What are the notes of Sawmill (G Modal) tuning?

Sawmill (G Modal) tuning on banjo is G D G C D, from the 5th string to the highest.

How do I tune to Sawmill (G Modal) from standard tuning?

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

Is Sawmill (G Modal) 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.

Sawmill (G Modal) tuningG D G C D

Sawmill tuning (g D G C D) gives a modal, lonesome sound that's classic in old-time banjo.

Also called · gDGCD · Mountain modal

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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—

2CC4 · Do261.6 Hz▲ a half step

3GG3 · Sol196.0 Hz—

4DD3 · Re146.8 Hz—

5GG4 · Sol392.0 Hz—

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Tuning your banjo to Sawmill (G Modal)

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 Sawmill (G Modal) tuning?: Sawmill (G Modal) tuning on banjo is G D G C D, from the 5th string to the highest.
How do I tune to Sawmill (G Modal) from standard tuning?: Starting from standard (G D G B D): string 2 up a half step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.
Is Sawmill (G Modal) 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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