banjo
what it is
This African instrument originated in North America, Africans kept as slaves built a plucked instrument reminiscent of those in their homelands, They took a round drum (with a skin on one side only), attached a long neck and added strings: job done. The banjo evolved over the years, and now it's quite similar to the guitar. Before the electric guitar was invented, the banjo played an important role in early jazz bands.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make banjo a playlist
turn these 24 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is banjo?
This African instrument originated in North America, Africans kept as slaves built a plucked instrument reminiscent of those in their homelands, They took a round drum (with a skin on one side only), attached a long neck and added strings: job done. The banjo evolved over the years, and now it's quite similar to the guitar. Before the electric guitar was invented, the banjo played an important role in early jazz bands.
What are good banjo albums to start with?
Try Song of the Traveling Daughter by Abigail Washburn, Chinatown by The Be Good Tanyas, Hit Like a Hammer by Crazy Mountain Billies, and Farm Machine by Steve ´n´ Seagulls.
Who are some women making banjo?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/banjo/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making banjo, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-22