What is banjo?

Banjo refers to stringed plucked instruments. It resembles the standard mandolin typical for Europe, and this is not by chance, because banjo is its closest relative, even their sound is similar, except for the fact that the sound of the African “brother” is sharper and louder. In some parts of Africa the instrument is considered sacred, only priests are allowed to touch it for performing rituals.

HOW DOES THE MODERN BANJO LOOK?
The number of strings can range from four to nine, a “classical” version of six strings has become very popular, since the tuning of such an instrument resembles tuning a guitar, which is much more simple.

WHAT MUSICAL GENRES IS BANJO ASSOCIATED WITH?
Of course, since the birthplace of the instrument is Africa, then its “true” use is in the parties of traditional southern music. Such genres as country and bluegrass were influenced by African national melodies in the early stages of their development, so the banjo became widely used for performing American music.

HOW TO CHOOSE BANJO FOR BEGINNERS?
The body of the instrument must be made of two materials: mahogany or maple. The first material provides a soft, viscous sound, and the second gives bright, “live” melodies. Nowadays, the bodies of many models are made of plastic, of course, this is far from the idea of “traditional” music, but also not bad.

It is best to simply go to the music store and ask the consultant to play on each of the models, the model whose sound is more pleasant to the ear is suitable for the buyer.

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