Tuner provided by GuitarApp

Directions:

  1. Make sure the tuner is set to “Banjo” and “Standard Tuning.”

  2. Click the red microphone button and allow your computer or phone to use its microphone.

  3. For Open G tune your banjo strings from top to bottom: g, G, D. This matches all the notes in our video lessons so you can play along easily.

  4. For Open A tune your banjo strings from top to bottom: a, A, E. Each note is two steps higher than when in Open G tuning, giving a brighter sound and more stable tuning due to tighter strings.

    All play-by-color tablatures can be played in either tuning.

  5. See diagram below if clarity needed.

Note: If you’re tuning a brand new Friendly Banjo, the nylon strings need some time to stretch before they hold their tune. You can watch this video to learn a good technique for helping them stretch faster:

Tuning Diagrams

Right-Handed Players

(Place the Friendly Banjo on your lap. Use your left hand to tune the strings and your right hand to pluck the strings.)

Diagram illustrating banjo tuning, showing hand adjusting pegs. Strings labeled as Bottom String D, Middle String G, Top String g. Fingerboard color-coded, text "Friendly Banjo sits on your Lap."

Open G tuning

Illustration of a banjo's neck with labeled strings, a hand adjusting tuning pegs, and colored fingerboard sections.

Open A tuning

Left-Handed Players

(Place the Friendly Banjo on your lap. Use your right hand to tune the strings and your left hand to pluck the strings.)

Open G tuning

Illustration of a person holding a banjo on their lap, showing string positions labeled with notes D, G, and g.

Open A tuning

Illustrated diagram of a lap-friendly banjo, showing color-coded strings labeled E, A, and a. A hand is adjusting the top string. The diagram explains string positions and tuning keys.

Resources:

Printable Solfége Scale Poster

Friendly Banjo Brochure

Friendly Banjos Lessons Tab

Blank Tablature - Write Your Own Song