Tenor Banjo Tuning

Tenor tuning is C G D A, from string 4 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
  • 4 strings
  • Lowest note C3
  • Mic stays on your device
Tenor A4 440 Hz

Press Start tuning, then play a string

0/4 tuned

Tenor notes

A4 = 440 Hz
String Note Frequency
4 C3 130.81 Hz
3 G3 196.00 Hz
2 D4 293.66 Hz
1 A4 440.00 Hz

About Tenor tuning

Four strings tuned in fifths, like a viola, used in jazz and Dixieland.

  • Range: C3 (130.81 Hz) to A4 (440.00 Hz).

Intervals between strings

  • C → G perfect fifth
  • G → D perfect fifth
  • D → A perfect fifth

How to tune your banjo to Tenor

  1. Start the tuner – Tenor Banjo Tuning

    Start the tuner

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

  2. Play one string at a time – Tenor Banjo Tuning

    Play one string at a time

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

  3. Turn the peg until green – Tenor 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 Tenor tuning?

From string 4 to string 1, Tenor tuning on the banjo is C3, G3, D4, A4.

What are the string frequencies of Tenor tuning?

At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to C3 130.81 Hz, G3 196.00 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz, A4 440.00 Hz. If you change A4 in the tuner settings, every target changes too.

Can I tune to Tenor 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