View Full Version : Anyone play the Banjo ???
I know there are quit a few guitar players here on the board, but is there anyone here who plays the Banjo?
I was spinning the channels this morning and ended up on GMA, and Steve Martin was on promoting his new movie Pink Panther 2, and of course he brought his banjo along, and played for awhile.
I've always wanted to play, and am seriously considering on going out and getting a 2nd hand banjo and any CDs/Tapes/books on how to play.
Just wanted see if there is anyone here who could recommend any good Books/CDs to get started.
:munchin
edit to add: NO I will NOT move to the South and let it become "ingrained" in me. :D
Soft Target
02-03-2009, 11:22
I tried that, twice. Not being musically inclined, I couldn't just "teach myself". The first time, I mated it with it's cousin (NC pine tree) in frustration (alcohol was involved; the good stuff - Boone's Farm, a fine table wine). The second time was in Korea and I got one through the AAFES catalog. I was at the Humphries Sport Parachute Club undergoing the same self-delusion, when a guy came up and asked to hold it. He tuned it a little and proceeded to pick a notable Foggy Mountain Breakdown. I gave it to him instead of smashing it, you know where.
Seriously, those stories are true, but I'll just caution, the banjo is not easy for an abject beginner with no musical ability. Good Luck.
go to Border's and get "Banjo for Dummies".....I swear, it will give you the basics for playing. I play guitar, lap-steel, and banjo. They also have some other books that come with CD's.....and you can also find instruction on the internet.
Dozer523
02-04-2009, 07:30
Dispite it's obvious appearance, the banjo is not a "String Instrument".
It is classified a "Percussion Instrument."
Although I don't own one, I have played my buddy's...
He bought a Dean "6" string banjo.
IMO(at the time) that wasn't/isn't a banjo, until I played it and the transition was fairly easy. The 6 string version tunes just like a regular guitar and made it very easy to transition to a 5 string....
I think Keith Urban uses a 6 string on numerous tunes...
Back to lurker status...
go to Border's and get "Banjo for Dummies".....I swear, it will give you the basics for playing. I play guitar, lap-steel, and banjo. They also have some other books that come with CD's.....and you can also find instruction on the internet.
Thanks, I'll look into getting that book.
edit to add: NO I will NOT move to the South and let it become "ingrained" in me. :D
Liar.
I prefer the sweet sounds of the mandolin myself. :boohoo
I heard an interview with Steve Martin on NPR. He mentioned two books he used to teach himself how to play. I can only remember one of them:
Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo: Revised and Enhanced Edition (Paperback)
Product Description
The best-selling banjo method in the world! Earl Scruggs's legendary method has helped thousands of banjo players get their start. The "Revised and Enhanced Edition" features more songs, updated lessons, and many other improvements. It includes everything you need to know to start playing banjo, including: a history of the 5-string banjo, getting aquainted with the banjo, Scruggs tuners, how to read music, chords, how to read tablature, the anatomy of Scruggs-style picking, tuning the banjo, exercises in picking, 39 songs, how to build a banjo, making Scruggs tuners, biographical notes, and much more! The book/CD version includes a CD with Earl Scruggs playing and explaining over 60 examples!
http://www.amazon.com/Earl-Scruggs-5-String-Banjo-Enhanced/dp/0634060430/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234017053&sr=8-3
This was the other one:
How To Play The 5-String Banjo (Paperback)
by Pete Seeger (Author)
Product Description
The basic manual for banjo players, with melody line, lyrics and banjo accompaniment and solos notated in standard form and tablature.
http://www.amazon.com/Play-5-String-Banjo-Pete-Seeger/dp/1597731641/ref=pd_sim_b_3