Banjo History

Until the 1800's the banjo was known as a black instrument only. Because of travelling minstrel shows, white people were learning more about the banjo. The 5-string banjo was made in the 19^th century. The banjo came from West Africa to America in the 17^th Century. Historians do not know which group of African people first invented the 4 and 3 string banjo. This is because several groups of Africans had instruments similar to the banjo. Because of slavery the banjo moved west into the West Indies and to America. It was considered a black instrument for a long time. Because of white minstrels shows other white americans learned how to play them. The minstrel performers played the banjo in their shows to mimic blacks.