Many guitar players are intrigued by the banjo’s unique sound but might feel hesitant to learn a new instrument and tuning system. The good news is, transitioning to the banjo can be far smoother than you think! You can actually tune a banjo to mirror your guitar, opening up a world of banjo possibilities without a steep learning curve.
This guide explores how guitarists can easily adapt to the banjo by utilizing familiar guitar tunings across different banjo types – tenor, plectrum, and the iconic 5-string. Discover how this simple adjustment can bridge the gap between guitar expertise and banjoBeginner-friendliness, making the banjo accessible and exciting for guitar players of all levels.
Banjo Tunings for Guitarists: It’s Easier Than You Think
The question often arises: “Can banjos be tuned like guitars?” The straightforward answer is a resounding YES! This isn’t just a theoretical possibility; it’s a practical approach embraced by musicians to seamlessly transition between guitar and banjo.
Four-String Banjos: Tenor and Plectrum
Let’s start with four-string banjos, specifically the tenor and plectrum banjos. These are naturally well-suited for guitar tuning adaptations.
Tenor Banjo: Guitar-Style Tuning
Traditionally, the tenor banjo is tuned in fifths (C-G-D-A), similar to a viola. This tuning creates a distinct banjo sound but can feel unfamiliar to guitarists. However, tuning a tenor banjo to D-G-B-E (from low to high), mirroring the first four strings of a guitar, makes it instantly accessible to guitar players.
This “guitar-style” tuning on the tenor banjo offers several advantages:
- Familiar Fingerings: Guitarists can use their existing chord and scale fingerings directly on the tenor banjo.
- Reduced Reach: The guitar-based tuning creates closer intervals between notes, minimizing stretches across the fretboard compared to traditional tenor tuning.
- New Sonic Palette: While retaining familiar fingerings, the tenor banjo’s unique construction and tone woods provide a fresh sonic landscape for guitarists to explore.
Plectrum Banjo: A Subtle Shift to Guitar Tuning
The plectrum banjo, in its standard tuning (C-G-B-D), is already quite close to guitar tuning. Switching a plectrum banjo to full guitar tuning (D-G-B-E) requires changing only two strings. This subtle adjustment brings the plectrum banjo even closer to a guitar feel, making it a comfortable transition instrument for guitarists.
The minimal change needed for plectrum banjo tuning means guitarists can quickly adapt and start playing banjo melodies and chords with very little adjustment to their existing technique.
Five-String Banjo: Embracing Guitar Tuning
The five-string banjo, with its iconic drone string, might seem more challenging to adapt to guitar tuning. However, even this quintessential banjo can be easily configured for guitarists.
Guitar Tuning on a 5-String: The Simple Adjustment
The secret to guitar tuning a five-string banjo is surprisingly simple: tune the first four strings (lowest to highest) to D-G-B-E, exactly like the first four strings of a guitar. The only necessary adjustment is to raise the first string (E) up a whole step to F# (or G depending on context, but for simplicity, think of raising it a whole step). This creates a tuning that is incredibly guitar-friendly while retaining the unique character of the five-string banjo.
With this slight modification, guitarists can immediately apply their guitar chord shapes and scales to the five-string banjo. For example:
- G Chord: Fret the first string at the third fret – a familiar guitar G chord shape now sounds on the banjo.
- C Chord: Fret the second string at the first fret and the fourth string at the second fret – another common guitar chord, now playable on the banjo.
- D7 Chord: Use your standard guitar D7 shape – it translates directly to the guitar-tuned banjo.
Addressing the Fifth String in Guitar Tuning
The ever-present fifth string is often a point of curiosity for guitarists. In guitar tuning, the fifth string (typically tuned to G in standard banjo tuning) can be incorporated in several ways:
- Drone String: Initially, guitarists can focus on the first four strings, treating the fifth string as a drone note, similar to its traditional role in banjo music.
- Melodic and Rhythmic Element: As familiarity grows, guitarists can explore incorporating the fifth string into melodies, chords, and rhythmic patterns, adding a unique banjoistic flavor to their playing.
- Capo for Key Changes: For playing in different keys, a fifth-string capo, like the Earl’s Suspender Capo, becomes invaluable. Capoing the fifth string at different frets allows for key changes while maintaining the guitar-style tuning on the lower four strings. For example, capoing at the 7th fret facilitates playing in the key of A, and at the 8th fret for Bb or Eb.
Six-String Banjos: Bridging the Gap
For guitarists seeking the most direct transition, six-string banjos are specifically designed to be tuned and played exactly like a guitar. These instruments offer a banjo sound with complete guitar familiarity, eliminating any tuning adjustments or new fingerboard patterns to learn.
Six-string banjos are an excellent option for guitarists who want to add banjo tones to their musical arsenal without any learning curve, allowing them to immediately apply their guitar skills in a banjo context.
Beyond Traditional Tunings: Embrace Banjo Versatility
While standard banjo tunings like open G are essential for traditional banjo styles, the history of the banjo is rich with diverse tunings. Guitar tuning is just one of many viable options, and embracing this versatility is key to unlocking the banjo’s full potential.
As legendary banjoist Pete Werenick wisely said, “If it sounds good, it must BE good.” Experimenting with guitar tuning on your banjo opens up new creative avenues and encourages a personalized approach to banjo playing.
Make Music: Your Guitar Skills on the Banjo
Don’t let unfamiliar tunings deter you from exploring the banjo. By tuning your banjo like a guitar, you can leverage your existing musical knowledge and embark on a rewarding banjo journey.
Whether you choose a tenor, plectrum, or five-string banjo, guitar tuning provides an accessible entry point. So, pick up a banjo, tune it to your guitar preferences, and start making music. You might just discover a whole new dimension to your musical expression, inspiring yourself and the guitar world to embrace the banjo’s unique charm.
