mr dave

4, 5, or 6 string?

also depends on whether or not you're learning it because you actually want to play a new instrument or if you're getting one because it's the flavour of the season instrument for folkies.

if it's the first then get a few lessons on finger picking and open tunings if you're not already quite familiar with them. pick up some Earl Scruggs for an idea of where the modern instrument came from and some Bela Fleck for where the instrument can go now.

the banjo is not just a reshaped guitar with a distinct tone.

however, there are plenty of people who take it exactly that way, and if you happen to be one of those trendy folkies who just wants that tone while you just play it the same as an acoustic guitar then it doesn't matter what instrument you get. just grab the prettiest one on the wall.

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