The banjo is a stringed musical instrument. It is an American development of African origins related to the Kora etc., but with a guitar type neck. Found with 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 or more strings, popular types are the 5 string, Tenor (4 string), Plectrum (long neck 4 string), Banjolele (Ukulele Banjo), Banjolin (Mandolin Banjo).
The banjo evolved among the negro slaves of North America and was originally a six-stringed instrument with a body like a tambourine and a neck like a guitar. The banjo is played by stopping the strings with the fingers of the left hand and twitching or striking them with the fingers of the right. The upper or octave string, however, is never stopped. Research Banjo
A tambourine is a long narrow drum with a single head stretched over a wooden frame into which metal 'jingles' are inserted. The tambourine is probably of Arab origin, and is used in music accompanying folk dances. It is played by striking the skin with the fingers or knuckles, or by banging it against a knee or elbow and shaking it so that the jingles rattle. Research Tambourine
The tarantella is a rapid, whirling Italian dance in six-eight measure (triple time) for two people originating from Naples. The tarantella commences slowly and gradually increases in speed until it becomes very rapid. The violin is usually used as an accompaniment, sometimes a guitar, but tambourine and castanets are frequently played by the dancers. The tarantella was invented as a cure for the bite of the tarantulaspider, the cure coming from the perspiration induced by the dance. Research Tarantella
A timbrel was a kind of drum, tabor, or tabret, in use from the oldest of times. Similar to a tambourine, timbrels were often square or rectangular, rather than round. Research Timbrel
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Banjo
