Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” is instantly recognizable, largely thanks to its iconic guitar intro. The song, a massive hit from the band’s 1985 album Brothers in Arms, features a distinctive sound and memorable lyrics that resonated worldwide. For banjo enthusiasts looking to expand their repertoire with rock classics, the guitar intro of “Money for Nothing” presents an exciting and unique challenge.
Recently, a banjo player named CBSplayer on Banjo Hangout, a popular online forum for banjo players, took the initiative to create a banjo tablature for this famous intro. Inspired by the song’s catchy melody, CBSplayer transcribed the guitar part for the banjo, making it accessible for other banjoists to learn and play. Sharing the tab in the forum’s archive, CBSplayer invited feedback and interest from the banjo community.
The banjo community quickly responded with enthusiasm. Baltimonkey, another forum member, helpfully provided a direct, active link to the tab, ensuring easy access for anyone interested. This collaborative spirit is typical of online music communities, where members support each other in their musical explorations.
Adding to the excitement, mmuussiiccaall, another banjo player, shared their own rendition of the “Money for Nothing” intro on the banjo. This audio example provided a valuable reference for those learning the tab and demonstrated the song’s potential on the instrument. The sharing of interpretations and performances is a key aspect of online musical collaboration, allowing players to learn from and inspire each other.
The initiative to create a “Money for Nothing” banjo tab highlights the versatility of the banjo and the creativity of banjo players. While primarily associated with bluegrass and folk music, the banjo is capable of tackling diverse genres, including rock. Transcribing and adapting guitar-centric riffs for the banjo opens up new sonic possibilities and challenges players to think outside traditional banjo styles.
For banjo players seeking to explore beyond traditional tunes and venture into rock classics, the “Money for Nothing” banjo tab offers a fantastic starting point. It’s a testament to the banjo’s adaptability and the boundless creativity within the banjo community. Whether you are a seasoned banjo player or just starting out, trying your hand at this iconic riff on the banjo is a rewarding musical experience. You can explore the original forum discussion and find the tab (link might be archived but the discussion remains) to embark on your own banjo journey with “Money for Nothing”.
