few clear options that make it easy to get started. At McNeela, we’ve handpicked our most reliable beginner instruments — along with complete starter kits that include all the essentials.

Irish Tenor Beginner Banjos: Our most popular option is the McNeela Celt Tenor Banjo — a high-performance 4-string banjo designed for Irish traditional music. Available in 17-fret and 19-fret models with resonator bodies, it’s the ideal irish banjo for beginners and even intermediate players looking for great tone and reliable build at an affordable price.
5-String Beginner Banjos: For those drawn to bluegrass or folk, the McNeela 5-String Banjo is the classic option. Perfect for Scruggs-style picking and bluegrass standards, this 5 string banjo can also be used in Irish accompaniment if you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Luke Kelly.
Banjo Starter Bundles: To make things easier, we offer complete beginner kits that include essential banjo accessories like straps, picks, tuners, and stands, as well as learning tools such as banjo books. Everything you need to get started with confidence is right here.
Beginner Banjos from Trusted Brands: Alongside our own instruments, you’ll also find beginner-friendly models from respected makers like Bacon & Day, Framus, Gretsch, and Rettburg & Lange, giving you even more variety in sound and style.

What to Look for in a Beginner Banjo?

Start with a lightweight model — easier on the hands and shoulders.
Look for a banjo that stays in tune (bad tuning discourages beginners fast).
Consider if you prefer melody playing (Irish tenor) or accompaniment (5-string).
Don’t forget accessories: a strap and tuner make practice far easier.

Why Choose McNeela for Your First Banjo?

Every banjo we ship is inspected and fine-tuned by our team of musicians, because we know how important it is for beginners to start with an instrument that plays easily and sounds right. When you buy from McNeela, you also get:

Free worldwide shipping on qualifying orders
30-day money-back returns
Secure packaging trusted by players worldwide
Optional extras installed before shipping (like 5th-string spikes)

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Banjos for Beginners

What should I learn first when playing the banjo? +

When starting out on the banjo, it's essential to begin with the basics: proper tuning, correct hand positioning, and basic picking or strumming techniques. For 4-string banjo players (commonly used in Irish music), learning how to play simple jigs and reels is a great start. If you're using a 5-string banjo for bluegrass, focus on simple rolls and chord progressions. Start slow, focus on timing, and build up speed as your technique improves.

If you're a complete beginner, we recommend pairing your banjo with a beginner-friendly tutor book or online course, like those offered in our banjo accessories collection.

What notes are on a banjo? +

The notes on a banjo depend on the type of banjo you're playing and its tuning:

4-String Irish Tenor Banjo is typically tuned G-D-A-E (same as the violin).
5-String Bluegrass Banjo is commonly tuned to open G: G-D-G-B-D.

Each fret on each string raises the pitch by a half-step (semitone), so learning scales and fretboard patterns is a great way to understand where the notes lie. If you're just starting, don't worry — many beginners rely on tablature (banjo tab) to play melodies before fully memorizing the note positions.

What’s the easiest type of banjo to learn? +

The 4-string tenor banjo is often considered easier for complete beginners, especially if you’re coming from a violin, fiddle, or mandolin background due to the similar tuning. It’s ideal for playing Irish traditional music with a plectrum (pick), making it less complex rhythmically and physically than fingerstyle banjos.

If your interest lies in bluegrass or folk, the 5-string banjo is the standard, though it can take a little longer to master due to its unique playing styles like clawhammer or three-finger rolls. Still, many beginners enjoy it from the start with the right guidance.

How much should I spend on my first banjo? +

The average banjo price for beginners ranges from €250 to €500. In this range, you'll get solid build quality, reliable tuning, and great playability. Cheaper banjos often come with issues like poor setup or buzzing strings, which can hinder your progress.

Our beginner models — like the Celt Tenor Banjo and McNeela 5-String Banjo — offer excellent value and are fully set up by our expert team.