Banjo Facts

The banjo and fiddle are mainstays of old-time American music. The string instrument is frequently associated with bluegrass, folk, country, and Irish traditional music. It also played an important role in African American traditional music.

The banjo was rediscovered as a string instrument thanks largely to the talent and prominence of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. Born into a musical family, he began playing at the age of four. Over the next six years, the self-taught musician developed a three-finger style of playing that became known throughout the world as “Scruggs-Style Picking.” Remember The Beverly Hillbillies catchy theme song? “The Legend of Jed Clampett” was performed by Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt.

More Banjo Facts

Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a banjoist.

Other notable banjoists include Kirk Douglas, Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Burl Ives, John Lennon (The Beatles), Barbara Mandrell, Steve Martin, Bill Mumy, Donny Osmond, Pete Seeger, Taylor Swift, Peter Tork (The Monkees), Jerry Van Dyke, Hank Williams III, and Neil Young.

Steve Martin Playing Banjo

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Steve Martin Playing Banjo Poster

Listen to the Banjo

Performed by the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys

Meet the Mizzone brothers: Jonny, Robbie, and Tommy. The young musicians comprise a bluegrass trio from Lebanon Township, New Jersey, United States. For this performance on Late Night with David Letterman the boys chose to play “Flint Hill Special” by the legendary player Earl Scruggs. Jonny was just 9 years old at the time.

We Love Banjos

Looking for more banjo facts? Here are some of our favorite banjo pages for you to enjoy:

The Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song
Business Cards for Performers and Teachers
Left-Hand Chord Charts

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5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back by Jameson Guitars Geared 5th Tuner Detail

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