Sawmill Banjo Tuning
Sawmill tuning is G D G C 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
Reference pitch (A4)
Hz
Lower it in noisy rooms
Press Start tuning, then play a string
0/5 tuned
Sawmill notes
A4 = 440 Hz| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | G4 | 392.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
About Sawmill tuning
A modal old-time tuning with a haunting sound that feels unfinished.
- Also called G modal.
- Open strings: G suspended fourth (Gsus4).
- Range: D3 (146.83 Hz) to G4 (392.00 Hz).
Intervals between strings
- G → D octave + perfect fourth down
- D → G perfect fourth
- G → C perfect fourth
- C → D major second
How to tune from Open G to Sawmill
Only string 2 changes: raise a half step, from B3 to C4.
| String | Open G | Sawmill | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | G4 | G4 | No change |
| 4 | D3 | D3 | No change |
| 3 | G3 | G3 | No change |
| 2 | B3 | C4 | Raise a half step |
| 1 | D4 | D4 | No change |
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Start the tuner
Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to Sawmill.
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Play one string at a time
Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in Sawmill tuning for you.
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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 Sawmill tuning?
From string 5 to string 1, Sawmill tuning on the banjo is G4, D3, G3, C4, D4.
What are the string frequencies of Sawmill tuning?
At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to G4 392.00 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, G3 196.00 Hz, C4 261.63 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 Sawmill tuning?
Only string 2 changes: raise a half step, from B3 to C4.
What chord do the open strings of Sawmill tuning make?
If you strum the open strings, they play G suspended fourth (Gsus4). Lay one finger flat across any fret and you get the same chord, one semitone higher for each fret.
Can I tune to Sawmill 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
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- Double Bass Tuner Upright bass in orchestral and solo tuning. E A D G
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- 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