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.

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Featured in this episode...