Is it possible to play heavy metal style on a banjo?

Question

I love heavy metal music but want to play it on a 5 string banjo is this possible...be nice!

Answer 1

Think about the sound that a banjo produces and why (drum top soundboard, tight strings that don't resonate)

Think about the sound you expect when you listen to "heavy metal" (loose strings, non-acoustic, long sustain, serious distortion, electronically amplified/modified)

Are the two consistent?  I think you'll figure it out...

Answer 2

What to want to play>>> think aout what it sounds like?

Answer 3

I've heard it done.  Interesting stuff!  You'll need either an electric banjo, or figure out how to install a guitar pickup inside your banjo and then plug into an amp.

Answer 4

Anything in music is possible. Would a banjo be a major instrument in a heavy metal setting? Probably not. But it is possible and I think it would be interesting. You just have to be creative and try to incorporate into your music.

Answer 5

Give it a shot, you have nothing to loose.  Metallica did some good work with an orchestra and it sounded good.  If you think it would sound good give it a whirl and let me have a listen.

ROCK ON!!!!!!!

Answer 6

rgre

Answer 7

I'm not sure if you're interested in Jazz, but Bela Fleck plays banjo with his band and sounds more like a jazz guitarist than a banjo player (like pat metheny).  

I say this because before he played banjo this way and with this sound, I doubt anyone thought you could do that.

I don't know what the exact obstacles you'll be facing, but you'll certainly need a microphone or electric banjo, and you'll need to play it through an electric guitar amp with plenty of crunch and gain.  Something like a Marshall or Hughes & Kettner.

Answer 8

no