Drop C Banjo Tuning
Drop C tuning is G C G B D, from string 5 to string 1. Tune each string with the online tuner below, or tap a string on the headstock to hear its note.
- Free, no sign-up
- 5 strings
- Lowest note C3
- Mic stays on your device
Reference pitch (A4)
Hz
Lower it in noisy rooms
Press Start tuning, then play a string
0/5 tuned
Drop C notes
A4 = 440 Hz| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | G4 | 392.00 Hz |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
About Drop C tuning
Open G with the 4th string lowered to C.
- Range: C3 (130.81 Hz) to G4 (392.00 Hz).
Intervals between strings
- G → C octave + perfect fifth down
- C → G perfect fifth
- G → B major third
- B → D minor third
How to tune from Open G to Drop C
Only string 4 changes: lower a whole step, from D3 to C3.
| String | Open G | Drop C | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | G4 | G4 | No change |
| 4 | D3 | C3 | Lower a whole step |
| 3 | G3 | G3 | No change |
| 2 | B3 | B3 | No change |
| 1 | D4 | D4 | No change |
-
Start the tuner
Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to Drop C.
-
Play one string at a time
Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in Drop C tuning for you.
-
Turn the peg until green
Needle on the left means flat (too low), so tighten. Needle on the right means sharp (too high), so loosen. Green means the string is in tune.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Drop C tuning?
From string 5 to string 1, Drop C tuning on the banjo is G4, C3, G3, B3, D4.
What are the string frequencies of Drop C tuning?
At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to G4 392.00 Hz, C3 130.81 Hz, G3 196.00 Hz, B3 246.94 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz. If you change A4 in the tuner settings, every target changes too.
How do I get from Open G tuning to Drop C tuning?
Only string 4 changes: lower a whole step, from D3 to C3.
Can I tune to Drop C tuning without a microphone?
Yes. Tap a string on the headstock to hear its note and match it by ear. You can also switch on Repeat to hear the note every few seconds while you turn the peg.
Similar tunings
- Banjo Tuner Open strings ring out G major (G). G D G B D
- Double C Banjo Tuning An old-time and clawhammer tuning in C, with the short 5th string on G. G C G C D
- Sawmill Banjo Tuning A modal old-time tuning with a haunting sound that feels unfinished. G D G C D
- Open D Banjo Tuning Open strings ring out D major (D). F♯ D F♯ A D
All banjo tunings
More tuners
- Guitar Tuner Acoustic, electric and 12-string with 45 tunings. E A D G B E
- Bass Tuner 4, 5 and 6-string bass, from drop D to BEAD. E A D G
- Ukulele Tuner Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukulele. G C E A
- Violin Tuner G D A E with bowed reference tones. G D A E
- Viola Tuner C G D A, a fifth below the violin. C G D A
- Cello Tuner C G D A, an octave below the viola. C G D A
- Double Bass Tuner Upright bass in orchestral and solo tuning. E A D G
- Banjo Tuner Open G, double C, sawmill, tenor and Irish tenor. G D G B D
- Mandolin Tuner Mandolin, mandola and octave mandolin. G D A E
- Chromatic Tuner Any instrument or voice, with B♭/E♭/F transposition.
Music tools
- Metronome Accurate online metronome with accents and subdivisions.
- Tone Generator Play any frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Tuning Fork 415, 432, 440, 442 and 444 Hz forks.
- Pitch Detector See the exact note and frequency you play. C
- Custom Tuning Tuner Build any tuning with 3 to 12 strings. E A D G B E
- Tune Guitar by Ear Repeating reference notes for every string. E A D G B E