Is classic banjo obsolete to classical guitar?

[Austin]

I know the title seems like I think this, I promise I don't, a classical guitarist I talked to thinks this. They said any music composed in the classic era of banjo can be done better or at least as good on the guitar, and also that bluegrass banjoists actually do things on the banjo that no other instrument can, and with that I couldn't disagree more, but what does everyone in here think? Was the banjo replaced by the guitar in terms of this style? Is any style more suited to the banjo than another? Are bluegrass banjoists miles ahead of us? I personally don't think so, but maybe that's just cuz I don't like the sound of picks and bluegrass relies heavily on them.

[Joel Hooks]

Tell your classical guitarist friend to go file their nails.  Just kidding.

I would recommend avoiding the "better" trap. Neither is "better" as they are different instruments.  What we call "classic banjo" is what it is.  What they call "classical guitar" is what Segovia made it.

Bluegrass banjoists (generally with standard exceptions) only play in one or two keys relying on a capo to play in other keys.  They are usually unable to transpose keys in one piece as the standard rule.  Bluegrass banjo is also very reliant on the total sum of the group of instruments and is fairly anemic as a solo instrument.  Most "bluegrass" banjo pieces are a basic theme with variations drawing from a catalog of "licks".  They are usually not stand alone pieces with a beginning, middle and end as a solo work.  

Bluegrass/classic = apples/oranges  That said, your friend is either ignorant or misinformed about what classic banjo encompasses. 

Such discussions of "better" are not very productive in my opinion.  Tastes change with generations. The so called "classical guitar" happened to hit at a time when universities were looking to diversify their music programs post WW2.  The defining factor that made the "classical guitar" popular was nylon strings.  I believe there is even a quote from Segovia about the impact of nylon strings on general popularity.

So now we have institutions (and the money that goes with that) supporting classical guitar.  The classical guitar profession options are, get a job teaching, give lessons, play restaurants/ weddings, win contests, build a successful youtube channel.

Despite the lack of opportunity, classical guitar is a popular pursuit for many and classes continue to be full. 

Classic banjo is pretty much entirely hobbyist driven by a very few, and even fewer of those are able to play by note (often coming from various folk styles first).  Since it is hobby driven, we do not have the skill level of players that full time academic study produces.  Therefore, it is not a fair comparison. 

[Austin]

I have no life so there was a point when I was putting about 30 hours of practice in every week. Just strengthening nothing but the fundamentals. I'm nowhere near as good as I should be from doing that haha. I will be one of the best players of the style someday and solidify its place among the concert world. Even writing new repertoire in The classical style. People laugh at me for saying that... I believe it will be true. I know it sounds arrogant, but My vocal coach says I have to stop being negative and start believing that my dreams will come true. I'll get my foot in the door with classical singing and composition then I'll introduce the world to what the banjo is capable of.

[Austin]

Sorry, I realized that comes out of left field lol.

[Trapdoor2]

It is bleak out there. I just deleted a few paragraphs of depressing text.

Music played in the home is dying. Classical guitar is dying. In a few years, CG people will be meeting in hotels and small venues and having rallies just like us. They probably already do.

It is nice to have a young voice around. Keep your dreams up.

[Joel Hooks]

You seem like a good sport Austin, which is why I'll keep doing my best to answer your questions.

I would like to recommend you reach out to Aaron Jonah Lewis or Clarke Buehling to look into taking lessons from them.  Both offer internet lessons.  Aaron is likley the highest skilled classic banjoist living (in my opinion). 

Clarke is a fantastic banjoist with plenty of stage presence  Clarke took lessons from Frank Bradbury.  Either one would set you on the right path. 

Austin said:

Sorry, I realized that comes out of left field lol.

[Joel Hooks]

While I might normally agree with you, "Classical Guitar" is FAR from dying.  College programs are still jammed.  One of my friends I grew up with teaches CG at Dallas College and runs a CG orchestra from another college.  The photos he posts show his class seats are full.  CG has several large conventions that are well attended. 

Youtube has presented opportunities for both professionals and has helped create a large amateur following. 

There has also recently been a trend to shrug off the Segovia nails and return to bare tips. 

The point of entry can be nearly free (one may get a playable CG locally at pretty much any time for less than $100-- less than $200 if buying new). 

If anything I'd argue that CG is quite strong right now, all things considered. 

Trapdoor2 said:

It is bleak out there. I just deleted a few paragraphs of depressing text.

Music played in the home is dying. Classical guitar is dying. In a few years, CG people will be meeting in hotels and small venues and having rallies just like us. They probably already do.

It is nice to have a young voice around. Keep your dreams up.

[Trapdoor2]

It is just my perspective, Joel. It may be a regional (Deep South, we play both Country and Western). My CG experience is from going to CG concerts...which are now virtually extinct in North Alabama and this area. The last great one I went to was 20 yrs ago (LA guitar Quartet). Working with the Symphony Orchestra back in the 2010s, they couldn't book solo CG acts...nobody had the popularity to draw a crowd. I saw one poor guy play in a sandwich shop. He was a touring pro (and an astounding player).

The local Uni here has a music dept (Jazz and Commercial music) with a guitar Phd. on staff. As far as I can determine, they have no CG specific curriculum.

Youtube has boosted many dying genre. I support via Patreon (Irish Tenor Banjo teacher Enda Scahill).

[Austin]

I reached out to Clarke. I wish I could have talked to Rob McKilop, but afaik his health isn't looking too good.

Joel Hooks said:

You seem like a good sport Austin, which is why I'll keep doing my best to answer your questions.

I would like to recommend you reach out to Aaron Jonah Lewis or Clarke Buehling to look into taking lessons from them.  Both offer internet lessons.  Aaron is likley the highest skilled classic banjoist living (in my opinion). 

Clarke is a fantastic banjoist with plenty of stage presence  Clarke took lessons from Frank Bradbury.  Either one would set you on the right path. 

Austin said:

Sorry, I realized that comes out of left field lol.

[Joel Hooks]

Oh, yeah, you are right, concert work for CG is totally dead.  Note that in my reply I did not include concert work.  That is over and likely never coming back.  

Concert attendees for CG seem to be exclusively for enthusiasts.  Same with the conventions.  The entire industry is funded with public school, private college money or amateur enthusiasts.

As far as rallies, frankly, I’d rather them stay small.  I kinda like just hanging out with a handful of people and playing until my fingers are sore and talking till I lose my voice.  We have had some fairly large turnouts and they can be a lot to deal with.  If they get very large it is complicated with event insurance, registration, advanced purchase of rooms which we have to resale, and on and on.  No thanks.