The banjo’s birthplace is Africa or colonial America, depending on where you draw the line between banjo and banjo-ish ancestor. But while we debate the banjo’s birth, we can at least agree on where it hit puberty. That happened in America in the 20th century.
Making Music takes a look at four fretted instruments that may further enhance your recordings or songwriting: ukulele, cigar box guitar, banjo, mandolin.
The banjo has evolved from its African roots, first as a minstrel instrument, and later as a jazz, bluegrass, and folk staple. At the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, you can see more than 300 banjos – the largest public display in the world. The interactive timeline below includes just a few. […]
Banjo Aerobics: A 50-Week Workout Program for Developing, Improving, and Maintaining Banjo Technique, by Michael Bremer, Hal Leonard Corporation,
Teach Yourself to Play Banjo
As Steve Martin, 68, racks up Grammys, he has been spreading his wings into new musical territory.
Get a chance to win a Steve Martin banjo package.
Fleck is perhaps the most well-known banjo player on the planet. He’s traveled to Africa to study the banjo’s origins, and championed the instrument’s evolution, playing everything from jazz fusion to classical.
