Banjo

The banjo is a stringed instrument developed by enslaved Africans in the United States, adapted from several native African instruments. African Americans exerted a strong, early influence on the development of both country and bluegrass through the introduction of the banjo, as popularised by the American minstrel performer Joel Sweeney in the 1830s. Banjos were introduced to Britain in the 1840s by Sweeney’s group, the Virginia Minstrels, and became very popular in music halls.

The banjo comes in a variety of forms, including four- (plectrum and tenor banjos) and five-string versions. A six-string version, tuned and played similar to a guitar, is also gaining popularity. In almost all of its forms the banjo’s playing is characterised by an arpeggiated right hand, although there are many different playing styles.

The banjo’s rich, full tone can be used to great effect as a selfaccompanying solo instrument incorporating melody, harmony and chords all at once to produce a complete and exciting solo pieces. Today, the banjo commonly is associated with country, bluegrass and trad jazz, but virtually everything is possible on the banjo, including early music and much of the guitar and lute repertoire. Recently, the banjo has enjoyed inclusion in a wide variety of musical genres, including pop crossover music.

How can I get involved?

The British BMG Federation exists to promote performance by banjo, mandolin and guitar and education in their use. It runs its own courses and advertises courses run by individuals and other organisations around the country.

British BMG Federation
1 Fraser Crescent
Hamilton
South Lanarkshire
ML3 8LG
Website: www.banjomandolinguitar.org