Online 5-String Banjo Tuner (gDGBD)
Pluck a string — tune until the needle enters the green zone
Tap a string to lock the target; defaults to the closest string
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5-String Banjo Alternate TuningNotes: g - D - G - B - D
About 5-String Banjo Tuner Tuning
The standard 5-string banjo is tuned to Open G (gDGBD). Its unique design features a short 5th string (thumb drone string) that starts at the 5th fret and is tuned to high G4 (392.00 Hz).
5-String Banjo Tuner Target Frequencies Chart
A4 = 440 Hz Reference| String | Target Note | Frequency (Hz) | Standard Tuning Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 5 | G4 (Drone) | 392.00 Hz | High 5th String (Peg on 5th Fret) |
| String 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | Lowest Long String |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Middle Long String |
| String 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | 2nd String |
| String 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | 1st String |
How to Tune to 5-String Banjo Tuner Step-by-Step
1
Tune the 4th string (lowest long string) to D3 (146.83 Hz).
2
Tune the 3rd string to G3 (196.00 Hz).
3
Tune the 2nd string to B3 (246.94 Hz).
4
Tune the 1st string to D4 (293.66 Hz).
5
Tune the short 5th string (thumb drone) to high G4 (392.00 Hz).
Musical Advantages & Tone
- Iconic Bluegrass Scruggs-Style Rolls: The high 5th string acts as a continuous rhythmic drone beneath fast 3-finger rolls.
- Clawhammer & Old-Time Rhythms: Strumming open strings produces an immediate open G chord.
- Easily Altered for Double C or Sawmill Tunings: Lower or raise individual strings to match traditional fiddle tunes.
Famous Songs & Guitarists
- Earl Scruggs (Flatt & Scruggs)
- Béla Fleck, Pete Seeger, and Steve Martin
- Bluegrass, Old-Time American Folk, and Country music