Why Classical Banjo?

A video about the benefits of playing classical music on the banjo and how I ended up on this path.

[@AikiSys]

Thanks John, I did the same with mandolin - I love the idea of a truly solo (self contained) instrument. Thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👏👏🙏🏿

[@1959banjo]

Thanks for watching : )

[@JamieHoltBanjo]

Hi John! Just found your channel today! I knew Fred Boyce when he lived for a while in Patrick County, VA close to Stuart. We'd talk banjo playing every time he came in the store where I worked. I doubt he remembers me, but I love his banjo playing. I wonder how he's doing now. Great finding your channel and I look forward to more of your videos. I think it would be cool to learn some classical music and incorporate it into my playing. Cheers!

[@1959banjo]

Fred's playing and artistry was inspirational for me

[@DocSavinoBanjo]

Thank you for posting this. While I have not had any formal training, I have been finding that I find fulfillment in playing solo pieces… as opposed to playing in a bluegrass jam. I thought I was alone in this until I rewatched this video… I find that writing and playing a complete solo work is similar to writing a short story. There is an intricate web which attaches the intro to the body and closures. I have even had the pleasure of composing my own pieces (Check me out on KZbin) which are complete solo works. As I progress technically, I hope to further expand these types of pieces. Thank you for what you present to the world.

This is better than any Ted talk ever.

[@1959banjo]

wow - thanks!

[@rkeithpyle8988]

Thank you so much. You answered many of the questions I've had about your aproach since i found out about you several years ago. You are an inspiration to many, and I wish you many more years of success and influence.

[@1959banjo]

Thank you Keith!

[@johno3205]

I played classical guitar for many year until arthritis made it exceedingly difficult to continue. I picked up the banjo a few years back and discovered that the mechanics of the instrument made it less stressful on the finger joints. I picked up a couple of books including your "Bach for the Banjo" collection. Thank you for your transcriptions!

[@1959banjo]

glad that you are enjoying them!

[@kishascape]

Neat. I might have to give that a try too.

[@ludamillion]

Great video. Before I even pressed play the thing that jumped into my head as well was that timbre-wise the banjo is basically a cross between a harpsichord and a lute/oud.

[@1959banjo]

that's how I hear it too!

[@Basic541]

Have you heard Bela Fleck's rendition of Dans Macabre? It's amazing. Tchaikovsky is also great on Banjo, but I think anything from Bach's Well Tempered Clavier are going to be perfect.

[@1959banjo]

yes, I head that on line somewhere - very cool piece!

[@theeclecticbanjo]

Nice Q&A John, would love to watch more of these from you. Your music continues to inspire me (considering trying my hands at Couperin’s Mysterious Barricades next) and I listen to your classical albums regularly still. Best, Dan Declan

[@erniemee7128]

Do you play any tenor banjo as well. I find it lends itself so beautifully to the Bach Cello Suites which I love to play in 4ths and 5ths tuning on double bass, bass guitar and tenor banjo. After majoring on clarinet in university I switch many years later to string instruments and a long career playing jazz and classical, but I try to end my day with Bach to take to a place where no other composer takes me. Thanks for your work here.

[@1959banjo]

No, at least not yet. I am envious of the 4ths and 5ths tuning though : )

[@oldcremona]

I use your Bach book on a regular basis to augment my bluegrass playing. It's great for getting out of the "same old" routine of a particular style. It also allows one to imagine that they are a deep thinker, a great talent as they navigate the complexities of Bach. I jest. Hopefully another book of Bach for the banjo is coming in the future.

[@1959banjo]

Thanks and there will be another Bach Book in the future

[@brucebartlett6536]

Wonderful playing! I can listen to you for hours. I especially love the way your volume goes up and down at various points it adds such an atmosphere to the music.

[@1959banjo]

Thanks Bruce!

[@e.wilson0]

Beautiful!

[@dwakeling38]

I love Bach and the way it sounds on banjo, would love more books, tutorials, etc!

[@1959banjo]

thanks - will be working on that : )

[@mackinbox]

Thanks John. I hope to see more videos from you in the future

[@1959banjo]

you will : )

[@videoboxstudios]

Great video... where can we find resources for classical banjo tabs?

[@1959banjo]

@@videoboxstudios there isn't really a place that has a bunch of classical tabs but I have this book www.melbay.com/Products/22121/bach-for-the-banjo.aspx and you can go to classic-banjo.ning.com/ to find lots of rag time and some classical pieces in standard notation.

[@videoboxstudios]

@@1959banjo Thank you for that - will check it out.