The banjo is a musical instrument that has been a staple in American folk music for centuries. It has a unique sound that sets it apart from other instruments and has been an important part of American culture and music history.

The origins of the banjo can be traced back to Africa, where it was originally made from a gourd and had only two or three strings. Predecessors may have been the ekonting or the ngoni. When slaves were taken to the United States, they carried their musical traditions with them, including the banjo. Over time, the instrument evolved, incorporating more strings and a metal rim to create the familiar five-string banjo that we know today.

The banjo played a significant role in the development of early American folk music, particularly in the South. It was a popular instrument in minstrel shows and became associated with African American music, including blues, ragtime, and gospel. In the 20th century, the banjo became common in country and bluegrass music and has remained an important part of those genres to this day.

The banjo is known for its bright, cheerful, and upbeat sound, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for a wide range of musical styles. The instrument can be played in a variety of ways, including fingerpicking, strumming, and clawhammer style, which involves striking the strings with the back of the nail on the index finger. The different playing styles and tunings used in bluegrass and country music have helped to shape the unique sound of the banjo and make it an important part of those genres.

In addition to its sound, the banjo is also known for its distinctive appearance. The head of the banjo is typically made of animal skin and is stretched over the metal rim, which gives the instrument its bright, resonant sound. The neck of the banjo is typically made of wood and has frets, which allow the player to produce different notes and chords.

(headline image: Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo)

Top Banjo Players

There have been many talented banjo players throughout history, but here are a few who are considered to be among the best:

Earl Scruggs (1924 – 2012)

Earl Scruggs was an influential American musician known for popularizing the three-finger banjo picking style, which became a defining characteristic of bluegrass music. He rose to fame as a member of Bill Monroe’s band, the Blue Grass Boys, and later formed the duo Flatt and Scruggs with Lester Flatt. Scruggs’ banjo instrumental “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” became a hit and gained renewed popularity through its inclusion in the film Bonnie and Clyde. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, and his legacy is honored at the Earl Scruggs Center in North Carolina.

Béla Fleck

Béla Fleck is one of the finest banjo players of our time. He is known for his virtuosity and innovation. Fleck has expanded the banjo’s musical boundaries by incorporating jazz, classical, rock, and world music genres. Fleck gained prominence through his work with New Grass Revival and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. He has won 15 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2020. Fleck has collaborated with various musicians, recorded solo albums, and explored different musical projects, highlighting his versatility and creativity.

Alison Brown

Alison Brown is a highly talented American banjo player, guitarist, composer, and producer. She has garnered Grammy awards and nominations for her unique style of playing. Brown’s music incorporates diverse influences such as bluegrass, jazz, Latin, and Celtic. She has had a successful career with collaborations, including being a band member of Union Station and leading Michelle Shocked’s band. Brown and her husband founded Compass Records, an internationally recognized label, and she continues to tour with her quartet while also producing albums for various artists.

Nora Brown

Nora Brown is a banjo prodigy who began learning music at the age of 6. Influenced by mentors such as Shlomo Pestcoe and John Cohen, Nora focuses on Southern Appalachian banjo and guitar playing. She has performed at renowned venues and festivals worldwide and released albums that achieved success on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Nora’s music is rooted in tradition, learned from elder musicians and archival recordings. She plays a variety of unique instruments and collaborates with talented artists. In addition to her performances, Nora teaches banjo classes and continues to learn from master musicians.

Bill Keith (1939 – 2015)

Bill Keith, a renowned five-string banjoist, revolutionized the instrument’s style with his melodic playing technique. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he joined Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys in the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on banjo playing. Keith’s contributions extended to mechanical advancements as well, creating the “Keith Tuners,” an efficient tuning peg system. His legacy lives on through his recordings, performances, and the continued success of Beacon Banjo tuners.

Don Reno (1926 –1984)

Don Reno was an influential American bluegrass and country musician known for his pioneering banjo and guitar playing. He partnered with Red Smiley and later with guitarist Bill Harrell, forming successful groups like Reno and Smiley and Reno & Harrell. Reno’s unique banjo style and his contributions to flatpicking guitar left a lasting effect on the genre. He passed away in 1984 and was posthumously inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1992.

Gene Parker

The late Gene Parker, a prominent musician in the Lost and Found band, played a vital role as one of its founding members. Highly regarded within the community of banjo enthusiasts, Gene’s contributions garnered commendation and acknowledgment, establishing him as a significant influence for numerous contemporary musicians, exemplified by Sammy Shelor and other prominent artists of the present era.

Joe Mullins

Joe Mullins, influenced by his father’s radio show and fiddle playing, recognized the ability of music to unite people and preserve Appalachian traditions. He became a renowned banjo player and vocalist, founding bands like The Traditional Grass and Longview. Mullins also ventured into radio broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and event organizing, all while maintaining his commitment to authentic bluegrass music.

John Hartford (1937 – 2001)

John Cowan Hartford was an American folk, country, and bluegrass musician known for his skill in playing the fiddle and banjo, his witty lyrics, and his vast knowledge of Mississippi River lore. His most famous song, “Gentle on My Mind,” won multiple Grammy Awards and solidified his place in music history. Hartford’s innovative performances, where he effortlessly switched between guitar, banjo, and fiddle, along with his shuffle tap dance move, highlighted his musical talent and creativity.

Kristin Scott Benson

Kristin Scott Benson is a highly acclaimed bluegrass banjo player, known for her exceptional skills and collaborative spirit. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. As a member of The Grascals since 2008, she has performed on high visibility platforms such as The Tonight Show and The Grand Ole Opry. In addition, Kristin recently released a collaborative album with her husband, mandolinist Wayne Benson, marking their first joint musical venture after decades of individual success.

Noam Pikelny

Noam Pikelny is an American banjoist known for his work with Punch Brothers and Leftover Salmon. He has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2019. Pikelny started playing banjo at a young age and has since become a highly regarded musician in the bluegrass and folk genres.

Ralph Stanley (1927 – 2016)

Ralph Stanley, an acclaimed and influential American bluegrass artist, was known for his unique singing and banjo playing. He started his musical career in 1946 with his brother Carter Stanley as The Stanley Brothers. Ralph later led his band, The Clinch Mountain Boys. He was a prominent figure in the first generation of bluegrass musicians and was honored with inductions into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor and the Grand Ole Opry. Following Carter’s death in 1966, Ralph continued as a solo artist.

Rob McCoury

Rob McCoury is an accomplished American bluegrass musician known for his banjo skills. Born in 1971 in Pennsylvania, he was introduced to bluegrass at a young age through his father’s band. At the age of 8, he picked up the banjo and eventually joined his dad’s band, playing bass before transitioning to his preferred instrument. He has been an integral part of the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin’ McCourys, receiving recognition as the International Bluegrass Music Association banjo player of the year in 2015.

Scott Vestal

Scott Vestal is an accomplished American banjoist, songwriter, and luthier renowned for his groundbreaking banjo playing style and instrument designs. He began his musical journey in a family of musicians and gained early experience performing with various bands. Vestal notably played with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver before forming his own group, Livewire, and later joining the Sam Bush Band. Additionally, he has contributed to numerous recordings as a session player and has received prestigious awards such as Banjo Player of the Year and the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Vestal also established his banjo company called Stealth Banjos, which offers his unique instrument designs.

Sonny Osborne (1937 – 2021)

Sonny Osborne was an American bluegrass musician and founding member of the Osborne Brothers. Born in Kentucky in 1937, he started playing the banjo at a young age and joined his brother in the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. He later formed the Osborne Brothers band, known for their innovative approach to bluegrass music. They achieved success with their hit song “Rocky Top” and faced criticism for deviating from traditional bluegrass. Sonny Osborne was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2021, leaving a significant legacy in the world of bluegrass music.

Tony Trischka

Tony Trischka, born in 1949, is a renowned American banjo player known for his influence in bluegrass music and jazz. He gained inspiration from the Kingston Trio and went on to join various bands, record solo albums, and work on Broadway shows. Trischka collaborated with notable artists such as Steve Martin, Earl Scruggs, and Béla Fleck, and received awards for his contributions to the banjo world. He is also an author of instructional books and DVDs and is associated with the “newgrass” style, incorporating innovative elements into traditional bluegrass music. In 2011, he served as the musical director and co-producer of the PBS documentary Give Me the Banjo.

Abigail Washburn

Abigail Washburn is an American clawhammer banjo player and singer. She has performed as a solo artist and with various bands, including Uncle Earl, Sparrow Quartet, and The Wu-Force. Washburn’s music incorporates elements of old-time and traditional Chinese music, reflecting her experiences living in China. She has released several albums and has collaborated with her husband, banjo player Béla Fleck. Washburn’s work has been recognized with awards and she has toured extensively, both in the United States and internationally. She is known for her unique blend of musical styles and her commitment to cultural exchange through music.

Ron Block

Ronald Franklin Block, a renowned American banjo player, guitarist, and singer-songwriter, gained prominence as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards and 6 International Bluegrass Music Awards. Block’s musical journey began at a young age, influenced by the bluegrass sounds of artists like Bill Monroe and The Stanley Brothers. His passion for music led him to master the banjo and guitar.

Tony Furtado

Tony Furtado is an American singer-songwriter, banjoist, and guitarist known for his diverse musical talents. He began his musical journey as a banjo player and gained recognition by winning the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in 1987. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned musicians and released several acclaimed albums. His performances range from solo acts to full band performances, and he has shared the stage with legendary musicians. His musical style combines Americana, folk, indie-rock, blues, and jazz elements, spotlighting his versatility as an artist.

John Hickman (1942 – 2021)

John Hickman was an American banjo player known for his simplicity and clean tone. Born in Ohio, he moved to California in 1969 and formed a lasting musical partnership with Byron Berline. He released his only banjo album, “Don’t Mean Maybe,” in 1978, gaining attention in the banjo community. Despite working in movies and TV, he considered music his true calling and became a banjo instructor. His efefct as a teacher and mentor influenced notable banjo players such as Ron Block and Alison Brown, leaving a lasting legacy in the bluegrass scene.

Jim Mills

James Mills is an accomplished American musician known for his mastery of the bluegrass banjo, particularly in the three-finger style popularized by Earl Scruggs. He is recognized as an expert on pre-war Gibson banjos and resides in Durham, North Carolina. Mills had a notable 14-year tenure as the banjo player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder before shifting his focus to buying, selling, and trading rare pre-war banjos. He has received numerous accolades, including six IBMA banjo player of the year awards and six Grammy Awards. Mills is also the owner of several prized pre-war Gibson Mastertone banjos and has released a book on the subject.

J.D. Crowe (1937 – 2021)

James Dee Crowe, an influential American banjo player and bluegrass band leader, gained recognition as a member of Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys in the 1950s before forming his own group, New South, in 1971. Crowe’s New South incorporated jazz, rock, country, and folk influences into their bluegrass sound. He received accolades for his contributions to traditional bluegrass music and bringing it to new audiences. Crowe’s legacy will be remembered for his significant influence on the genre.

Gina Furtado

Gina Furtado/Gina Clowes is known for her exceptional banjo skills. With over 20 years of experience, Gina’s playing displays effortless technique, impressive timing, and dynamic runs reminiscent of Earl Scruggs. Her journey in bluegrass began as a rebellious pianist seeking a more enjoyable and vibrant musical outlet. Gina draws inspiration from banjo players she encountered in person and admired on recordings, including Haley Stiltner, Steve Barr, and Casey Henry. Her dedication to learning, coupled with the guidance of mentors like Murphy Henry, contributed to her mastery of Scruggs style. Gina’s banjo journey led her to Winchester, Virginia, where she resides amidst a community of talented acoustic musicians.

Catherine “BB” Bowness

Catherine “BB” Bowness, originally from Marton, New Zealand, developed a passion for the banjo. She taught herself to play and became the first banjo student at the New Zealand School of Music. She founded co-funnded Mile Twelve in the United States. BB’s banjo playing combines traditional and progressive elements, influenced by her immersion in bluegrass traditions and jazz studies. BB, now residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has led Mile Twelve to win prestigious awards, including the IBMA New Artists of the Year in 2020 and Momentum Band of the Year in 2017. She also claimed victory in the Freshgrass Banjo contest in 2015 and the Steve Martin Banjo Prize in 2020.

Tabitha Agnew

Tabitha Agnew Benedict, a banjoist and vocalist from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, demonstrated her aptitude for the banjo at the age of 12. Notably, she is a member of both Cup O’Joe, alongside her two brothers, and the exclusively female Anglo-Irish bluegrass ensemble known as Midnight Skyracer. It is worth noting that Tabitha Agnew triumphed as the IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year in 2020.

Victor Furtado

Victor Furtado, a gifted clawhammer banjo player from Virginia, grew up in a musical family and taught himself to play at a young age. His unique style and talent gained recognition in the banjo community, leading him to perform at prestigious venues and win competitions. In 2019, he received the Steve Martin prize for excellence in banjo and bluegrass. Victor currently resides in Boston, where he studies, teaches, and develops his craft.

Matthew Davis

Matthew Davis is a talented banjo player and composer, known for his exceptional skills and diverse musical background. Starting with the piano, he later embraced the banjo during middle school. At just 17, he achieved success by winning the National Banjo Championship, showcasing his natural talent and unique musical style. Alongside his musical pursuits, Davis co-founded Circus No. 9 and Westbound Situation, both popular groups in the progressive bluegrass and chambergrass genres.

Steven Moore

Steven Moore is a highly accomplished banjo player and champion in various competitions, including the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship. He performs as a full-time member of The David Mayfield Parade and also collaborates with John Cowan and the Newgrass All-Stars. Steven’s passion for the banjo started at a young age, leading him to win the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship twice. His solo album “Just a Little Talk with Myself” has garnered praise in the bluegrass community, reaching the top of charts and presenting his exceptional banjo skills and innovative musical arrangements.

Uma Peters

Uma Peters is a rising banjo player. She plays plays fiddle, clawhammer and gourd banjo. Notably, Uma is part of a brother-sister teenage musical duo from Nashville called Giri and Uma Peters. They specialize in bluegrass and old-time music.

Gabe Hirshfeld

Gabe Hirshfeld, a banjo player from Newton, Massachusetts, had a life-changing moment at the age of fifteen when he heard Earl Scruggs on NPR’s Car Talk. This experience sparked his passion for the banjo, leading him to win competitions and play in various bands in Boston. Eventually, Gabe attended Berklee College of Music, where he joined forces with fellow students to form the Lonely Heartstring Band.

These are just a few of the many talented banjo players who have made a significant impact on the instrument and the world of music. The banjo has a rich tradition and continues to be a vibrant and dynamic part of American musical culture.

Banjo Makers

There are several leading banjo makers in the United States:

Deering Banjos– One of the most prominent and successful banjo makers. They have been producing high-quality banjos since the 1970s and are known for their excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. They offer a wide range of banjos, from beginner models to professional-grade instruments used by some of the most famous banjo players.

Gold Tone Banjos – Another popular banjo maker. They offer a wide range of models, including open-back, resonator, and electric banjos. Gold Tone is committed to making high-quality instruments that are affordable for all levels of players.

Huber Banjos – Relatively new banjo maker but has quickly gained a reputation for making some of the finest banjos on the market. They specialize in vintage-style banjos and are known for their attention to detail and excellent tone.

Stelling Banjos – Was one of the most respected banjo makers. They were known for their innovative designs, excellent playability, and unmatched sound quality. The company shut down in 2022.

Nechville Banjos – Small but dedicated banjo maker. They are known for their innovative designs, including their unique “helical” cone system, which produces a warm and rich sound.

Washburn – Washburn banjos are available in a range of styles and models, from beginner to professional-grade instruments. Some of the most popular Washburn banjos include the Americana series, which features five-string resonator banjos, as well as the B9 and B8 models, both of which are frequently cited as excellent starter banjos. Washburn banjos are known for their superior quality and attention to detail, and they are favored by many professional musicians.

These are just a few of the top banjo makers. There are many other excellent makers out there, each with its unique approach and style.