Do you love the sound of a banjo, but want something with more edge? Check out the latest trend in banjos – heavy metal banjos!
These bad boys have all the power and punch of a metal guitar, giving your music a whole new sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, heavy metal banjos are definitely worth checking out. Ready to explore this unique instrument?
Keep reading for all the details.
What is Heavy Metal Banjo?
Heavy metal banjo is:
- A type of banjo playing that combines the fast tempos and aggressive guitar style of heavy metal with the traditional clawhammer banjo technique.
- Not a new genre; in fact, it has been around since the early 1990s.
- Inspired by Béla Fleck, who blended progressive bluegrass with metal to create a completely new sound.
These days, there are many different subgenres of heavy metal banjo, from black metal to stoner metal. However, all styles share a common love of fast, frenetic playing and a willingness to experiment with the traditional sound of the banjo. So if you’re looking for something a little different, why not give heavy metal banjo a try? You might just be surprised by what you find.
If you want to learn how to play heavy metal banjo, you’ve got to learn the fundamentals of banjo first. Sign up for banjo lessons – you’ll learn everything you need to know about banjos playing heavy metal along with other genres of banjo playing, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn 4YH hhUU
Heavy Metal Banjo Covers to Watch
Loud, jangly, and twangy, the banjo is an instrument with a distinctive voice that immediately evokes the spirit of the American South. Long a mainstay of bluegrass music, banjos have recently been incorporated into pop music as well by bands like Mumford and Sons.
And, if YouTube trends are any indication, it looks like the banjo is making another genre shift!
A pack of viral videos featuring banjo covers of hard rock classics are making the rounds and proving that banjos can shred just as hard as guitars. Check out a few of our favorites:
“Thunderstruck” – Steve’n’Seagulls
“Raining Blood” – Rob Scallon
“Enter Sandman” – Iron Horse
Why is it Called Dueling Banjos?
The song “Dueling Banjos” was originally composed by Arthur Smith in 1955. The tune was inspired by a traditional Appalachian folk song, and it quickly became a bluegrass standard. In 1973, the song was popularized by the film “Deliverance,” in which it was performed by banjoists Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandel.
The film’s version of the song is actually a combination of two separate pieces: “Feudin’ Banjos,” which was played by Weissberg, and “Dueling Banjos,” which was played by Mandel. Over the years, the term “dueling banjos” has come to refer to any performance in which two musicians play off of each other in an improvised battle.
Today, the phrase is used broadly to describe any competitive musical performance, including heavy metal dueling banjos, regardless of the instrumentation. So whether you’re watching two fiddlers go head-to-head or two rappers trade verses, you can be sure that the spirit of the dueling banjo is alive and well
How to Play Heavy Metal Banjo
The banjo is a truly unique instrument, and its distinctive sound has been a staple of country and bluegrass music for centuries.
However, the banjo can also be used to create the heaviest of metal sounds. If you’re interested in learning how to play heavy metal banjo, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
First, you’ll need to tune your banjo to an open G tuning. This will give you a deeper, more powerful sound.
Next, you’ll need to practice using different techniques, such as palm muting and power chords.
With some practice, you’ll be able to create the signature sound of metal banjo.
What Are Some Heavy Metal Banjo Bands?
Banjo bands come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional bluegrass groups to progressive metal outfits. And while most banjo bands lean towards one end of the spectrum or the other, there are a few that have found success by mixing heavy metal with the traditional sounds of the banjo.
Bands like The Bluegrass Oracles and The Devil Makes Three are known for their aggressive style and hard-hitting sound.
Meanwhile, Banjer Dan and TheMidnight Ramble Band have carved out a niche for themselves by playing a more traditional brand of bluegrass music with a metal edge.
Whatever your taste, there’s sure to be a banjo band out there that’s perfect for you.
Learn How to Play Banjo Heavy Metal ASAP!
There’s no question that banjo is having a moment, but who knew it would go so metal? If you’re looking to add some extra edge to your bluegrass or country tunes, this is definitely a skill worth learning.
To get started, sign up for banjo lessons as soon as you can. You’ll be rocking out in no time!
What do you think? Do you want to hear more banjo? Let us know in the comments below!
Megan L.