#acoustic instruments

[thorn-enterprises]

Fun Facts About Banjos: The Iconic String Instrument

The banjo is more than just a string instrument; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has brought joy to music lovers around the world for centuries. With its unique sound and vibrant history, the banjo is worth exploring in greater detail. Here are some fun facts about this iconic instrument that might surprise you!

Origins Rooted in Africa

The banjo has deep roots in African traditions, with its ancestors likely arriving in the Americas during the slave trade. The African instrument known as the "ngoni" is one of the closest relatives to the modern banjo, featuring a similar body shape and string arrangement. The banjo we know today evolved from these early designs, blending various cultural influences along the way.

The Early Banjo: A Different Look

Early banjos were quite different from the ones we see today. The first banjos were made from natural materials, such as animal skin for the drumhead and wood for the body. Some scholars believe that the original banjos had only four strings, compared to the five-string banjos that became popular in the 19th century. As the instrument evolved, its design diversified, leading to the creation of various styles and tunings.

The Five-String Phenomenon

The five-string banjo is perhaps the most recognized form of the instrument. The fifth string is shorter and usually placed near the neck, providing a unique playing style. This string is often referred to as the "drone string," and it plays a crucial role in the characteristic sound of bluegrass and folk music. The five-string banjo was popularized by musicians like Earl Scruggs, who developed a distinctive picking style known as "Scruggs style."

It’s Not Just for Country Music

While the banjo is most commonly associated with country and bluegrass music, its versatility spans multiple genres. You'll find the banjo in folk, jazz, rock, and even classical music. Artists such as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones showcase the instrument’s adaptability in progressive and experimental music. With its bright, twangy tone, the banjo can enhance any genre and surprise audiences with its range and expressiveness.

A Symbol of American Culture

The banjo has become a symbol of American culture and identity. It played a significant role in the development of American folk music and has been featured prominently in countless songs and performances. The instrument even found a place in popular culture through its appearances in movies, cartoons, and television shows, often embodying a sense of Americana that resonates deeply with audiences.

Banjos Are Still Evolving

Today, banjos are continually evolving, with modern luthiers experimenting with materials and designs to create new sounds. Some musicians have begun to explore electric banjos, while others incorporate unconventional techniques and effects. The banjo's resilience and adaptability prove that this beloved instrument is always ready for a new chapter in its storied legacy.

The banjo is more than just an instrument; it's a vital part of music history that continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike. Whether plucking the strings around a campfire or jamming with a band, the banjo's joyful sound is sure to create memorable moments. So next time you hear the banjo in a song, remember these fun facts and appreciate the rich history behind this enchanting instrument!

[mymusicbias]

[doctorsiren]

Keep an eye out on Friday (7/12) for my newest song, December, set to release to all music platforms (plus a lyric video that will be uploaded to YouTube)

[jessiethedoll]

ʙᴇᴀʙᴀᴅᴏᴏʙᴇᴇ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ✧.* ♡like / reblog if use♡

[residentfurry]

no matter where you are

i can still hear you when you drown

[queerprayers]

all I can say is they invented the organ for a reason.

[chaos-reprisal]

Little Study on The Heart Acoustic and how it contrasts The Mind Electric and the Soul Eclectic :3 (This turned into me being a band kid. I'm so sorry.)

Was listening to The Mind Electric variants and realized something. Compared to Mind and Soul, Heart's song is a lot tamer. (This is more about the music and less about the lyrics.) That's not to say it doesn't have it's moments of chaos or isn't a chaotic song, but compared to The Mind Electric and The Soul Eclectic, it's arguably calmer; the notes and chords (more so at the beginning and end) are held out longer, the pacing is slower, but it still has bursts of energy. Meanwhile Soul and Mind's songs are paced a lot faster: words are sung quicker and notes are held for shorter periods of time, the background music is all over the place, and there are more frequent punches of energy in the background vocals.

Smaller detail, but in The Heart Acoustic, you can hear Heart audibly take a deep breath and release it right before the chorus. It's almost like he's steeling himself for what's to come, or trying to calm himself down before he does something he regrets.

Heart, the emotional side, the creature that hardly resembles a man, has a song variant slower than Mind's or Soul's. Heart is the one to stop and breathe before he does or says something rash. And the style/pacing of his song reflects that. But not only is this song about Heart being more collected than the other two put together, this song is also about Heart giving up. About Heart letting Mind have what he wants: control over their vessel. And once Heart gives that control over, chaos ensues. Because as much as Mind may hate it, he needs Heart to help balance him.

(Bit more in depth talk about the instrumentals down here)

Heart has outbursts, sure, but Mind has explosions. The Mind Electric is nothing if not Mind saying "Fine, I'll do it myself, and I'll do it better than you." Mind's words are punctuated by what sounds like static and glitching as well as heavy hits on the drums and a heavy, robotic bass. In faster parts, the background music consists of a lot of quick arpeggios. Think of those arpeggios from Fate of the Stars, if you've listened to it.

By the time we get to The Soul Eclectic, Soul is desperate for the two to at least cooperate instead of fighting constantly. "Call me your host or call me insane, if that will help you stay in line." Moving on, the bass is pretty heavy on this song as well, as are the drum hits, which are sporadic, much like in The Mind Electric. When the background music is prevalent, for most of the song, it's pretty unison with the notes Soul is singing; but it's really, for lack of any better words, 8-bit sounding. The arpeggios in parts parallel to where they stand out in The Mind Electric are still there, but they're a lot fainter. Overall, Soul's song sounds the most dissonant, and I think that's because this song is essentially Soul panicking and looking for any way to get the attention of Heart and Mind, even if it means threatening the lives of all of them.

(I've now realized that the scratchy sound I'm probably hearing alongside the base is the electric guitar. Also like before you read below here I get a little off track with the instruments MY BADD)

In comparison to the other two, Heart's song is a lot brighter and harmonious. I want to point out that Heart's song utilizes saxophones (whether tenor or alto I can't tell, but I've played the beginning on alto and it's pretty high. My knowledge of tenor range is limited.), which is a lot lighter compared to the electric guitar and bass. Similar to the other two, there's arpeggios, but they're slower at the beginning and faster near the middle of the song. Played by some sort of percussion instrument (I'm hesitant to say it sounds kind of like a marimba?? The soft tones make me think so. But there might be another one, possibly a xylophone. And I think there's some sort of string instrument playing staccatos layered over it, but it's really hard to tell because they're unison. Each instrument is easier to pick apart at the very end of the song. And of course near the middle of the song he's playing the arpeggios on his keyboard. But at this point I'll get off topic beginning to name every instrument I can hear). TLDR; Overall, Heart's song is a lot less bass-heavy and has a brighter sound because of it. Despite having a brighter sound, though, the song is still overall dark due to chord progressions (I think please don't quote me on that I have basic knowledge of chord progressions as of right now). The song is slower paced than the other two, and while there is definitely bursts of energy, they are less frequent than they are in the other two.

In the end, all three of them have hit their lowest points by now. Also I got WAY too into the instrumentals my fault guys but uhh yeah. Didn't expect to dig into it that much :33333 Thank you for coming to my rambles!

[corvidsofthedeep]

No Context Crow #120: Guitar Playing Crow

From PaperWolfDsgn on Etsy.

[aqua-regia009]

Requiem for a dream by Corde Oblique From Per le strade ripetute (2013) NeoFolk - from Italy

[thestrangedazebouquet]

bbc merlin band au. that's it. that's the post.

[thorn-enterprises]

The Harmonious Blend of Bluegrass and Bass Fusion Music

In the vibrant world of music, where genres continually evolve and blend, bluegrass bass fusion stands out as a captivating genre. It’s a harmonious marriage of traditional bluegrass with the expressive power of modern bass-centric styles, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in musical tradition.

Bluegrass music is known for its rich history and distinct sound, characterized by acoustic instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. Its roots trace back to the Appalachian region of the United States, and it has since evolved, influenced by jazz, folk, and even rock. The genre thrives on tight harmonies, improvisation, and an unmistakable sense of community, inviting musicians and audiences alike to share in the joy of live performance.

Bass fusion adds another layer to this exciting landscape. Typically associated with genres like funk, jazz, and electronic music, the bass in fusion serves not only as a rhythmic anchor but also as a lead instrument capable of intricate melodic lines. The use of electric bass, alongside the traditional upright bass commonly found in bluegrass, allows for a richer sound palette and a more dynamic range of expression.

When bluegrass meets bass fusion, the result is a fresh take on familiar sounds. Imagine a strong, driving bass line interspersed with the fast-paced, intricate picking of banjos and mandolins. Musicians might experiment with slapping techniques or use effects pedals, creating a unique richness that traditional bluegrass often lacks. This fusion not only revitalizes bluegrass for a younger audience but also showcases the versatility of the genre, making it accessible to fans of all musical backgrounds. Bluegrass bass fusion music is not just a genre; it’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration. As musicians continue to push the boundaries of genres, this fusion represents the spirit of innovation that music thrives on. Whether you’re a longtime bluegrass fan or a newcomer drawn in by the allure of modern sounds, this fusion genre beckons you to join in the journey. So, grab your instrument, gather some friends, and let the music take you to new heights!

[stone-cold-groove]

Page detail from the 1969 Fender Guitars & Amplifiers catalog.

[welloes]

bass pip

he's real trust me

[leeper4real]

Album: Living in The Material World by George Harrison

George is easily one of the most prolific songwriters among the Beatles and among his contemporaries. This album really showcases just how intricate his instrumental arrangements were and how beautiful his lyrics could be. Some of his greatest guitar work (in my opinion) is present on this album.

Album rating: 9.1/10

Harrison’s lyrics reflect his struggle for spiritual enlightenment against his status as a superstar. Great vocals and lyrics, definitely have this one on heavy rotation.

Key Tracks: Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth), Who Can See It, That is All

[fruity-pontmercy]

Modern AU Feuilly would play the banjo send post.