I have always been interested in music but I have never taken the time to learn to play. My grandfather played the fiddle and most of my uncles played guitars, banjos and fiddles. My dad didn't play anything but a radio.

I have always like the banjo & mandolin. Which would be the best to learn how to play? Or would another instrument be better to start with?

Thanks,

Lewis

I would say the mandolin. Mandolin is much more versatile and can be played with a much wider range of musical styles. This can be helpful when first learning since you can choose material that suits your mood, and that can be important during the sometimes frustrating beginning stages. With the banjo, unless your name is Bela Fleck, you're pretty much limited to bluegrass. Not that that's a bad thing; I spent alot of years flat-picking bluegrass guitar in festival campground jams and got to play with some wonderful mandolin and banjo players (including Doug Dillard for a couple of songs). Just sayin', there's a whole lot more room to move with the mando. In my current band, I cover Pink Floyd's Pigs On The Wing on mandolin.

One more thing to consider, banjo players have to be pretty thick skinned as they get the brunt of most of the on-stage banter, to wit:

What's the difference between a banjo and a boat anchor? - You tie a rope to the anchor before you throw it over the side.

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“All music is folk music, I ain't never heard no horse sing a song.” Louis Armstrong

I believe he is one of those spammer types. If you look at his profile he has a link, and he probably won't make another post on this form.

I love banjo - even took about 5 years off the guitar to concentrate on banjo. Started my kids out on banjo when they werew about 4. The skinny neck and low action was easy for them to learn on. They both lost interest in banjo and switched to guitar when they got older but it got them started. Would love to get a mando and learn how to play it but don't know anyone who plays it to learn from.

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Stagemaster
Roadhouse Strat
Epi Traditional Pro Les Paul
Ovation Celeb
Esteban Celestial Night(nicely tweeked)
Blackheart tube amp

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Now another question!

I have heard that it is best to buy the best instrument that you can afford when you start learning to play an instrument.

I have also heard that it is best to buy something a little cheaper.

What is your opinion?

Thanks,

Lewis

I think that sentiment is mostly true when buying instruments for children because they tend to get bored of things fairly quickly.
Since your an adult just spend what you're comfortable spending.

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Rated "M" for meaty.

And don't forget your past life performance on beginning other new interests.

When you bought a project car, did you finish it? When you bought those woodworking tools, did you build stuff?

That may indicate whether a beginner or good instrument is for you.

Very good points.

Most of the things that I have started over the years I have finished.

Thanks,

Lewis

As a woman who plays banjo (30 plus years) and took up mandolin a few years ago, and now has started guitar (4 months ago) I might be able to help out here.

Banjos were THE original rthymic instrument before guitar showed up and took over. Banjo lends itself quite nicely to a variety ofmusic and styles-everything from simple chord and strum rock to bluegrass to melodic picking to variations of travis style pickin. I personally use my banjo in rock, folk rock bluegrass and gospel. And I agree that banjos are the brunt of jokes. But hey if they don't tie a rope to it before throwing it overboard, it can always be used as a paddle!

Mandolin-for a guitarist it may be easier to transition to mandolin as both are tuned in 5ths Mandolin players (by and large) are the cry babies of the musical ensamble. They constantly cry that their instrument can't be heard above the guitars and banjo. My attitude is-so amplify the damn thing and shut up. That is what I did to mine. And I have an old bowlback! Mandolins have been used in rock for a long time now and lend themselves quite nicely to a variety of music

As for instruments-if you are unsure, then visit some area pawn shops and try some out. Be aware that the strings will be dead and the instrument probably needing work. Be prepared to negotiate price. The town where I live we have 3 pawn shops, one of them wanted $120 for a used Rogue (Pac rim instrument) that the tuners were broken, 2 strings missing and the top was caving in on! The instrument brand new in "perfect shape" sells for $130. I ended up buying a bowlback antique off of ebay for $60. sure the flatbacks are easier to hold and install pickups in, but the tonal quality of this top of the line bowl was not to be believed.
BANJO-new "bottlecap" (aluminum pot) banjos start at around $200, save your money and either buy a used one for $50 at a yard sale or buy a better quality instrument used (Morgan Monroe Blue Ridge series-which routinely gets slammed by the instrument snobs are great mid level banjos and can be had used for $400 including a case pretty much any day of the week). You start getting into serious money when you start considering Deering (anything above the entry level Goodtime), Lousy, Stelling, Gibson etc. Sad to say that the Fender banjos are overpriced for what they are-entry level bottlecap style and normally retail for around $400 new. and they are made in the same pac-rim factories as any of the "off brand" banjos.

One other thing-you might want to check out www.banjohangout.org or www.mandolincafe.com for more info on either instrument.

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So heres to your survival, swimming up the stream, crossing over one dam after another till we get to Rock and Roll Heavens Gate!

i am in a folk group where i play guitar and my friends can play guitar and mando and guitar and banjo.

I like mandolin from those two choices but i prefer guitar and it my opinion i would go with that