The banjo or banjo is a string instrument.
Banjo is a term that comes from the English banjo . In fact, banjo is also accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), so the concept can be written in both ways.
A banjo or banjo is a musical instrument . It is a string instrument that has a rounded sound box , which is covered by taut skin . The neck of the banjo is elongated and has frets and a number of strings that can vary.
Analyzing the banjo
To understand precisely what banjo is, it is necessary to analyze several of the notions mentioned above. We pointed out that it is a string instrument : this means that it has threads that, when vibrating, generate sound .
That sound is amplified and modulated by the soundboard . In the case of the banjo, said box is covered by skin.
Another characteristic of the banjo is that it has a neck . This is the name given to the long, narrow piece on which the aforementioned ropes are stretched and tensioned. It is important to note that the strings of this instrument can be played with a plectrum or with your fingers, depending on the style and technique of the musician.
Finally, completing the tour of the basic features of the banjo, it should be noted that the neck is divided into frets . These projections or cords are located every few centimeters on the neck so that, when the strings are pressed between them, the different sounds are produced.
Your story
The origins of the banjo are found in the United States, its development dating back to the 19th century . African American musicians were the ones who contributed to its popularity.
At first, the banjo was not closed in its rear sector. Only in the 20th century was the resonator incorporated to close it. In any case, both types of banjo can currently be found, which are usually called openback (the open banjo) and bluegrass (the closed banjo).
Street musician playing the banjo.
As time went by, banjos emerged with different numbers of strings and with necks of varying lengths. The instrument also merged with others such as the mandolin and the guitar .
The current banjo
Today you can get four-string banjos , five-string banjos and six-string banjos . Its body is usually circular and made of wood, with a patch of animal or synthetic skin that is installed under tension in a similar way to what is done with a battery.
The tuning of the modern banjo is done through gears or friction pegs . The strings are usually metal , although you can also choose leather strings or nylon strings.
A commune in Cameroon
It is interesting to note that the use of the word banjo is not limited to the field of music . As a proper name (and therefore capitalized), Banyo is a commune in Cameroon .
This town is part of the Mayo-Banyo department, in turn integrated into the Adamawa region . Located on the border with Nigeria , Banyo has more than 90,000 inhabitants.