5 strings · Short fifth-string drone
5-string banjo tuner for Open G and modal tunings
Tune the short fifth drone first, then the four full-length strings in Open G gDGBD or a common modal, double-C, drop-C or open-D setup.
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Tuning target±5 cents
G4·D3·G3·B3·D4
FlatIn tuneSharp
Know the target
Open G order from fifth string to first
Standard five-string banjo tuning is G4 D3 G3 B3 D4, often written gDGBD. The small g indicates the short high fifth-string drone; the sequence starts at string 5 and ends at string 1.
Check the drone independently before tuning the four full-length strings. Double C, Sawmill, Drop C and Open D are separate presets, so choose the intended one before turning the pegs. The note names below describe open strings without a capo.
Four clear steps
How to tune accurately
- 1Begin with the short fifth-string drone at G4.
- 2Tune the fourth string to D3, then G3 and B3.
- 3Finish the first string at D4 and recheck the drone.
- 4For alternate presets, change one string at a time and retune the complete set.
Reference: A4 = 440 Hz
Notes and frequencies
| Physical string | Target | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 5 | G4 | 392.00 Hz |
| String 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| String 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Changing the tuner calibration recalculates every target from A4 = 415–450 Hz. The values above use the common 440 Hz reference.
All supported tunings
The instructions and frequency table above describe this page's tuning. These links open other supported setups directly in the live tuner. A separate guide appears only where one has been written.
Open G · gDGBD
G4 · D3 · G3 · B3 · D4
Double C · gCGCD
G4 · C3 · G3 · C4 · D4
Sawmill · gDGCD
G4 · D3 · G3 · C4 · D4
Drop C · gCGBD
G4 · C3 · G3 · B3 · D4
Open D · f♯DF♯AD
F♯4 · D3 · F♯3 · A3 · D4
Check fifth-string tension
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions
What is standard five-string banjo tuning?
From the short fifth drone to the first string it is G4, D3, G3, B3 and D4, commonly written gDGBD.
Why does the fifth banjo string start halfway down the neck?
It is a short high drone string with a side-mounted fifth tuning peg, so it does not pass through the headstock nut.
Does tuner.love upload my microphone audio?
No. Pitch analysis runs locally in your browser. Microphone audio is not uploaded to a backend and is never replayed through your speakers.
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