While you can start with zero gear (you can jump into the community and start making connections as well as take some of the beginner lessons), you'll want to get a standard 5-string banjo. We recommend the Deering Goodtime (only because of the incredible build quality and value to price), but there are many great banjos out there. If you're going to learn bluegrass, you'll need to get some picks, and we tell you precisely what to get in the Beginner's Skills Course.Â