How To Tune a Banjo – Deering® Banjo Company
https://www.deeringbanjos.com/pages/how-to-tune-a-banjo
5-String Banjo 5-String Banjo
G, D, G, B, DThe most standard 5-string banjo tuning. This is referred to as "Open G" Tuning because the banjo is tuned to an open G chord, meaning that if you strum the banjo without fingering any of the strings on the neck you will be playing a G chord.
G, C, G, C, DOften used in Old Time music, this is referred to as "Double C" Tuning because the banjo has two C strings.
G, C, G, B, DThis is referred to as "C" Tuning. It can also be referred to as "Drop C" Tuning because coming from the open G tuning, the D string on the 4th string is dropped down to a C.
F#, D, F#, A, DThis is referred to as "D" Tuning. Earl Scruggs used this tuning on such songs as "Reuben". You can also tune the 5th string to an "A" instead of a "F#" and still be in "D" tuning. If you strum the banjo without fretting any strings in this tuning you will be playing a D chord.
G, D, G, C, DThis is referred to as "G Modal" Tuning. This is a very popular tuning for old time tunes such as Shady Grove, Little Sadie, and many others. It is also sometimes called “Sawmill Tuning” or “Mountain Minor Tuning.” This is very close to standard G tuning but the second string is tuned up to a C note. This eliminates the third of the G chord and produces a G sus 4 chord. By eliminating the third of the chord, you cannot tell if it is a major or minor chord and gives it a modal sound.19-Fret or 17-Fret Tenor Banjo 19-Fret or 17-Fret Tenor Banjo
C, G, D, AThe most standard tenor banjo tuning. This is referred to as "Standard Tenor Tuning" for obvious reasons. This tuning is the intervals of fifths and is exactly the same as viola or mandola.
G, D, A, EReferred to as "Irish Tenor Tuning". This tuning is also in fifths but is lower in pitch than the standard tenor tuning. This tuning is like a violin or mandolin, only one octave lower.
D, G, B, EThis tuning is the same as the top four strings of a guitar and is often referred to as "Chicago Tuning". This makes it very easy for guitarists to pick up a 4-string banjo and start playing. 6-String Banjo 6-String Banjo
E, A, D, G, B, EThis tuning is exactly the same as a guitar.
12-String Banjo 12-String Banjo
E, E, A, A, D, D, G, G, B, B, E, E,This tuning is exactly the same as a 12-string guitar. To be more specific, this is the same as a regular guitar, but the low 3 strings are doubled separated by an octave and the top 3 strings are doubled in unison.
DA: 75 PA: 13 MOZ Rank: 67
