Bill Evans Tells the History of the Banjo in 14 Minutes

Though the banjo is best-known today as a bluegrass instrument, its history runs deep. In this video, musician and educator Bill Evans gives us a crash course on 250 years of banjo evolution and playing styles in just under 15 minutes. He starts with the African akonting and moves through the minstral era, bluegrass music and ends with a well-loved pop tune played on his Allan Beardsell-built electric banjo. Go to the FJ's website - fretboardjournal.com - to see even more exclusive interviews, podcasts, performance videos and more. The Fretboard Journal is the guitarist's bible, featuring in-depth interviews with legendary players and builders, photo essays and more. Every three months, subscribers receive a new, 128 page keepsake issue of the magazine in the mail. www.fretboardjournal.com