How To Play The Banjo

Summary: The banjo is a stringed instrument, much like a guitar, that comes in four and five-string versions. Believed to be of African origin, the banjo has a distinctive sound and is now commonly associated with bluegrass and country music. Banjars (similar instruments that were made from gourds) were played in the historic American south by African Americans. Present day banjos come in electric or acoustic form, and are sometimes equipped with resonators and pickups. The instrument is played by finger-plucking the strings that stretch from the base to the neck of the instrument.

In this series of videos, our expert gets into the details of the history of the banjo. You will learn more about the different parts of the banjo and how it is made. Get care tips for your banjo including adjusting to temperature changes and recommendations for cases. Watch as our expert gives tips on buying and tuning a banjo. Learn about Earl Scrugg’s style of playing and learn one of his songs on the banjo. Learn the forward and reverse banjo roll (a great exercise for your fingers), and watch as our expert incorporates them into banjo music. For fun, try the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and show your friends and family how much you have learned!