FAQs
How is the Friendly Banjo different from a ukulele or banjolele?
The Friendly Banjo differs from a ukulele or banjolele in three key ways: it has a shorter scale, just three intuitively arranged strings, and no frets. The shorter scale limits notes around an individual key, simplifying the learning process and making it more rewarding for beginners. The three-string setup makes single-finger chords and melodies easy to learn, especially for young children. Without frets, players naturally develop their ear for pitch—much like how you instinctively remember the melody to “When the Saints Go Marching In”, and help when transitioning to other fretless instruments like the violin or cello. Watch the video below to see the differences in action.
What is the best age for the Friendly Banjo?
Friendly Banjos aren’t limited by age, but by a willingness to explore and learn something new. We believe that anyone—from a newborn to an elder—can take away something valuable from spending time with a Friendly Banjo. That said, our learning system was thoughtfully designed with children ages four to seven in mind, along with the adults who support their growth. This age range tends to align well with developing motor skills, attention spans, and the kind of playful curiosity that makes learning music fun and engaging.
Is there a left-handed model?
Technically, there isn’t a left-handed OR a right-handed model. The Friendly Banjo is designed to be completely symmetrical, making it accessible for both right- and left-handed players. As a left-handed person, this was a key consideration for Zack, the founder of Friendly Banjos. Learn more about tuning your Friendly Banjo on our Tools page.
What are the benefits and limitations of open tuning?
Open tuning simplifies playing by limiting notes to those in the tuned key, effectively eliminating "wrong notes" in the colored areas. This makes it beginner-friendly, but it also means you can’t play every chord on the Friendly Banjo right away. In advanced lessons, we’ll cover alternate tuning techniques for playing in different keys.
Why does it take 2-3 weeks to receive my banjo?
When you order your banjo, it quite literally starts as a piece of locally grown maple, some hardware, and, of course, a drum. Each instrument is handcrafted to order in the Magic Fluke workshop in Sheffield, Massachusetts. We take great care in building each banjo and thoroughly inspect it for intonation, tone, and action before shipping. This attention to detail ensures you receive the highest quality product possible. See images of the building process on our about page.