The Banjo

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The Banjo
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• In the 19th century, the African-American music
  traditions of the slaves became one of the most
  important influences upon Appalachian music.

• Many slaves played the banjo, or bantu, the
  African predecessor of the banjo.

• African-Americans introduced new steps and
  movements to the existing jigs and reels.

• African-Americans also added the tradition of
  singing with instrumental accompaniment. Up to
  this point, the singing or ballad tradition and
  the instrumental traditions of Appalachian music
  tended to be separate.

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• The banjo was originally brought to America by
  African slaves. The instrument was made of a
  gourd covered with skin, a long wooden neck
  without frets, and 4 or 5 gut or vine strings.

• In the 1840s, the banjo was popularized through
  traveling minstrel shows, where white performers
  imitating black musicians learned how to play.
  Around this time, the shorter 5th string became
  standardized, the familiar circular body shape
  became the norm, and frets were added to the neck.

• The banjo was first used as a solo instrument,
  then later added as part of an ensemble.
  Repertoire included adaptations of fiddle tunes,
  and much of the dance music popular during this
  time.

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• Appalachian banjo style uses special playing
  techniques. The left hand often slide up to
  notes to ornament a melody line. The left hand
  fingers also hammer on notes that are not
  played by the right hand.

• A technique called claw hammer right hand
  picking style is used in Appalachian banjo
  playing. This rhythmic African-American picking
  technique is the biggest difference between the
  sound of the banjo in Appalachian music and in
  Bluegrass music.

• In claw hammer style, the right hand thumb
  often plays the short 5th string and the back of
  the index fingernail rhythmically strums chords
  and melodies with a downward motion.

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• In Harv Browns Dream, performed by David
  ODell, listen to the strong rhythmic patterns
  created by the distinctive claw hammer picking
  style. Also, note how the left hand slides up
  the strings to create melodic interest and
  variation.

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References

• Information and Banjo demonstration courtesy of
  Marshall University College of Fine Arts CD-Rom
  Arts Resources
• Background courtesy of Music Graphics Galore