The banjo can be traced back to the earliest documented times in Africa. It started out as a type of drum with strings pulled across it and could be played as either a percussion or string instrument. The slaves brought the more modern form of the banjo from Africa during the slave trade and used it at gatherings were they would dance, sing, and tell stories while others would play the " Banjar " as it was called back then.
The white culture started playing the Banjo in the 1840's as a comic script called " Minstrelsy ". This form of entertainment became very popular where the white men would dress up as slaves and do a comedic script and the banjo was a major part of the show. In 1857 the metal strings were invented and were cheaper and longer lasting than the fiber and gut types of strings. During the Civil War the banjo became a way of relaxation and relief for a time when the men were not in battle. The most well known banjo player at this point in time was Samuel Sweeney, he would play for his brothers and his brothers troupes to relax after a long day. When the Civil War was over the soldiers brought news of the banjo to every corner of the United States.
After the Civil War the banjo became a bigger part of music there would be competitions at hotels, race tracks, and bars that blacks and whites would enter. During the World War 1 the banjo became much like it was during the Civil War. It became a way for the soldiers to remember their homes. Jazz music was a growing style of music in those days and the banjo was Incorporated into the music then as well. The banjo brought a different sound to jazz music and World War 1 soldiers used that sound for dancing, singing, and relaxing.
Later the Jazz banjo became a smaller form of the banjo and was called a " Tango " and sounded different. Then the country music scene or " mountain music " started using it in their music and then became bluegrass which is what most people imagine the banjo to represent today. So the banjo was the beginning of many styles of music and influenced many different sounds throughout the world. It is not just a country or bluegrass instrument.
 | Three banjo chords provide the base for many banjo songs. For that reason, beginning banjo players focus on learning three chords-C Major, G Major and A Major. |
 | Regular banjo tuning is necessary to keep your instrument sounding just right. You can use one string to tune another, you can tune by ear or you can invest in an electronic tuner. |
 | To learn how to play the banjo, you'll need to get familiar with how the strings are arranged, how to play rolls and how to play the basic chords. |
If you don't know how to tune a banjo, your listeners will be able to tell immediately. Tuning a banjo means your notes will be delivered crystal-clear. |
Find articles about banjo chords, banjo tuning, how to play the banjo and how to tune a banjo. |
