The banjo is definitely the easier to learn. And I think that if it comes down to a choice between tenor and five-string banjos, the five-string is easier for the simple reason that it is usually played in open tunings. The un-fretted open strings make a recognizable chord and most common chords can be made using simple one, two or three finger forms. Despite its bad press, the five-string is a very forgiving instrument.

As far as the tenor banjo being easier to play because it is flat-picked instead of finger-picked, remember this: Five-string right-hand techniques are strictly conventions. They're not the law! Nobody is going to arrest you for playing a five-string with a flatpick! Many beginners go out and buy a Scruggs book and then get turned off by the thought that they are condemned to play "Cripple Creek" for two hours a day for a year until they have the forward roll perfected. Screw that! Just use whatever seems natural to you - naked fingers, regular banjo picks or a flat-pick - and pick out tunes on the thing! If you feel naturally drawn toward one of the conventional styles as you are becoming familiar with the instrument, fine. If not, make up your own way to play it. Just get the damned timing right!

Bruce