The banjo occupies a place historically in African music.The banjo made its way into more traditional music when the slaves and sharecroppers melded. It has since become a very popular instrument used in country, folk and bluegrass music.The banjo is absolutely a mainstay in American folk songs as well. Ask anyone and they will tell you when they think of the banjo, bluegrass music immediately comes to mind. There are many premier banjo pickers who are skilled at playing this eclectic instrument such as: Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs and Uncle Dave Macon, just to name a few. The banjo has added a whimsical and a unique touch to bluegrass music today. Banjoes commonly have five strings. The top string is the shortest and is typically used as a drone. There are also four stringed banjoes and they are used more percussively than the five string. Bluegrass music has its roots in Celtic folk music and the versatile banjo lends a refreshing flair to this style of music. Bluegrass music has an exuberant melody and the cheerful sound of the banjo is a perfect accompaniment. Bluegrass is making a big comeback today and the banjo certainly adds to its wide appeal!