There are a number of resources online to help banjo beginners carry a tune.
The Internet makes it possible to learn any musical instrument anywhere at any time. There is a wealth of information online about the folk and bluegrass mainstay, the banjo. It can be an easy instrument to pick up with a little guidance, although it will take even naturally gifted musicians some time to master. After you have chosen a banjo from a music shop or an online retailer, boot up your computer for some resources to get the tunes flowing.
Instructions
1. Learn the basics. See Get-Tuned.com for a banjo tuning device that plays a tone to match up to the sound of each string. Banjo Hangout is another site that will help new players learn the various tunings. One standard banjo tuning arranges the strings G-D-G-B-D (with the shortest string, the one that would be at the top of the instrument when you hold it, being the first G note). That tuning flows naturally with songs in the G and C keys.
2. Learn chord formations. Check the BanjoTrain website for a comprehensive listing of four-string chords. Guitar Noise has a listing of chords for the five string banjo. Practice by arranging your fingers on the fretboard the way the diagrams advise. Then strum away or pick the strings individually with your fingertips.
3. Learn a little theory. Chords for C, D, and G will sound harmonious together, as will chords for A, E and B. Check for basic chord progression lessons at Folk of the Wood.
4. Develop your finger-picking technique. There are written directions online but you may do better to watch a professional in action. Check out the video lessons at the Free Guitar Videos subsidiary site, freebanjovideos.com. There's always YouTube, as well, where you can find a wealth of lessons from banjo players.
5. Practice some tunes. Ross Nickerson Bluegrass Banjo has tablature for a number of classics, such as "I'll Fly Away" and "This Land is Your Land" on its website. Tablature is sort of like a cheat-sheet for musicians, as it shows finger fretboard arrangements instead of notes.
6. Chat about your new hobby. Banjo Hangout has forums for banjo players to talk technique and debate instrument quality.
