How To Tune A Banjo
Tuning a banjo is easy. There are a number of different types of banjos that all are tuned differently. The most common banjo type is a 5 string banjo and has a standard tuning in open G - the notes from the 5th string to the 1st are G, D, G, B, D. Find out alternate tunings and tunings for all other banjo types here.
5-String Banjo
G, D, G, B, D
The most standard 5-string banjo tuning. This is referred to as "Open G" Tuning because the banjo is tuned to an open G chord, meaning that if you strum the banjo without fingering any of the strings on the neck you will be playing a G chord.
G, C, G, C, D
Often used in Old Time music, this is referred to as "Double C" Tuning because the banjo has two C strings. A capo is often put on at the second fret to bring the banjo into "Double D" tuning.
G, C, G, B, D
This is referred to as "C" Tuning. It can also be referred to as "Drop C" Tuning because coming from the open G tuning, the D string on the 4th string is dropped down to a C.
F#, D, F#, A, D
This is referred to as "D" Tuning. Earl Scruggs used this tuning on such songs as "Reuben". You can also tune the 5th string to an "A" instead of a "F#" and still be in "D" tuning. If you strum the banjo without fretting any strings in this tuning you will be playing a D chord.
G, D, G, C, D
This is referred to as "G Modal" Tuning. This is a very popular tuning for old time tunes such as Shady Grove, Little Sadie, and many others. It is also sometimes called “Sawmill Tuning” or “Mountain Minor Tuning.” This is very close to standard G tuning but the second string is tuned up to a C note. This eliminates the third of the G chord and produces a G sus 4 chord. By eliminating the third of the chord, you cannot tell if it is a major or minor chord and gives it a modal sound.
G, C, G, C, E
This is Open C tuning. If you strummed across all of the strings without fretting any of them, you'd be playing a C chord.
19-Fret or 17-Fret Tenor Banjo
C, G, D, A
The most standard tenor banjo tuning. This is referred to as "Standard Tenor Tuning" for obvious reasons. This tuning is the intervals of fifths and is exactly the same as viola or mandola.
G, D, A, E
Referred to as "Irish Tenor Tuning". This tuning is also in fifths but is lower in pitch than the standard tenor tuning. This tuning is like a violin or mandolin, only one octave lower.
D, G, B, E
This tuning is the same as the top four strings of a guitar and is often referred to as "Chicago Tuning". This makes it very easy for guitarists to pick up a 4-string banjo and start playing.
Plectrum Banjo
C, G, B, D
The most standard plectrum banjo tuning. This is very close to the standard 5-string tuning (without the 5-string), but the 4th string is dropped down to C.
D, G, B, E
This tuning is the same as the top four strings of a guitar and is often referred to as "Chicago Tuning". This makes it very easy for guitarists to pick up a 4-string banjo and start playing.
Buy Plectrum Banjo Strings Here
5-String Longneck Banjo
E, B, E, G#, B
This is open E tuning. Really it is the same as open G tuning, just 3 steps lower in pitch.
6-String Banjo
E, A, D, G, B, E
This tuning is exactly the same as a guitar.
Buy 6-String Banjo Strings Here
12-String Banjo
E, E, A, A, D, D, G, G, B, B, E, E,
This tuning is exactly the same as a 12-string guitar. To be more specific, this is the same as a regular guitar, but the low 3 strings are doubled separated by an octave and the top 3 strings are doubled in unison.
Banjo Ukulele
G, C, E, A
This tuning is exactly the same as a standard ukulele. It is the same intervals as the top for strings of a guitar (except that the G string is an octave higher).
Learn more about our new Goodtime Banjo Ukulele here!
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just seen the 1st of many songs for beginners.Brillianty explained with a superb tutor.Going to ask my wife and 2 sons if they would like too buy me a Banjo for Fathers Day.(Watch this space) very many thanks again. Will be spending a lot of hours on your site, and THANKS again. What a sound.
I’m missing the first joint of my left index finger I’m frustrated I haven’t figured how to make cords , I wonder if I could tune like a tenor if I do what note should the fifth string be , open for suggestion’s! Help!
With enjoying all the structure you hav explained
How do we all learn the different chords for each.
Help.
For real fun, on a 6 string, try:- 6th string=treble g, like 5th on a 5 string. then base G for 5, D for 4, G for 3 B for 2, then D for 1. Basically you tune as a 5 string, but with a base G “sneaked in” on 5th, regarded as an extra 5th maybe!?
People certainly take notice that it isn’t a guitar tuning, faked to sound like a banjo, and if you drop in some notes on your extra base G, then you have everyone’s attention!
If you want to take it to yet another level, then go nylon strings. This works far better on a 6 string, than a 5, as the shorter neck=string length gives lower tension of the strings. The long neck on a 5 string can shorten the life of nylon strings.
Its great fun to play without picks, and to use the same variations in tone that a classical guitarist enjoys. Have Fun!!
i have created a strange monkey i call irish 5 string tenor banjo
i took my 1976 bicentennial montgomery wards no-name gibson and tuned it eadgg but the string sizes are 9 12 10 14 9
i pick this like bluegrass while playing tenor banjo chord melody
its a unique critter ive never seen anyone else play before, i taught myself all my childhood favorites from the baptist hymnal, and the Marine Corps hymn (ever heard the Marine Corps hymn on a banjo? 8)
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