Banjo Chord Finder
Find chords on 5-string banjo. Supports Open G, Open D, Double C, and Sawmill tunings. The 5th-string drone is handled correctly — positions below fret 5 are grayed out.
Tap the X/○ above each string to mute or open. Tap a fret cell to place or remove a finger.
How to Use the Banjo Chord Finder
- Pick your tuning — Open G (standard), Open D, Double C, or Sawmill.
- Remember the 5th string is a drone — it's pre-fretted at fret 5.
- Tap the fretboard to build your chord shape.
- See the chord name, and type a chord name to find voicings.
Open G: The Standard Banjo Tuning
Most 5-string banjos are tuned g D G B D — an open G major chord. The 5th string (the short “drone” string) is tuned high to g4. Strumming the open strings plays G major.
Because the banjo is tuned to an open chord, many chord shapes are simpler than on guitar. A G chord is just open strings. Moving the 2-3-4 strings up five frets produces a C. Moving up seven frets produces a D. These are the three most common chords in bluegrass.
The 5th String & Drone Notes
The banjo's distinctive 5th string is a short drone string that sits off to the side. It starts at the 5th fret (it only has 20 frets from there up), so it can't be fretted below fret 5 in normal playing. In the fretboard diagram, fret positions below 5 on the 5th string are grayed out.
The drone string rings out on most strums and contributes to the banjo's characteristic ringing sound. In clawhammer style, the thumb strikes the 5th string on every bump-ditty.
Alternate Banjo Tunings
- Open G: g D G B D — standard.
- Open D: a D F# A D — used for Old-Time and Celtic tunes.
- Double C: g C G C D — clawhammer favorite.
- Sawmill / Modal: g D G C D — for modal and minor-sounding tunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I fret below fret 5 on string 5?
The 5th string physically starts at the 5th fret on most 5-string banjos — there is no fretboard below it. The grayed-out positions reflect that.
What's the difference between bluegrass and clawhammer?
Bluegrass banjo uses finger picks and a three-finger roll technique (Scruggs style). Clawhammer uses the fingernails in a striking downward motion, with the thumb hitting the drone string. Both use the same chord shapes.
Does this tool support the 4-string plectrum or tenor banjo?
Not yet — this tool is focused on the 5-string banjo, the most common variant. You can use the 4-string instruments (bass, ukulele, mandolin) for similar-string-count work with different tunings.
Can I play guitar chords on banjo?
Not directly, but in Open G tuning you can play D (standard guitar D shape on top 4 strings), Em, and some other common shapes with minor adjustments.