About
The banjo has a bright, twangy sound that is instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in American musical traditions. From the bluegrass picking of Earl Scruggs to the clawhammer style of old-time Appalachian music, the banjo has been a driving force in folk, country, and roots music for well over a century. Our virtual banjo brings that distinctive sound to your browser, letting you pick out melodies on an interactive fretboard.
Click the fretboard dots to play individual notes and hear the banjo's characteristic bright ring. The animated strings add a realistic visual touch as you play. Pre-loaded songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are ready for instant playback, and you can paste in your own note sequences to create custom arrangements. Adjust the tempo to play songs faster or slower as you learn.
Originally brought to America from Africa, the banjo evolved through centuries of cultural exchange into the instrument we know today. Its role in bluegrass, old-time, and even modern indie folk music makes it one of the most distinctive sounds in the world. ButtonBass lets you explore the banjo for free — no instrument, no picks, no prior experience needed.