Open D Banjo Tuning

Open D tuning is F♯ D F♯ A 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 D3
  • Mic stays on your device
Open D A4 440 Hz

Press Start tuning, then play a string

0/5 tuned

Open D notes

A4 = 440 Hz
String Note Frequency
5 F♯4 369.99 Hz
4 D3 146.83 Hz
3 F♯3 185.00 Hz
2 A3 220.00 Hz
1 D4 293.66 Hz

About Open D tuning

Open strings ring out D major (D).

  • Open strings: D major (D).
  • Range: D3 (146.83 Hz) to F♯4 (369.99 Hz).

Intervals between strings

  • F♯ → D octave + major third down
  • D → F♯ major third
  • F♯ → A minor third
  • A → D perfect fourth

How to tune from Open G to Open D

3 of the 5 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time.

String Open G Open D Change
5 G4 F♯4 Lower a half step
4 D3 D3 No change
3 G3 F♯3 Lower a half step
2 B3 A3 Lower a whole step
1 D4 D4 No change

How to tune your banjo to Open D

  1. Start the tuner – Open D Banjo Tuning

    Start the tuner

    Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to Open D.

  2. Play one string at a time – Open D Banjo Tuning

    Play one string at a time

    Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in Open D tuning for you.

  3. Turn the peg until green – Open D Banjo Tuning

    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 Open D tuning?

From string 5 to string 1, Open D tuning on the banjo is F♯4, D3, F♯3, A3, D4.

What are the string frequencies of Open D tuning?

At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to F♯4 369.99 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, F♯3 185.00 Hz, A3 220.00 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 Open D tuning?

3 of the 5 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time.

What chord do the open strings of Open D tuning make?

If you strum the open strings, they play D major (D). Lay one finger flat across any fret and you get the same chord, one semitone higher for each fret.

Can I tune to Open D 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

All banjo tunings