« Back to appendix
Banjo Tunings
5-String Banjo
Strings
5
Tuning
G - D - B - G - D
Neck
Long (shorter high G drone string)
Main Use
Strumming, picking or guitar-like solos. This is the traditional tuning, many optional tunings are often used.
Example
Tenor Banjo
Strings
4
Tuning
A - D - G - C
Neck
Short
Main Use
Strumming or guitar-like solos
Example
Irish Banjo
Strings
4
Tuning
E - A - D - G
Neck
Short
Main Use
Picking melodies along with fiddle tunes
Example
Plectrum Banjo
Strings
4 (Guitar length)
Tuning
D - B - G - D
Neck
Long
Main Use
Strumming
Example