Banjo vs Fiddle Instrument Comparison: In Detail

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A little bit of history

Banjo originated from Africa, and was originally called an “ankle” banjo, because the banjo was played by ankle. It was first played by slaves.

Fiddle originated from England in the 16th century. It is believed that the fiddle was first played by the nobility, but the fiddle spread to the everyday people later and earned its new name. The original name of the instrument is “violin”.

Which one is harder to play?

This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on the person. Some people find the banjo harder to play. Others find the fiddle harder to play, as it requires more precision and coordination to play with a bow. Ultimately, it is up to the person to decide which one is harder to play.

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FAQ

Is there a difference between a fiddle & violin?

The terms “fiddle” and “violin” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. A fiddle is typically used to refer to a folk instrument, while a violin is a classical instrument.

What is the difference between a banjo & a mandolin?

The main difference between a banjo and a mandolin is the number of strings. A banjo typically has five strings, while a mandolin has eight strings.

What is easier to learn banjo or fiddle?

Banjo and fiddle are both difficult to learn, but some people find the banjo easier to learn, as the strings are arranged in a different way and it can be difficult to get used to. Others find the fiddle easier to learn, as it requires more precision and coordination to play with a bow.

Conclusion

Banjo and fiddle are two different, but closely related instruments. They both have a long history, and they are both commonly used in Appalachian music. There are some differences between the two instruments, but ultimately it is up to the person to decide which one is harder to learn. Differences between banjo and fiddle are mainly in the way of playing, because you play banjo with fingers and you play fiddle with a bow.

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About the author

Hi there! I’m Jack Little – an avid country music fan with tons of live country performances in the past. I used to play banjo in a country band with my best friend John Peters, who’s a true country harmonica master. Those were great years and I’m still mastering new banjo playing techniques, writing my own country songs and lyrics, and collecting banjos!

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