Playing chords on the banjo, clearly and quickly takes practice. If you take the time to really understand how each chord is formed, you will advance much faster than you would by rushing ahead.
Try a C chord:
First place your index finger (I) on the second string - first fret of your banjo. Your fingertip should be just behind the fret bar and not touching the strings next to it. Your thumb should be near the middle of the neck of the banjo, opposite your index finger. You don’t have to push down too hard on the strings, just enough pressure to keep the string ringing nice and clear. If the string makes a buzzing sound - check your position and be sure to press down firmly.
Next place your ring finger (R) on the first string - second fret. The third string is played open (not fretted). Now strum the third, second and first strings. If each string can be heard clearly we’ll add the next finger if not, lets see whats wrong. Play each string one at a time, if it buzzes or sounds bad, check your finger position and pressure.
Lets add the last finger, the middle finger (M) on the fourth string - second fret. Now strum all of the strings together. Each string should be heard clearly and your fingers should only touch their intended string.
Hear a C Chord:
For your reference, here is a diagram of the C Chord:
Practice forming this chord until you can do it without hesitation. The C chord is made up of three notes; C, E and G. The fourth string is an E; the third string is G; the second string is C and the first string is another E. The fifth string, which is a G, can be played with this chord.
What You Should Know.
- How to play a C Chord on a banjo.
- C, E and G are the notes of a C Chord
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