Tune your banjo with the microphone of your phone or computer. The 5-string preset (open G) is already selected. For a 4-string tenor banjo, pick “Banjo (CGDA)” in the menu.
5-string banjo, open G: g D G B D
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th string (short drone string, high g) | G4 | 392.00 |
| 4th string (D) | D3 | 146.83 |
| 3rd string (G) | G3 | 196.00 |
| 2nd string (B) | B3 | 246.94 |
| 1st string (D) | D4 | 293.66 |
The 5th string is the short string that starts at the fifth fret. It is the highest note of the banjo, G4, and it is written with a small g.
4-string tenor banjo: C G D A
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th string (C, lowest) | C3 | 130.81 |
| 3rd string (G) | G3 | 196.00 |
| 2nd string (D) | D4 | 293.66 |
| 1st string (A, highest) | A4 | 440.00 |
Many Irish players tune the tenor banjo G D A E (G2 D3 A3 E4), one octave below the fiddle. The tuner recognises every note, so you can tune to it as well.
How to tune a banjo in 3 steps
- Press the microphone button and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
- Pick one open string and let it ring. The tuner shows the note and a needle: left is flat, right is sharp.
- Turn the tuning peg until the needle stays in the centre. Repeat for every string.
Tips for tuning a banjo
- A banjo is loud and its notes fade quickly. Pick again if the reading disappears.
- Tune up to the note: if a string is sharp, loosen it a little below the note and bring it back up.
- Check the tuning again after a few minutes: new strings and a change in room temperature both move the pitch.
- Without a microphone, tap a note button under the menu to hear its reference tone and tune by ear.