Difference between revisions of "Banjo"

Revision as of 17:04, January 3, 2009

The banjo is an American string instrument, usually played in folk music or bluegrass music.

Most Banjos have 5 strings (though the shorter Tenor Banjo has only four), one of which is shorter, and is played as a drone in the background.

There are two main ways of playing the banjo, bluegrass style (also called Scruggs style) or clawhammer (also called old-time, or frailing) style.

Bluegrass banjo requires the player to play a series of complex patterns, picking individual strings in quick succession, emphasizing the notes of the melody. This style was developed in the early 20th Century by bluegrass musician Earl Scruggs. It is more common in the united states than clawhammer, but it much more technically difficult.

Clawhammer has the player picking the notes of the melody interspersed with strumming all the strings together. This style is older than bluegrass style and is usually easier to learn.

The banjo is also popular in Ireland where it is often played in Celtic music. The banjo was brought to Ireland from the United States by returning emigrants. Tenor banjos are used most commonly.