With this tuning, the second string is tuned up from B to C. This tuning is another variation on the Open G. Nevertheless, it is called ‘Drop C’ or just ‘C’ tuning because of the lowered 4th string. Then the 3rd string of G, the 2nd a B, and the first D.Īs you can see, there are two G’s. That gives us the 5th string of G, and the 4th string of C. But the 4th string, which in Open G is a ‘D,’ is dropped down to a ‘C’ tuning. On that basis, you might assume that a tuning that included two G’s might be called a Double G. The ‘Double C’ tuning we just looked at was so-called because two of the strings were tuned to C. It is a favorite amongst banjo players who play old-time traditional banjo tunes. Whilst it has two C’s, it also has two G’s. It is set up with the 5th string tuned to G, then the fourth to C, the third to G, the second to C, and the first to D. So-called because this tuning uses two ‘C’ strings. By using a bar across the strings, you only need one finger to make any chord.

Because the strings are tuned to a G chord, it is very easy to form any other chords. There is a big advantage of having an ‘open’ tuning. The strings are tuned, 5th string to G, 4th string to D, 3rd string also to G, 2nd string to B, and the 1st string to D. As the name suggests, the open strings form a G chord. Let’s start with what is the most common banjo tuning, “Open G.” This is used by most banjo players. There are six main ways to tune a 5-string banjo. Let’s take a look at the most common and learn how to tune a banjo using these different tunings. There are many different ways to tune a Banjo. Whilst it can be used in various styles, it is most known for Bluegrass, Country, and Jazz. The 5-string is the more popular version in use today. It is a very versatile instrument and can play any style. It is favored for Irish Folk music as well as Dixieland and Traditional Jazz. The four-string version tends to have a more dynamic sound. Some with 4 strings, but the most popular banjos are those with 5 strings.

A distinctive sound, it may be, but a potential nightmare when you have to play in keys that don’t match. It is worth considering whether that may have been its inspiration as it does the same job. The home of many of the early immigrants to America. Bagpipes are not only popular in Scotland but also in Ireland. It operates similarly to the drone of Bagpipes. A steady noise that adds a very distinctive sound that 4-string banjo’s don’t have. It is a string that is not often fretted and plays like a drone string. The “5th” or “thumb” string was an interesting addition. But in the late 1800s, a fifth string was added with the tuning peg attached halfway up the fingerboard. Continued DevelopmentĪs an instrument, it continued to develop as people made what they saw as improvements. Also, from Ireland, as immigration gained momentum from Europe. Versions arrived from the West Indies and Africa as part of the slave trade. They were probably the ones who brought it to the Americas. How to tune a Banjo was a relatively simple operation. In those days, there weren’t so many different ways to tune it.

In the mid-1600s, there were plenty of variations on what would eventually come to be known as a banjo.

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