I’ve found that an occasional sojourn into the world beyond our front door with banjo in hand is just what we need to add a little spice to our practice regimen. When we’re able to incorporate our banjo into re-connecting with the greater world out there, we’re able to re-connect to our instrument. Further, people tend to love hearing banjo in the great outdoors. So here are 5 fun places to play your banjo this summer.

1. National Parks

For my money, the most gratifying way of re-connecting with the outside world (and, in turn, your banjo) is a visit to a national park. You want to talk majestic tranquility, the kind of picture-postcard beauty that could inspire the crustiest curmudgeon? Yosemite’s my personal fave. No matter how uninspired I might feel about my picking, playing amongst the Giant Sequoias always replenishes me and leaves me feeling rejuvenated with a new perspective on my music. It’s the perfect antidote for a practice regimen that’s in need of pizazz-ing. Our nation has so many gems, from coast to coast, you should be able to find one that you can get to. They are all breathtaking.

Of course, not everyone has the means of escaping to some idyllic retreat far off in the pristine forests of Mother Nature. For those to whom this applies, consider your neighborhood park. This brings us to the second fun place to play your banjo this summer…

2. City Parks

When I lived in New York City, for an occasional boost of inspiration I used to lug my banjo to Central Park, find a shady tree in a vast swath of green known as Sheep Meadow and play for hours. I didn’t always find inspiration, but it sure made practice sessions more fun. No doubt if I’d stayed home that day I would never have touched my banjo. Not once. Secondly, it was a treat for those strolling through the park to hear banjo floating through the trees. Wherever you live, there’s a city park…go practice there. You’ll love it and so will others.

The next fun place to play your banjo this summer costs a bit more money but is incredibly fun and rewarding. You will, most likely, turn heads when playing the banjo there.

3. Foreign City

I can tell you from personal experience it doesn’t get any more exhilarating than plopping down on a street corner in a foreign city, whipping out the ol’ 5-string, and running through some of your favorite tunes while taking in the local flavor. And before I hear your protestations about only being able to play one song, let me remind you that the vast majority of people outside the US have never even seen a banjo, let alone heard one live. For these people, you might as well be performing with a live cougar. It’s exotic beyond belief to them (hell, it’s exotic beyond belief to a large portion of Americans). And you have the benefit of playing an instrument that’s tuned to an open chord. All you need to do is strum a G, C, and D chord and you’re golden. I guarantee it. It’s a great way to start conversations and even make friends!

4. Road Trips

Got any road trips planned in the near future? Road trips are an excellent way of incorporating your banjo playing into a low-maintenance adventure into the wide blue yonder. The great thing about road trips is there are so many opportunities to pull over and take a banjo break for a few minutes, especially if you’re traveling on a highway with rest areas. As with playing on city street corners, there’s no need to feel self-conscious. Remember, most people on this planet don’t play the banjo. To them, what you’re doing is the equivalent of a magic trick. You’d be surprised at how happy you’ll make the random passer-by with just the few tunes you can play around with. Whether you realize it or not, you’re making a difference in people’s lives. Sounds corny, but it’s true. For our fifth fun place to play your banjo we have…

5. Bluegrass Festivals

Let’s not forget bluegrass festivals. Bluegrass festivals are usually held in settings that take advantage of an area’s natural environs and are dripping with inspiration for the burgeoning picker. Every year I go to a festival in the hills of Southern California on the site of a faux western town created in the 1920s by a Hollywood studio. You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring place to play bluegrass. Another popular festival in Southern California is held on the ruins of an abandoned ghost town. Ever play banjo with a decaying, abandoned ghost town as your backdrop? It’s pretty awesome.
Keep in mind we’re talking about bluegrass – a style of music that traces its roots back to front porches, backyards, and country roads. This is music that screams to be played outdoors. How’s that for inspiration?

Whether it’s Yosemite, a city street corner or your local park, incorporating a change of scenery into your playing regimen is a great way to recharge your banjo routine, avoid stagnation and get excited about practicing again. It’s also a great way to decompress and, ultimately, inject some fun into your musical regimen.
So, if you’re looking to up your banjo game while indulging your sense of adventure, grab that 5-string and discover the wide-open spaces beyond your front door. It’s an experience you won’t regret.

Latest From Our Blog