Many guitarists are intrigued by the banjo’s unique sound but might feel hesitant due to unfamiliar tunings. The good news is, transitioning to the banjo can be much smoother than you think. In fact, tuning a banjo like a guitar opens up a world of possibilities, allowing guitar players to explore banjo music with their existing knowledge.
Exploring Banjo Tunings: Beyond the Standard
While the banjo is known for its traditional tunings like open G (G, D, G, B, D), it’s important to realize that banjo history is rich with diverse tunings. For many beginners, and even experienced players looking for a different approach, guitar tuning offers an accessible and logical starting point. This approach isn’t a compromise; it’s a legitimate and historically supported way to play the banjo.
Guitar Tuning Across Different Banjo Types
The beauty of guitar tuning is its adaptability to various banjo types, from four-string models to the iconic five-string and even six-string banjos.
4-String Tenor and Plectrum Banjos: A Natural Fit
Tenor banjos, traditionally tuned in fifths (C, G, D, A), take on a new character when tuned to the first four strings of a guitar (D, G, B, E). This “guitar-style” tuning makes chord shapes immediately familiar to guitarists. The traditional tenor banjo tuning has wider intervals, requiring more finger stretching. Guitar tuning brings the notes closer together, making melodies and chords feel more compact and manageable for those accustomed to guitar fingerboards.
Plectrum banjos, with their standard tuning of C, G, B, D, are already quite close to guitar tuning. Switching a plectrum banjo to full guitar tuning (D, G, B, E) requires minimal adjustment. This subtle change can make a plectrum banjo instantly accessible for guitarists wanting to explore banjo tones without a steep learning curve.
5-String Banjos: Embracing Guitar Tuning and the Fifth String
The question often arises: how can you tune a 5-string banjo like a guitar and what about that fifth string? The answer is surprisingly straightforward. You can tune the first four strings of a 5-string banjo to guitar tuning (D, G, B, E). The key adjustment is to raise the first string (E) up a whole step to F#, and then further up another half step to G, mirroring the guitar tuning for those four strings while maintaining a logical interval for banjo playing.
A Goodtime banjo, a popular choice for beginners looking to explore banjo playing with guitar tuning.
To play in guitar tuning on a 5-string banjo, simply tune the first four strings (thickest to thinnest) to D, G, B, and E. The fifth string, the short drone string, remains typically tuned to G (though this can be adjusted – more on that later). Now, play any guitar chord shapes you know on those first four strings. A G chord, for instance, is easily played by barring the first string at the third fret – instantly recognizable and rewarding for a guitarist. C and D7 chords also translate directly, providing a familiar and encouraging entry point into banjo playing.
6-String Banjos: Guitarists’ Banjo by Design
For guitarists seeking the most seamless transition, 6-string banjos are specifically designed to be tuned and played exactly like a guitar. These instruments eliminate any tuning adjustments, allowing guitarists to pick up a 6-string banjo and immediately apply their guitar skills to a banjo context. While 6-string banjos offer direct guitar compatibility, exploring guitar tuning on 4-string and 5-string banjos opens up unique sonic possibilities and a deeper connection to banjo traditions.
Tuning Your 5-String Banjo to Guitar Tuning: A Quick Guide
Here’s a simple step-by-step to get your 5-string banjo ready for guitar tuning:
- Tune Strings 1-4 Like a Guitar: Tune the four longest strings (from thickest to thinnest) to D, G, B, and E, just like the first four strings of your guitar.
- Leave the 5th String (for now): The fifth string, the short, high-pitched string, is typically tuned to G in standard banjo tuning. For guitar tuning, you can initially leave it in G. Experimenting with the 5th string tuning is part of the journey!
Why Guitar Tuning on Banjo Just Works
Using guitar tuning on a banjo isn’t just about convenience; it’s musically sound. Here’s why it’s effective:
- Familiar Chord Shapes: Your existing guitar chord vocabulary instantly translates to the banjo. This eliminates the initial hurdle of learning new chord shapes and allows you to start playing music immediately.
- Intuitive Fingerboard Navigation: The note relationships and fingerboard patterns you know from guitar are directly applicable to the banjo when tuned similarly. This makes learning melodies and improvising feel more natural.
- Bridging Two Instruments: Guitar tuning on banjo serves as a fantastic bridge between the two instruments. It allows guitarists to explore banjo sounds while leveraging their guitar skills, potentially leading to new musical ideas and techniques that cross over between both instruments.
Expanding Your Banjo Playing with the 5th String in Guitar Tuning
Once comfortable with guitar tuning on your 5-string banjo, the fifth string becomes an exciting new dimension to explore. Here’s how:
- The 5th String Capo: To play in different keys while maintaining guitar tuning, use a 5th string capo, like an Earl’s Suspender Capo. This device allows you to easily raise the pitch of the 5th string, just as a standard capo raises the pitch of all strings. For example, to play in the key of A, capo the 5th string at the 7th fret.
- Exploring Banjo Techniques: Even with guitar tuning, you can begin to explore traditional banjo techniques like rolls and clawhammer. The 5th string often plays a drone or rhythmic element in these styles, adding a distinctly banjo flavor to your guitar-tuned playing.
- Flatpicking and the 5th String: While the 5th string is often associated with fingerpicking styles, flatpickers can also incorporate it. Experiment with using a flatpick and fingers to create dynamic and textured banjo sounds in guitar tuning.
Tuning is a Tool: Embrace Your Musical Freedom
Remember, tuning is a means to an end – making music. Banjo history is filled with diverse tunings, and guitar tuning is a valid and creative choice. Don’t feel restricted by “traditional” tunings, especially when starting out.
An Earl’s Suspender Capo, essential for 5-string banjo players using guitar tuning to easily change keys.
Just as guitarists often use alternate tunings for different sounds and playing styles, banjo players can and do the same. Ultimately, your musical ear and creative vision should guide your tuning choices. Pete Werenick, a renowned banjoist, famously said, “If it sounds good, it must BE good.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the freedom and personal expression inherent in music.
Tune Your Banjo Like a Guitar and Start Playing Today
If you’re a guitarist curious about the banjo, tuning it like your guitar is the perfect way to begin. It removes the tuning barrier and allows you to immediately enjoy the unique voice of the banjo with your existing musical skills. By embracing guitar tuning on the banjo, you might just discover a new musical passion and even develop a unique banjo style that inspires others.
Ready to start? Explore a Goodtime banjo and discover the joy of playing banjo in a familiar guitar tuning. Tuning is just the beginning – making music is what truly matters.
Learn how the banjo can make you a better guitar player
