Tune the Strings

Banjo Tuner

Tune your 5-string banjo with your microphone or by ear. Open G (g D G B D) is standard; double C is included too.

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Press Start and allow the microphone. Audio stays on your device.

Banjo string notes

Open G (g D G B D)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
G4392.00 Hz
D3146.83 Hz
G3196.00 Hz
B3246.94 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
Double C (g C G C D)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
G4392.00 Hz
C3130.81 Hz
G3196.00 Hz
C4261.63 Hz
D4293.66 Hz

Listed in the same order as the string buttons in the tuner (from the short 5th string to the 1st).

How to tune a banjo with this tuner

  1. Choose a tuning, press Start tuner and allow the microphone.
  2. Strings are listed from the short 5th string (high g) to the 1st string, as banjo players number them.
  3. Pluck one string, turn its tuner until the needle is centred, and move on. Banjo strings are bright and lock on quickly.
  4. Strum the open strings: in open G they should ring a clean G major chord.

Banjo tuning tips

The 5th string

The short 5th string is a high drone tuned to G4, an octave above the 3rd string.

Head tension

If the banjo won't hold tune, the head may need tightening; a loose head lets the bridge sink and pitches drift.

Tune by ear with reference notes

No microphone? Press any string button above to play its note for three seconds, then adjust the string until the two sounds stop "beating" (wobbling) against each other. Headphones or decent speakers make low notes much easier to hear.

FAQ

What is standard banjo tuning?

Open G: 5th string G4 (392 Hz), 4th D3 (146.83 Hz), 3rd G3 (196 Hz), 2nd B3 (246.94 Hz) and 1st D4 (293.66 Hz).

Other tuners