As I understand it, the original banjo did come from Africa. It as called a "Banjar," and had three strings.In this country, a fourth string was added, ergo the strumming of the Mississippi river boat sound.
Somewhere around the early forties, or perhaps earlier, a fifth string was added. Originally, the banjo was strummed, or "frailled." Other methods came in with mountain people playing on their back porch.
It wasn't Until Earl Scruggs and another guy that I can't remember, came up with the three finger pickin' that became Bluegrass, and that's what I play. Incidentally, Bela Fleck plays the same banjo that I do.
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As I understand it, the original banjo did come from Africa. It as called a "Banjar," and had three strings.In this country, a fourth string was added, ergo the strumming of the Mississippi river boat sound.
Somewhere around the early forties, or perhaps earlier, a fifth string was added. Originally, the banjo was strummed, or "frailled." Other methods came in with mountain people playing on their back porch.
It wasn't Until Earl Scruggs and another guy that I can't remember, came up with the three finger pickin' that became Bluegrass, and that's what I play. Incidentally, Bela Fleck plays the same banjo that I do.
Herb Huseland
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