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Best Banjo for Beginners 2026

7 durable 5-string banjos from Deering, Gold Tone, and Recording King

Updated

BEST OVERALL
Deering Goodtime
$9 on Reverb
BEST VALUE
Gold Tone CC-50
$9 on Reverb
BEST BUDGET
Gold Tone AC-5
$9 on Reverb
BEST SEMI-PRO
Epiphone MB-100
$204 on eBay

The banjo is the heartbeat of bluegrass, folk, and old-time American music. If you love the bright, percussive sound of bluegrass or want to join a jam session, banjo is your instrument.

Beginner banjos start around $150–$300 used. Most beginners learn clawhammer (traditional strumming) on open-back banjos, then explore fingerpicking and resonator styles as they advance.

The 7 Best Banjo for Beginners

#1

Deering Goodtime

Best all-around beginner · 5-string · open-back · solid tone · American-made$350–$500 used

Best for: Beginners wanting authentic bluegrass tone and open-back tradition

Deering Goodtime is the gold standard affordable banjo. American-made, solid construction, great tone. The open-back design is traditional and lighter.

Available now

#2

Gold Tone CC-50

Best value resonator · 5-string · resonator · full-bodied tone · made in USA$200–$300 used

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners wanting a resonator style

Gold Tone CC-50 is a resonator banjo at student prices. Resonator design gives it more volume and projection than open-back.

Available now

#3

Gold Tone AC-5

Best budget entry · 5-string · open-back · starter friendly$150–$230 used

Best for: Absolute beginners testing interest before major investment

Gold Tone AC-5 is the most affordable quality banjo. Good entry point to see if banjo is your instrument.

Available now

#5

Recording King RK-36

Best intermediate upgrade · 5-string · open-back · solid spruce · pro-quality tone$200–$300 used

Best for: Serious beginners moving toward intermediate

Recording King is an American brand with bluegrass heritage. The RK-36 offers pro-level tone at student prices.

#6

Fender PB-180E

Best electric-ready · 5-string · open-back · electronics-capable · Fender heritage$180–$270 used

Best for: Beginners interested in electric/amplified banjo later

Fender banjos are well-built with options for pickup additions. Good bridge between acoustic and electric worlds.

#7

Deering Eagle II

Best semi-pro student · 5-string · open-back · professional-quality hardware · hand-built$500–$750 used

Best for: Advanced beginners eyeing college auditions or semi-pro status

Deering Eagle II is a hand-built professional instrument at the top of student pricing. Will grow with you for decades.

Available now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is open-back vs resonator banjo?

Open-back banjos are lighter, more portable, and have a softer, warmer tone—traditional bluegrass clawhammer style. Resonator banjos have a wooden back that projects sound outward, giving louder volume and brighter tone—better for fingerpicking and cutting through a mix. For beginners, open-back is easier to start with.

How much should I spend on a first banjo?

$150–$300 used is the sweet spot. Under $100: very basic, heavy strings, poor playability. $150–$250: good beginner banjos. $250–$400: intermediate-quality instruments. Over $400 used: semi-pro or hand-built craftsman instruments.

Do I need special strings for banjo?

Yes. Banjos use steel strings in a unique configuration (usually .009–.022 gauge). Cost about $5–$12 per set. Replace every 6–12 months. Never use guitar strings—they are too light and will sound terrible.

What should I check when buying used?

Check: (1) drum head (plastic or calfskin) for cracks or dents, (2) tuning pegs for smooth action, (3) frets for wear or flat spots, (4) bridge straightness (should be perpendicular to drum), (5) overall neck straightness, (6) rim for cracks.

Clawhammer or fingerpicking style for beginners?

Clawhammer (strumming with bare nails) is traditional for open-back bluegrass and easier for absolute beginners. Fingerpicking (using fingernails/picks on each string) is more complex but opens up more musical styles. Most beginners start clawhammer.

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