For a banjo song, remember the old saw about stealing from one source being plagiarism, but stealing from many being research. That’s how a lot of banjo songs have come into being.

Just so as we know what we're talking about: Do you mean "song" in the usual sense of the word, i.e. words and a melody? In this case, a "banjo song" would consist of words and melody, plus a harmonized accompaniment tailored specifically to the strengths and weaknesses of the banjo.
If it's a music exam you're doing, you can probably find someone else's words to set to music. I find it easiest to compose for short poems with a fixed rhyme-scheme and meter. I build my melodies on the basis of one note in the melody for one syllable in the lyric - the exception proves the rule, as always!

Cheers,
John

What style are you trying to do?

I don't think that there are "banjo songs". I think that there are just songs.

I would suggest that you first create a song. The conventional way to do that is to create a song with a melody and a chord progression. Once you've done that, then figure out how to play the song with your banjo.

I agree with RB3. That's the way I make my own songs and breaks. First the melody in your mind or voice, then the chord progression and then the basic melody on the banjo and then add the frills to make it sound bluegrass (or whatever genre you want).

Take a look/listen to James King's Two Old Friends.  He (or someone) took a poem, gave it a melody, figured out the chord progression and then, I presume, let the musicians figure out how to play it on their instruments.

quote:

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Originally posted by BanjoEnthusiast4

Hey I need to compose a banjo song for my final exams, I'm on here for help as I basically have no clue on how to compose a song, I know like chord progressions and basic stuff ect but I'd appreciate some advice and help on how to go about making a song. Also what are some good composing websites that are free? Thanks :)

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What does a banjo have to do with final exams? 

Or, what kind of exams involve a banjo?

It seems that the topic starter only asks but never comes back in the topic to discuss the proposed possibilities. Troll?

quote:

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Originally posted by RB-1

It seems that the topic starter only asks but never comes back in the topic to discuss the proposed possibilities. Troll?

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Nah, a troll would be more involved and disruptive.  Maybe it's a friendly troll?

 Or, it's just Eric keeping us busy...  

The poster is fairly new to the banjo. I interpreted "banjo song" as a banjo instrumental or a break to an existing melody. 

His resources may be limited. 
 

I wouldn't be too quick to hang a label on the poster.  

Hey I'm not a troll, so for my music class you have to play an instrument and I chose banjo. We need to make a composition and I wanted to make a banjo composition as I have one so it would be easier to have a physical instrument to help me compose. I want to do it in a Scruggs bluegrass style sorry for not responding but I'm not a troll

quote:

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Originally posted by BanjoEnthusiast4

Hey I'm not a troll, so for my music class you have to play an instrument and I chose banjo. We need to make a composition and I wanted to make a banjo composition as I have one so it would be easier to have a physical instrument to help me compose. I want to do it in a Scruggs bluegrass style sorry for not responding but I'm not a troll

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I just assumed the lack of response was due to a time zone difference, or maybe the Coriolis effect.

;^)

quote:

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Originally posted by BanjoEnthusiast4

Hey I'm not a troll, so for my music class you have to play an instrument and I chose banjo. We need to make a composition and I wanted to make a banjo composition as I have one so it would be easier to have a physical instrument to help me compose. I want to do it in a Scruggs bluegrass style sorry for not responding but I'm not a troll

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Since it's a final exam, I would think you should use what you learned from the class; to demonstrate what you learned in the class.

If in taking the class and have no clue on how to compose a song, then it demonstrates a failure, of the class teaching you to do that. But that's the point of the final exam, no?

quote:

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Originally posted by BanjoEnthusiast4

Hey I'm not a troll, so for my music class you have to play an instrument and I chose banjo. We need to make a composition and I wanted to make a banjo composition as I have one so it would be easier to have a physical instrument to help me compose. I want to do it in a Scruggs bluegrass style sorry for not responding but I'm not a troll

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I'm pretty sure everyone knows you're not a troll. 

Please don't mind us, (the actual trolls in this case), we're just give'n you the business.  

That sounds like an interesting class. 

Are you a music major or is it a promotional to the rest of the population type of elective?