What are the notes of Open D tuning?

Open D tuning on banjo is F♯ D F♯ A D, from the 5th string to the highest.

How do I tune to Open D from standard tuning?

Starting from standard (G D G B D): string 5 down a half step, string 3 down a half step, string 2 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.

Is Open D tuning bad for my banjo?

No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

Open D tuningF♯ D F♯ A D

Open D banjo tuning (f♯ D F♯ A D) sets the open strings to a D major chord.

Also called · f#DF#AD

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String chart

String 1 is the thinnest. Frequencies are exact at A4 = 440 Hz; change the reference on the A4 knob.

StrNoteFrequencyFrom std.

1DD4 · Re293.7 Hz—

2AA3 · La220.0 Hz▼ a whole step

3F♯F♯3 · Fa♯185.0 Hz▼ a half step

4DD3 · Re146.8 Hz—

5F♯F♯4 · Fa♯370.0 Hz▼ a half step

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Tuning your banjo to Open D

Automatically with the microphone, or by ear: tap any note on the headstock to hear a real recorded reference.

1
Allow microphone access.
2
Pluck each string and let it ring. Start with the 4th string (low D) and work to the 1st.
3
Tune the short 5th string last, and check it against the 1st string fretted at the 5th fret.

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Banjo tunings

4 tunings, all free. Notes listed from the 5th string.

Standard

Open GG D G B D

Open

◆ Open DF♯ D F♯ A D

Alternate

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Questions & troubleshooting

What are the notes of Open D tuning?: Open D tuning on banjo is F♯ D F♯ A D, from the 5th string to the highest.
How do I tune to Open D from standard tuning?: Starting from standard (G D G B D): string 5 down a half step, string 3 down a half step, string 2 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.
Is Open D tuning bad for my banjo?: No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

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