Utilizing a capo makes switching between different open tunings much simpler without stressing out strings or neck. We still recommend learning at least some alternative tunings though!
Start out right by tuning to double C (gCGCD) or standard C tuning (gCGBD), both commonly employed in Old Time music.
Basics
There are various ways to tune a banjo. Some are more practical or convenient than others, yet each produces its own distinctive sound. Most commonly, open strings are tuned to match chords of a G major chord – this is usually used with five string banjos but other keys may also work!
To tune a banjo, first loosen its tuning pegs before using a tuner to ensure all strings are at their appropriate pitches. Start with the highest string until all are in tune before moving on down. It may be possible to learn how to tune by ear, but this might be challenging at first if you are new to the instrument.
Once your banjo is tuned to G tuning, it is important to familiarize yourself with the chords available in this key. Most bluegrass songs use G tuning so you should learn these chords as soon as possible – you should begin with basic chords like G D B but as you become more adept with this tuning you may add other options as necessary.
Learn the basic chords as well as 6th chords in this tuning to add variety to your banjo playing and create new sounds with it. While 6th chords look slightly different on the fretboard than standard tuning, they remain relatively easy to play.
Another excellent strategy is to learn chords in the key of A, which is an indispensable asset when it comes to bluegrass music. Although slightly more difficult than standard tuning A chords, this one also introduces you to barring string techniques as part of becoming an accomplished banjoist.
Learning A tuning will also make it easier to jam along with musicians playing this tuning – many old Flatt and Scruggs records were recorded using this tuning, offering you an authentic bluegrass sound.
Chords
Banjo chords are essential components of bluegrass music. There are countless possible chords you can play on a banjo, including major, minor and seventh chords; familiarising yourself with these will come in handy as they appear often throughout songs. To start out learning this instrument in G tuning (g, d, b, d), download a banjo chord chart that contains G tuning chords (gddbd). This will provide basic chords you’ll need to start making music right away!
Your banjo fret board is also essential. This will display the positions and locations of open strings as well as frets. Most fret boards will feature black lines with numbers or diagrams that show where fingers should be placed for fretting; black dots indicate fretting spots while white circles do not require fretting.
As you start learning the banjo, it is crucial that you invest in a high quality instrument with proper setup. This will ensure that its strings remain in tune while producing an outstanding sound; additionally, consider purchasing a metal tone ring to boost bass response of your banjo.
An excellent book on playing banjo can also prove indispensable, such as The Banjo Chord Bible by Steve Peterson, with over 2,160 chords including tonic, first, third and fifth with seventh chord and various less commonly encountered ones.
This book includes a hex-key to assist you in pinpointing each chord on your banjo. Use it when playing along with unfamiliar songs that contain unfamiliar chords or simply to confirm if your instrument is tuned correctly.
Classic country and bluegrass records from before chromatic tuners came along tend to use nonstandard tunings that differ from standard G tuning, making them easier to play along with. Tuning by ear for these recordings may work, though knowing how to read fret boards and discern sharp/flat notes will make playing along easier as well as being necessary when playing acoustic music.
Tuning
The banjo open g tuning is one of the most frequently employed tunings for five-string banjo. This tuning makes playing G chord easier without needing to use fretting hand. Other major chords can also be performed using barre fingering; therefore this tuning should be recommended as an ideal place for beginners learning banjo.
Tuning a banjo requires either a chromatic tuner or an electronic guitar tuner capable of tuning both open and closed strings. Although it may take some practice to find your groove with tuning with such devices, eventually you should feel when your peg has turned the right amount to match what the tuner indicates as correct note. Be careful when tuning as this could potentially break a string – keep away from banjo while tuning just in case of accidents!
Once your banjo has been tuned to an open g tuning, you can check it against other strings to make sure it remains in tune. For example, tuning the fifth string to a G note and then comparing it with D3 on another guitarist’s guitar will show that there is an octave difference between their strings; playing alongside one another could result in out of tune harmonies which sound out of sync and out of place.
Some banjo players enjoy experimenting with various tunings. One popular choice, popularized by Earl Scruggs and producing an enjoyable sound in songs in C, is open C tuning; another less-common option, dorian tuning (used by Celtic and Appalachian folk musicians) provides haunting modal tones suitable for Celtic and Appalachian folk music. To use either option you will require a special capo which raises each string by half step so they are in tune. Available from most music stores selling banjos; it will bring you together all strings for use by creating an equal pitch – both options give rich, full sounds when playing songs in key of C.
Practice
Banjo players utilize various tunings to play songs in different keys. One popular technique, known as G tuning, which sets five open strings to correspond with notes in a G chord is frequently employed when performing bluegrass or old-time music. Electronic tuners and learning to tune by ear are both useful methods of tuning your instrument.
One key consideration when learning how to tune a banjo is practice. You must master sensing tension on each string and exerting pressure at just the right amount on the tuning peg, while listening for and matching notes in tune. At first this may prove challenging but with dedication and perseverance you will soon become proficient.
An electronic tuner is an invaluable investment for any banjo player, yet understanding how to tune by ear is equally essential. Electronic tuners can make mistakes easy; unfamiliarity with each note’s sound may lead to miscalculation when tuning with standard guitar tuning standards g-d-a-e-b for example can result in incorrect results while others, known as chromatic tuners can detect all twelve notes for open G tuning of banjos.
As a beginner, it can be helpful to work with an experienced banjo player. They can show you how to tune a banjo and provide tips on playing techniques as well as answer any of your questions about the instrument.
Once you become more confident with tuning a banjo, experimenting with various tunings is a good way to develop your technique and expand your repertoire. Many banjo players use G Modal Tuning which is similar to standard G tuning but uses a capo on the second fret of the fifth string for tuning. This style is commonly known as Sawmill Tuning and works great when performing old-time tunes such as Shady Grove or Little Sadie.