Knowing how to tune a banjo can bring you closer to a perfect performance. A banjo will sound awful if not in tune, as typically played chords and sequences will be either sharp or flat. Sharp and flat is musical language for high and low, respectively, and either will distort the balance of an instrument.
Top To Bottom
A banjo is naturally in an open G tuning, which is an order of GDGBD, from the bottom string to the top. However, the string nearest to the top of the banjo is actually the bottom string. The top string is the D closest to the bottom of the banjo, and it is also referred to as the first string, with the G near the top of the banjo referred to as the fifth string. Therefore, from top to bottom, a banjo's tuning is DBGDG.
The Sound Of A Tuned Banjo
From top to bottom (remember, it's backwards), a banjo is correctly tuned to DBGDG. This is open G tuning, and it means that a G chord will sound when the banjo is played without any fingers on the frets. Playing this open G chord can help you test if the banjo is out of tune, as the G on a banjo tuned improperly will sound terrible. With only a little practice, the flaws in the sound will be apparent. Once you know that the banjo is out of tune, you'll have to fix it.
Tuning Bottom String G To The Third String G
When you examine the top-to-bottom tuning of a banjo, you will notice that some notes repeat. That is, both the bottom string and the third string are tuned to G, while the top and fourth strings are both tuned to D. Concerning G, if the third string G is tuned correctly, the bottom G can be matched to it by placing one finger on the fifth fret of the G. Once the bottom string's fifth fret G matches the third string open G, you know those two strings are properly tuned.
Tuning Third String G To Fourth String B
Although the third string is tuned to G, and the second string is tuned to B, it is possible to match them by altering the fret position of the G string. Let's assume the G sting is tuned properly. To match the G string to B, simply place one hand on the fourth fret of the G string. When B matches the G string's fourth fret, it is properly tuned.
Tuning Second String D To Third String G
Assuming once more that G is tuned properly, we may tune the out-of-tune fourth string D to match it. To do so, simply place a finger on the fifth fret of the D string. When tuned properly, it should match the third string G.
Electronic Tuners
Technology has made it possible to skip all of the above steps. Electronic tuners use a digital display to inform the player whether a string is sharp or flat. While electronic tuners might seem to be the easier method, they are not always available. Furthermore, it is important for beginning musicians to develop their ears, and the string matching method allows for this.
Instruments that are out of tune will produce music that is out of tune. Knowing how to tune the banjo is important for all players, as they will not achieve a proper sound on an out-of-tune banjo. With practice, the ear will develop, and you can learn instinctively if a string or two is out of tune.
 | Three banjo chords provide the base for many banjo songs. For that reason, beginning banjo players focus on learning three chords-C Major, G Major and A Major. |
 | Regular banjo tuning is necessary to keep your instrument sounding just right. You can use one string to tune another, you can tune by ear or you can invest in an electronic tuner. |
 | To learn how to play the banjo, you'll need to get familiar with how the strings are arranged, how to play rolls and how to play the basic chords. |
The banjo has changed the history of music and has been used in many different genres. |
Find articles about banjo chords, banjo tuning, how to play the banjo and how to tune a banjo. |
