Looking for must-hear banjo players? Start here! ★ Acoustic Tuesday 297

If you need more banjo in your life, this list was hand-picked for you.

This episode is all about the brilliant banjo players that inspire countless guitar journeys, including my own—and hopefully yours!

But first, a little storytime. I remember back when I was a fledgling in the world of bluegrass and folk music at the Old Town School of Folk. I stumbled upon my first bluegrass CD, an Earl Scruggs album. Let me tell you, that album shook my world and cast a profound influence on my guitar journey. It set me on a path of exploration into the rich and vibrant landscape of this bluegrass and folk.

Today, I'm excited to share with you some banjo wizards, divided into three sections.

First, we have "The Classics", the legends who shaped the bluegrass scene: Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, and J.D. Crowe. Their work is timeless and continues to influence musicians around the world.

Then, we'll delve into the realm of "Old-Time Players", featuring the likes of Rhiannon Giddens, Nora Brown, and Chris Coole. They're keeping the traditional banjo sound aliave, fusing it with their unique styles and creating something truly mesmerizing.

Lastly, we can't forget the "Must-Know Players", contemporary artists who have reinvented the banjo wheel in many ways. Here, we have Riley Baugus, Ken Perlman, and Abigail Washburn, whose sounds are vital to any banjo or guitar enthusiast.

Listening to banjo players is an incredibly enriching experience. Not only does it help you appreciate the roots of American folk music, but it also broadens your musical horizons, contributing to both your banjo and guitar skills.

Spotify Playlist:

Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!

Featured in this episode...

#banjo #acousticguitar
00:00 - Intro
03:23 - "The Usuals"
05:17 - "Old-Time Players"
08:43 - "Bluegrass Players You Need to Know"
11:45 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
19:29 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
23:54 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[leftwrite]

Bela Fleck and Noam Pikelny are my go to favorites. Bela playing the Beatles "I'm Down" with NGR blew me away. They both made banjo cool for me. I also dig Mike Munford, and Danny Barnes was THE guy is Austin . But when banjo caught my ear the first time as something outside of bluegrass was in my teens hearing the simple banjo part on Poco's "Crazy Eyes". It really grabbed me.

[kpodonnell]

Roy Clark, Scott Avett, Steve Martin

[nohillforahighstepper]

My favorite is Ron Block. He kills it.
FYI....he played with Allison Krause and Union Station. Also several of his own LP's.

[kaylynmesser]

I had the incredible opportunity to hear Jake Blount play last year at the Boats and Bluegrass festival. Jake also did a talk on the history of the banjo and banjo music in a societal context. I found the talk really interesting and his music is quite beautiful.

[kevinfay]

I'm somewhat shocked you didn't list Doug Dillard. Phenomenal technique and lightning speed.

[Beshinemusician]

WOW Tony I love your channel. You forgot two iconic Banjo Players of All Time. Raymond Fairchild and Dwight Diller. Raymond passed away in 2019. Dwight passed away this year in March. RIP to Raymond and Dwight.

[MadameM.]

Loving all this banjo love, Tony!!!! And anyone wanting to listen to a good player? They need to listen to your albums!!!

[julieb]

What a pack full episode of banjo music and much more! One to re watch to note all of the artists you mentioned and dive into their discography. Thank you Tony!

[BobDorfman]

Alan Munde (ee). I’m glad you included Alan, Bob Carlin, Adam Hurt, Mike Miles, Ken Perlman, and Abigail Washburn - all great players.

[decastring]

I'd like to add two names to the list. Perhaps not "must-hear", but good and fun. First, Ellen Petersen Haygood, the middle daughter in the Petersen family. Next, Steve Martin. Yes, the actor/comedian.

And, wow! Had to stop this video and go find Adrian Bellue. The snipped you played sounded like a Chapman Stick. So cool!

[Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

I second Kyle Tuttle really amazing player .

Also surprised you missed Clifton Hicks from the Clawhammer list .

Another serious player is Johnny Butten . Great bluegrass player

[garypaquin]

Kyle Tuttle needs a shout-out. Jam-grass royalty.

[stanby]

The great English guitarist Martin Simpson is a fantastic banjo player, both fingerstyle and clawhammer . There are several videos of him playing on YouTube; worth a look/ listen (and he doesn’t sound like everyone else which is a big plus!). Regards

[randallhacker]

For clawhammer, Mike Oberst of the band "the Tillers" kills it!!! Love that band.

[johanngregory]

Roy Clark, Jimmy Henley, Carl J “Sonny” Smith (1997 National Banjo Champion) & Gary “Biscuit” Davis (only 5-time National Banjo Champion, 2020 Inductee into the National Banjo Hall of Fame, played Banjo, Band Leader & Producer for Dolly Parton)

[larrylee]

Hi Tony - thinking about a show for you - why not evaluate a "beater" guitar - the guitar you take along when camping, going to the beach, traveling, etc. Something that sounds good but you won't cry your eyes out over if it gets stolen or broken or the glue melts from staying to long in an overheated car. Say $400 or below. I've found some good sounding, sounding and playable $200 - $300 guitars. I share your champagne taste but was wonderfully surprised by what I discovered in very affordable guitars.

[davidedwards]

Gotta give a shout to Jason Romero ( Pharris and Jason Romero). Absolutely love these guys from Canada.

[ethan_douglas]

Pete Seeger, Clifton hicks, uncle Dave Macon

[isberg]

Some Banjo players that should also be on the list are: Kaia Kater, Jake Blount, Tray Wellington, Don Vappie, Leyla McCalla, Enda Scahill, Brad Kolodnar. You might also want to catch on Wondrium "The Banjo" - 10 segments plus 3 performance segments.

[harry]

Rhiannon Giddens is amazing for information purposes only the Accordian player is Phill Cunningham he is one of Scotlands greatest folk musicians