|
|
|
Banjo Lessons
Learn to play the banjo. Banjo tutors throughout the UK; more welcome.
The banjo is a stringed instrument which was introduced to the USA by African slaves who fashioned the new instrument after a similar one they had known before captivity. These early banjos were often called 'gourd banjos' because of the elements from which they were constructed.
There are two types of banjo in use today - being known as four-string and five-string banjos for logical reasons. Modern acoustic banjos are further subdivided into resonator banjos and the open-back banjo. The resonator has a detachable chamber (resonator) on the back whereas the open--back banjo has no such device.
Banjos are typically played by one of two methods. The most popular is known as 'strumming' a technique whereby (for a right-handed player), the left hand plays chords by pinning the strings against the frets on the neck (as with a guitar) and the right hand 'brushes' the strings near the bridge. The other method of playing is where the right hand picks out an arpeggio on the strings. Either way the banjo is usually played very rapidly.
There is also a hybrid banjo called the banjo ukulele which was invented at the turn of the twentieth century and later made popular by the late George Formby who strummed out many ribald ballads on his ukulele.
Care of your banjo
-
Every time you play the banjo, clean off finger prints and other marks from the outside of the banjo with a clean, lightly-dampened cloths. Allow the instrument to dry thoroughly before putting it in its case.
-
If you are not going to play your banjo for a while, take off the capo as its prolonged pressure against the neck can cause tarnishing.
-
Use a hard protective case and be particularly careful when stowing your banjo if it is a five-string since the fifth peg sits on the side of the neck and is vulnerable to knocks. The case also helps protect the banjo against humidity changes.
-
Clean and polish the wood and metal about 3 times a year. Use a proprietary cleaner like 'Fast Fret' for cleaning the fingerboard and then rub the oil into the wood with a clean cloth. Clean off any excess.
-
Playing with long finger nails can damage the fingerboard so keep the nails on that hand trimmed.
We hope you found this guide helpful and it will make you want to go out and get a banjo!
Other Instruments
Click this link to find prices for banjo lessons.
Look for information on another musical instrument.
Search in our directory for a banjo tutor.
Go to this link to become a banjo teacher.
Banjo Lessons
|
Home
Tuition Pages
Private Tuition
Hiring a tutor
Life as a tutor
Advertise with us
Private Tutor List
Teachers List
Subjects & Levels
Locations
London Coverage
Music Lessons
Online Tuition
SEO Course
Company Training
Presents & Gifts
Elocution & Voice
More Information
Privacy
Teachers Wanted
Exam Boards
Exam Prep
Top 10 Pages!
Garden
Bridge
Candida
Butcher
Block
Exma Treatment
Eurostar Tickets
Bad Credit Record
Prefab Homes
Staircase design
Italy Cruises
Paid Surveys
Free Information
Helpful Guides
Helpful Guides 2
Children Charities
Alternative Energy
Arts & Entertainment
Business & Commerce
Culture & Society
Cruises
Employment & Careers
Family Matters
Food & Drink
Garden
Health
Hobbies
Home Equipment
Home Furniture
Home Improvements
Insurance
Internet
Personal Finance
Pets
Property & Real Estate
Reference
Shopping
Sports & Pastimes
Travel & Holidays
General Pages
Sitemap
Testimonials
Contact Us
About Us
Links Directory
Copyright
Clive & Damaris West |
