Banjos indeed have a great history behind them. This stringed instrument has been in existence for hundred years before guitars were born. Between this time it has undone multiple transformations of the different eras until it has reached this post covid era. Banjos are there to stay for sure making their stable imprint across the music scene first in America and then across the different corners of the world.
The Uniqueness Of The Instrument
No matter how many modern instruments you may be surrounded by but it is impossible to ignore the identity and uniqueness of a Banjo. The twang in its sound is so very distinct that it immediately sets it apart among the crowd of various other stringed instruments. It is hard to diminish the magic that is created when a string of a Banjo is plucked. The metal strings used in this instrument create a warm vibrancy and get further amplified when it brushes against the drum-like base of the instrument made using different materials.
The rhythm created in the sound of a Banjo immediately makes the foot tap into its music. One of the broader aspects of this instrument is its versatility. You can easily play the Banjo in a variety of genres of music.
The Contribution Of Banjo To Different Genres
When Banjos were first introduced by the African slaves and popularized across the Caribbean and North American colonies it was the most joyful source of music and dance. It gradually started gaining popularity from there and being adopted by different countries in the world. Back then, this instrument developed the base of various folk songs. Post that the instrument slowly started developing a more prominent shape so that it was marketable. During the 1840s the instrument started being used in different ministerial shows on stage enthralling the audiences with the charm of its sound.
With the passing of different eras, this instrument not only started being used in more genres of music but also a pattern to its music began to be formed such as music notations, chords, a more definite style of playing, and picking styles too. The body of this instrument started to get multiple transformations too. Gradually from the traditional music scene, it became a very integral part of jazz, folk, and Bluegrass. Bluegrass is one of the modern forms and is fast-paced just like a rock. It attained newer heights when Banjo started being played in it.
The Future Of Banjos
What makes the existence of Banjos more stable even in this current era is the fact that it is constantly being upgraded. Newer innovations and advancements are being made on this instrument regularly. Along with the more popular five-string Banjo, you will get many more types. There is a four-string and six-string, and twelve-string Banjo too. Banjo is also being made in different hybrid styles too combing it with guitars, Ukuleles, and various other instruments. These upgrades not only cement its existence more strongly but also make it further versatile in creating modern-day music.
In the past, many Banjo players had saved their old styles of playing and songs for the generations to come. They had a fear that Banjo might no more be a part of the modern-day music industry. But contrary to that Banjo kept evolving over the years. Not only it kept getting upgraded but it also made its presence felt in the modern music scene too. Currently, there are many Grammy-winning pop artists who use electric Banjo in their live concerts. This has further led to evolving a new version of the instrument too called the Clawhammer banjo which uses the three-finger style of the bluegrass genre.
Music experts think that Banjo is there to stay and it shall evolve further in the generations to come. The uniqueness of its sound and its simple approach to music makes its future very stable.
I own a music instruments shop. My go to instrument is a banjo. My business makes it easier for me to access the instruments from various brands and of various types. I will give my honest opinion here to help out others in choosing the right instrument for them.
