What’s The Best First String Instrument for Children? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not A Ukulele)
If you’re a parent or grandparent searching for the best ukulele for kids, you’re not alone. Ukuleles are often the “default” first instrument — they’re small, affordable, and approachable. But what if we told you there’s an instrument that’s even better for little hands, easier to play, and more durable than a ukulele?
Meet The Friendly Banjo — a complete rethinking of the banjo as a child’s first string instrument, designed to teach everything a young player needs to succeed at playing music, while fostering a connection between parent and child through playing together.
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Made for Small Hands
One of the biggest frustrations kids face when learning an instrument is size. The Friendly Banjo’s neck is designed so even the smallest hands can wrap around it comfortably, giving kids control and confidence from day one.
And here’s the best part: just like a ukulele, it works beautifully for adult hands, too. That means you can play right alongside your child — teaching, dueting, or just jamming together. The neck is roomy enough that adults don’t feel cramped but small enough for kids to hold with ease.
Three Strings, Perfectly Spaced
The Friendly Banjo keeps things simple with just three strings — but here’s the detail parents love: those strings are spaced further apart than most instruments. That means your child (and you) can press one string at a time without accidentally muting the others. Fewer mistakes early on mean more confidence, more music, and more fun.
A Colorful Scale That Makes Sense
The Friendly Banjo’s tuning is designed with kids in mind. The middle string is tuned to “Do,” the first note of the familiar “Do-Re-Mi” scale. After strumming the open “Do,” young players simply follow the colors and shapes along the middle and bottom strings to play the rest of the scale.
Using colors instead of numbers makes learning intuitive for little hands and minds. Kids don’t have to memorize abstract fret numbers or complicated patterns — they can see, touch, and hear the music all at once. This visual approach helps them understand how notes relate to each other, develop their ear, and build confidence while playing.
Literally Built to Take a Beating 🥁
Let’s be honest: kids are rough on instruments. Luckily, drums are literally made to be hit — and the Friendly Banjo is part drum! Its solid maple neck, front-facing tuners, and tough drum head can take years of strumming, tapping, and yes, the occasional drop. Having now made over 300 Friendly Banjos, we have had only 1 of them ever shipped back to us for a repair…..oh yeah we also have a 1-year warranty and we do repairs.
Comfortable and Natural
Unlike guitars, violins, or even ukuleles — which can feel awkward, slippery, or just too big for small players — the Friendly Banjo was designed with comfort first. Its round drum sits right in your child’s lap, balanced over their belly button, with the neck falling naturally into their fretting hand.
There’s no need for a strap (which is why we don’t sell them). The Friendly Banjo stays put on its own, making practice time less about adjusting and more about actually playing. This seated style also helps teach kids to treat their instrument with care — no dangling from a strap, no dragging on the floor — just sitting, playing, and enjoying music the way it’s meant to be made.
A First Instrument They’ll Actually Play
Music should be joyful, not frustrating. The Friendly Banjo removes the obstacles that make kids give up on other instruments. It’s comfortable, durable, simple to play, and it actually sounds good the moment they strum it.
Before you buy that ukulele, consider the Friendly Banjo — an instrument built for kids, but fun for the whole family.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Every Friendly Banjo is handmade to order in Massachusetts. Order yours today and have it in your hands in just 1–3 weeks.
Here’s what’s included:
🟦 The Friendly Banjo: This handcrafted American-made banjo was designed with beginners in mind. Its perfect size and intuitive 3-string layout make it incredibly easy for your child to play beautiful music effortlessly and build confidence quickly.
🟨 Lessons+ Access a growing library of video lessons led by Zack, creator of The Friendly Banjo. You’ll learn everything you need to know to teach your littles, from the very basics to playing dozens of songs.
🟩 Play-by-Color Tablatures: Each lesson includes printable, color-coded tablatures. These easy-to-follow guides now include shapes for color-blind accessibility and are perfect for visual learners of all ages.
🟥 Free U.S. Shipping & Warranty: We offer free shipping to all U.S. customers as a thank you for supporting a grassroots, community-based business. Every order also includes a 1-year warranty, available to customers worldwide.
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