About Open G (Standard) tuning
Open G is the standard tuning of the 5-string banjo: g D G B D, where the short fifth string is a high G drone that starts at the fifth fret. Strummed open, the banjo sounds a G major chord — the launchpad for Scruggs-style rolls and virtually all bluegrass.
Remember the string order is unusual: the short drone string (highest pitch, G4) sits physically above the lowest-pitched D3 string. Tune the four long strings first, then the drone.
Open G (Standard) tuning notes & frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | g4 (5th, drone) | 392.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Songs & artists in Open G (Standard)
- Foggy Mountain Breakdown — Earl Scruggs
String gauge advice
Standard light banjo sets (.010–.023 with a .010 fifth).
FAQ
What are the notes of Open G (Standard) tuning on 5-string banjo?
Open G (Standard) tuning is g4 (5th, drone), D3, G3, B3, D4 from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune my 5-string banjo to Open G (Standard)?
Use the tuner above: pluck each string and adjust until the needle centers on the target note shown for that string.
Is this tuner free and private?
Yes — no ads, no signup, and all audio is processed locally in your browser. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Embed this tuner
Add the Open G (Standard) tuner to your own site or blog post with an iframe:
<iframe src="https://tunewell.net/embed/banjo/open-g" width="420" height="560" style="border:0" title="Open G (Standard) Banjo Tuner"></iframe>