Tenor banjo tuner: Irish GDAE, CGDA and plectrum
A four-string banjo is not the five-string Open G banjo. This page opens in Irish tenor tuning G2 D3 A3 E4, one octave below the mandolin, and also offers standard tenor C3 G3 D4 A4 and plectrum C3 G3 B3 D4.
Open notes and frequencies
Tenor banjo tuner: Irish GDAE, CGDA and plectrum: Sounding targets · Standard Irish tenor (G D A E) · A4 = 440 Hz.
| String / course | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | G2 | 98.00 |
| 3 | D3 | 146.83 |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 |
How to use it
- Choose the tuning, target or note convention described below. Set the reference A to match your ensemble before comparing pitches.
- Press Turn on microphone and allow microphone access. Work in a quiet place and sound one note at a time.
- Let the attack pass and compare a steady note, its octave and cents. Make a small adjustment, then repeat the measurement.
- Check the full instrument again after adjustments. Stop the microphone when you finish; reference tones and the guide remain available.
Help and explanations
Tuning and register
Choose the tuning that suits the instrument, strings and music. Irish GDAE is common in traditional sessions; CGDA is used for tenor banjo repertoire, while a plectrum banjo uses a different neck and setup. Count from the fourth string to the first and damp the other strings before picking. The page does not change a five-string banjo into a tenor: check the scale and string gauges before raising tension.
Getting a steady reading
Place the microphone close enough to hear a clear tone, without touching the instrument. Stop reference playback before listening through the microphone. A room echo, another player or a strong overtone can make the detected octave jump. Repeat a short, steady sound and compare by ear before making another adjustment.
Tips
- Match the note letter and the octave, not only the needle position.
- Use the pitch and stringing intended for your model; a chart for another size can imply a different register.
- Return to the same reference A when playing with other musicians.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install an app?
No. The tuner works in a current browser with microphone permission. The audio is analyzed on your device and is not recorded or uploaded.
What does zero cents mean?
It means the measured pitch matches the selected reference. For a tradition with different intervals, use the intended cents offset and confirm the musical relationship by ear.
Why does the note or octave change?
The microphone can pick up an overtone or another sounding string. Isolate the note, reduce background sound and wait for a stable reading before changing the instrument.