Banjo Players - Learn Songs & Discuss Music

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the banjo, its music, and the experiences of players within the forum. Participants share their favorite songs, bands that feature the banjo, and personal anecdotes related to playing the instrument.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a natural affinity for the banjo and seeks song recommendations.
  • Another mentions a family member who plays the banjo professionally and highlights its distinctiveness in various music genres, particularly Bluegrass and Rock.
  • Several participants share their favorite bands and songs that incorporate the banjo, including the Decemberists, Iron Horse, and Béla Fleck.
  • Discussion includes the enjoyment of different genres, such as Gypsy Jazz and "death country," and the versatility of string instruments.
  • Participants discuss their experiences with other instruments, noting that the banjo feels more enjoyable or easier to play compared to the guitar.
  • One participant mentions a project involving collaboration with an accordion player, indicating a blend of instruments in their music endeavors.
  • Another highlights the use of unconventional instruments in the Magnetic Fields' music, showcasing the diversity of sound in contemporary music.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a common interest in the banjo and its music, but there are varying opinions on preferred genres and specific bands. No consensus is reached on the best songs or styles associated with the banjo.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express personal preferences and experiences with different types of music and instruments, which may influence their views on the banjo's role in various genres.

Who May Find This Useful

Musicians interested in the banjo, fans of specific bands mentioned, and those exploring the intersection of different musical genres may find this discussion relevant.

raolduke
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Oi

I just came upon a banjo and actually it seems like second nature when I play it. Are there any banjo players on this forum? Could anyone set me up with a couple of songs?

The bands I like that include banjo include: Decemberists, Tarkio, Modest Mouse.
 
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my father plays banjo professionally (also the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass). It's a very unique instrument that is always distinguishable. I suppose it depends on the type of music you like, mainly it's used in Bluegrass/Old Time, but occasionally in Rock as well, such as David Gilmour's latest solo album.
 
I love Allison Krauss and Union Station.
 
I really enjoy Iron Horse for straight banjo. Certain blue grass doesn't appeal to me but Gypsy Jazz does.
 
Try hunting down a recording of "Cripple Creek". That's one of the essential banjo tunes.

You might also check out Springsteen's "The Seeger Sessions" - the banjo on "Old Dan Tucker" is pretty fun.

What other instruments do you play?
 
I play guitar and dabble a bit in piano. Banjo is so much more fun, imo, than a guitar or atleast it seems that way right now. I have been playing that bad guy for about 2 weeks straight now.. So I picked up my guitar yestarday and it seems as if I can play much faster.
 
My main instrument is the guitar too - you can't beat a guitar for versatility and portability! But it's nice to have other instruments around when you're jamming with others. Basically anything with strings is fair game for me - violin, mandolin, some piano and a little banjo. I'm also hoping to pick up a button accordion in the near future.

"Elliott Brood" is a Canadian band that does really great things with the banjo. They market their music as "death country". For more straightforward playing I like "The Be Good Tanyas".
 
String instruments are relatively easy to learn for me too... I am actually starting a little project with an accordian player.. Well he is very tallented and plays other instruments but it should be fun. Great accordian, banjo, or any other crazy instrument that you would expect in a newage band - Decemberists/Tarkio. Awesome band.
 
  • #10
I love the Magnetic Fields.
One of the group's most significant albums to date is the 1999 triple album 69 Love Songs. It showcased Merritt's songwriting abilities and the group's musicianship, demonstrated by the use of unorthodox instruments (including ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, flute, xylophone, and Marxophone, in addition to their usual setup of synthesizers, guitars, and effects). The album features vocalists Shirley Simms, Dudley Klute, LD Beghtol and Gonson, each of whom sings lead on six songs as well as various backing vocals, plus Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) on accordion, and longtime collaborator Christopher Ewen (of Future Bible Heroes) as guest arranger/synthesist. Violinist Ida Pearle makes a brief cameo on "Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magnetic_Fields
 

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