How to Play Banjo Chords

Getting the chords right is one of most basic and fundamental parts of banjo playing, but for many it can also be the most difficult. Clear instruction and lots of practice are the best tools for overcoming any problems and mastering those chords.

Things You'll Need

• Set of finger picks.

Instructions

1. Take a set of finger picks, which should consist of a plastic thumb pick, and 2 metal finger picks which you need to put on your first and second fingers. Finger picks are an essential tool for banjo playing, especially for beginners, because they make it easy to isolate chords and avoid touching several at once.

2. Position your open hand slightly behind the neck of your banjo and make a simple "strum" movement. This is the open "G" chord and doesn't require you to put any fingers on the strings to achieve the sound.

3. Put your first finger on the first thread on the second string and follow with your second finger on the second thread but this time on the fourth string. Finally, place your third finger also on the second thread and on the first string. When you have put all your fingers in the right place, the chord should sound various different notes. You have just played the "C" chord.

4. Practice one string at a time to become familiar with the hand positioning and check that each string makes a good sound without any "thud" noise or tuneless thump before adding other strings. Be careful that your fingers aren't touching other strings as again the sound won't come out right.

5. Make the D7 or first position chord by putting your first finger on the first thread but the second string. Next, your second finger on the second thread and third string. This chord should sound more like a progressive tune than a single noise and if it doesn't, then try it again but this time more slowly.

6. Repeat the chords until the positioning is easy and then begin to put your different chords together and experiment with different sounds and tunes. Don't rush through the process, as having the first few basic chords is the foundation for any aspiring banjo player.