Since joining BanjoHeritage over a decade ago, I’ve been seeking information about old time clawhammer banjo culture and music – I found incredible depth of knowledge regarding manufacturers such as Deering, Stelling, Ome Rickard Bishline.
Banjos seem to be experiencing something of a revival thanks to groups like Mumford & Sons and Avett Brothers – this is great!
It’s a place for banjo players
Since 1999 I’ve been an active member of Banjo Hangout. It is an invaluable source of both technical information about banjos as well as an unmatched depth of knowledge regarding bluegrass history and culture. Furthermore, oldtime banjo players are extremely welcoming towards young people with an interest in 5-string banjos who seek guidance or equipment deals that you won’t find elsewhere online.
However, there are still people on BH who lack respect for anyone but themselves and appear out for trouble – though I personally have had no issues on BH myself! There are however those that shouldn’t belong there at all and need to leave.
Some may view the banjo with suspicion, but I find its appeal irresistible and am very glad to play it myself. Furthermore, most banjoists on BH are great people willing to help out fellow members; I find it very encouraging that so many are offering mentorship for younger players.
Some of the best bluegrass and old time banjoists have made famous by using cheap, pawnshop-type banjos that still sound great today. Earl Scruggs played on an Earl Scruggs model from Vega around 1960 – not because he invented three-finger picking but because he brought it into public awareness and made five string banjo a mainstream musical instrument; also because his recordings live on today and his Vega banjo still sounds as great. I believe he would be pleased that his Vega banjo still sounds as great now as it did then!
It’s a place for banjo makers
Banjos offer an innovative sound that lends itself to many styles of music. Their versatile nature lends them themselves well to country, bluegrass, folk, classical, punk rock and other genres; some notable players include Don Vappie, Jerry Garcia, Buck Trent, Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka among many others. There are various kinds of five and six string banjos – some have flat heads while others use round ones; the latter can be more challenging for beginners due to the need for additional tuning adjustments on each string compared with round head models; flathead banjos are more versatile but require different tuning adjustments on different strings when compared to round head versions compared to round models for better sound.
Online information about banjos includes videos and lessons. Furthermore, numerous clubs and associations for banjo players exist; their community is welcoming and helpful, offering advice from experienced players as they get started with playing their new instrument.
To play the banjo effectively, an individual must learn how to hold and tune it correctly, as well as read music and transfer it onto their banjo. While this may take time and practice, this will ultimately help the banjo player become more proficient at their instrument – remember it’s an intricate instrument which demands patience during its learning phase!
Popular banjos are constructed of hickory and maple, featuring lightweight designs with great tone. Although these instruments can be difficult to play, their tone depends heavily on its hardware. A quality banjo should feature well-fitted nuts and pegs; additionally, it should feature an adequate bridge and tuning peg.
Professional luthiers produce instruments of superior quality than mass-produced factory instruments; the difference in sound alone warrants paying the extra costs associated with handmade instruments. Though a handmade banjo won’t improve poor players, but can make good players even greater.
The banjo is an ancient and very versatile instrument, widely played throughout history by musicians from varying musical genres – from country music to punk and jazz, including classical composition.
It’s a place for banjo enthusiasts
The banjo is one of the most versatile instruments in modern music, often associated with bluegrass but capable of playing any genre imaginable – from jazz and folk, to West African music, where it plays an integral part. A recent documentary explores its history from slave revolts through to its role in developing into what looks similar to an African string instrument known as an Akonting.
Learning the banjo takes time and dedication, but can be immensely satisfying. Consistent practice sessions – even for just 15-30 minutes each day – will help build muscle memory and develop your skills. Listening to different genres of music as well as different players of this instrument will give you insight into its versatility as well as inspire your own playing. Recording practice sessions is also a fantastic way to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
Start off by learning basic chords and rolls; these consist of groups of notes played simultaneously while rolls consist of patterns of consecutively picked notes. After mastering these fundamental techniques, move onto more advanced techniques or try improvising as a creative form – this will enable more spontaneous playing that allows more expressive music expression!
Learn to play banjo with The Banjo Hangout’s helpful community! It provides technical resources and playing advice from industry professionals as well as offering an opportunity to network and exchange experiences among banjo enthusiasts.
No matter your experience level or skill set as a banjo player, there is always room for growth and improvement. Practice is the cornerstone of success; make sure to set aside regular practice time and be patient with yourself. Make use of a metronome while practicing for rhythm consistency and start out playing simple songs like “Cripple Creek.”
It’s a place for banjo lovers
The banjo is an adaptable instrument that can be found across many genres of music. The instrument produces sweet or harsh sounds depending on its tuning and player style; classical music, country music, dixieland jazz, Caribbean genres such as biguine calypso mento as well as bluegrass old time music have all used banjos; these legendary musicians include Ralph Stanley Earl Scruggs Dixie Chicks as favourite players.
The name banjo was inspired by Joe, an African-American slave who built an instrument from gourds, skin and stick fitted with string for playing music – his friends invited him to join their band, and the name stuck.
BHO is an invaluable source for information regarding the history and culture of oldtime clawhammer banjo music, with an amazing wealth of knowledge regarding older players, recordings, rim and tone ring construction techniques, etc. However, its main drawback lies in its high median age – meaning there may be too many people without an appreciation of music on here – although that applies to any large group online.