A banjo in tune sounds better straight away, and chords sound the way they should. Banjo strings drift easily, so tune every time you practise. With a little experience it takes about a minute.
The target notes
- String 5: g (G4, high)
- String 4: D (D3)
- String 3: G (G3)
- String 2: B (B3)
- String 1: D (D4)
With a tuner
- Open the tuner and allow the microphone.
- Pluck one string and let it ring.
- If the note is too low, turn the peg to tighten the string. If it’s too high, loosen it a little.
- Turn in small steps and keep plucking as you go, so you don’t overshoot.
By ear: string against string
Once one string is in tune (say string 4, D), you can tune the rest to it. Fret the given position and compare it with the next open string – both should sound the same:
- String 4 at the 5th fret = string 3 open (G)
- String 3 at the 4th fret = string 2 open (B)
- String 2 at the 3rd fret = string 1 open (D)
- String 1 at the 5th fret = string 5 open (g)
Finally, strum all strings open: you should hear a full, calm G major chord.
The floating bridge
On a banjo the bridge isn’t glued down – string tension holds it in place. If it slides, notes higher up the neck sound off even though the open strings are in tune. Check it like this: the note at the 12th fret should be exactly one octave above the open string. If it’s sharp, nudge the bridge slightly toward the tailpiece; if it’s flat, slightly toward the neck. Ask an adult or your teacher to help.