Banjo, mandolin & more: "weird" instruments to give your band character

Many bands share the same basic setup: vocals, electric guitar, bass, drums, keys. It works, but sometimes you feel something is missing – a colour, a signature sound, that little detail that makes people say “oh, they’re the band with that sound”.

That’s where banjo, mandolin, ukulele & friends come in. They may look "weird" in a rock or pop context, but they can add way more identity than yet another plugin.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• why these instruments work so well in modern bands;
• how to use banjo, mandolin and ukulele without turning everything into folk revival;
• a quick look at other alternative instruments (resonator, bouzouki, lap steel…);
• practical tips on arrangement, amplification and budget.

On Muviber you can browse, for example:

• banjos new and used
• acoustic and electro‑acoustic mandolins
• ukuleles for beginners and advanced players

1. Why "weird" instruments work so well in modern bands

1.1 Different tones, same song

Adding a banjo or mandolin doesn’t mean changing genre. It means:

• moving some parts to an instrument with a different tone and attack;
• freeing up space for the electric guitar;
• creating melodic hooks that stick in people’s heads.

A mandolin arpeggio in the chorus, or a banjo pattern over a pop groove, can easily become the most recognisable part of the song.

1.2 Frequencies and the mix: filling the gaps

These instruments live mainly in the upper mids:

• mandolin sits above the guitar and below the highest part of the vocal;
• banjo cuts through the mix without having to be insanely loud;
• ukulele occupies a soft midrange area, somewhere between acoustic guitar and keys.

This means you can fill the mix without piling everything on the same frequency range.

2. Banjo: from bluegrass to alt‑rock

2.1 What it can do in a band

The 5‑string banjo is a bluegrass icon, but in a rock/pop band it can become:

• a source of fast arpeggios that keep tracks moving;
• a rhythmic element, almost like a harmonic hi‑hat;
• a strong colour for intros, bridges and outros.

It shines on mid‑tempo to fast grooves, shuffles and anything with energy, even if the song itself isn’t remotely "country".

2.2 Things to consider if you come from guitar

If you’re a guitar player, look at:

• type of banjo: 5‑string (most common), 4‑string tenor or 6‑string "guitar‑banjo" tuned like a guitar;
• open‑back vs resonator: open‑backs sound softer and more old‑time, resonators are punchier and louder;
• electro‑acoustic models or instruments with a built‑in pickup for easier live work.

You don’t need full-on bluegrass chops on day one – simple patterns already work great in a band.

3. Mandolin: sparkle in the upper mids

3.1 A plucked violin in your band

Mandolin is tuned in fifths like a violin (G‑D‑A‑E). In a band setting you can use it for:

• two‑note arpeggios in the choruses;
• melodic counterlines against the lead vocal;
• percussive "chop" chords on the backbeat, like a funk guitar but brighter.

It’s perfect for adding folk/indie flavour without overloading the arrangement.

3.2 Amplification and live practicality

To play with drums and amps:

• an electro‑acoustic mandolin with a piezo pickup makes life much easier;
• a good DI box and some EQ help tame harsh upper mids;
• a touch of reverb or short delay helps it blend with the rest of the band.

4. Ukulele & friends: simplicity, hooks and vibe

Ukulele is often seen as a beach instrument, but in a band it can be:

• the instantly recognisable intro sound of a song;
• the right choice for intimate verses or acoustic versions;
• a light rhythmic texture on top of drums and bass.

For guitarists it’s very easy to pick up: few chords, simple shapes, lots of payoff.

Think of it as a mix between a small acoustic guitar, a percussive element and a warm harmonic pad.

5. Other interesting "co." instruments

If you want to push things further, a few more instruments can add personality without changing your setlist completely:

• resonator guitar (dobro): great for slide and roots/blues moods;
• Irish bouzouki: fifths tuning, excellent for open rhythmic patterns in folk/rock contexts;
• lap steel / pedal steel: long, singing lines that float above the mix – harder to master but incredibly distinctive.

You don’t need all of them: pick one that matches your band’s sound and build a couple of strong songs around it.

6. Arranging without making a mess

6.1 Less is more

The main risk with "weird" instruments is to use them everywhere. Instead:

• pick 2–3 songs in the set where they have a clear role;
• use them in specific sections (intros, bridges, special parts);
• write parts that are meant to be memorable, not just extra layers.

6.2 Leaving room for other parts

When banjo/mandolin/ukulele enters the picture:

• electric guitar can simplify, play wider chords or straighter rhythms;
• keys can move to thinner pads or drop out for a section;
• bass can stick to steadier patterns to keep everything glued together.

The idea is for the new instrument to take a defined role rather than fighting the rest of the arrangement.

7. Live and studio: amplification, FX and final sound

Most of these instruments are born acoustic.

To use them with drums and amps:

• prefer electro‑acoustic versions or instruments with pickups installed;
• always go through a decent DI box before the mixer;
• use EQ to cut unnecessary lows and tame any harshness;
• add a little reverb and/or short delay so they sit naturally in the mix.

In the studio, you can also mic them with a small condenser and record at lower volumes for a more natural sound.

FAQ – Banjo, mandolin & more in a band

Does it make sense to add a banjo or mandolin if we already have an acoustic guitar?

Yes. They live in different ranges and have a very different attack. A banjo or mandolin part can replace or answer the acoustic guitar, creating contrast without crowding the same frequencies.

Which instrument should I start with if I’m a guitar player?

Ukulele is usually the easiest entry point. After that, a 6‑string guitar‑banjo tuned like a guitar can be a good bridge. If you’re ready to put in a bit more study time, 5‑string banjo and mandolin reward you with a much more distinctive voice.

Do I need expensive instruments to get good results live?

No. To start, a solid, mid‑range instrument with decent intonation and a usable pickup is enough. A lot of the result comes from tuning, playing and EQ choices. If the instrument becomes central to your band’s sound, you can upgrade later.

How do I handle instrument changes on stage without killing the vibe?

Group songs in blocks where you use the same instrument, keep it tuned and plugged into a dedicated DI, and mute/unmute from the mixer or pedal. That way, changes take only a few seconds and don’t break the show’s flow.

Do these instruments also work in unplugged or acoustic sets?

Absolutely. In acoustic or semi‑acoustic shows, banjo, mandolin and ukulele can become the main voices: you can reinterpret electric songs in a lighter, more intimate way while keeping a strong identity.