The banjo is a beautiful chord instrument mostly associated with folk music, bluegrass, country and jazz. Originally, the instrument had four to five strings but in the mid 19th century the 6-string version was designed by a British innovator. Since then, the version has gained popularity among guitar players who are captivated by the banjo sound and the banjoists who like the challenge of versatility. Here is how to tune a 6-string banjo correctly.

To do this easily and accurately, acquire an electronic tuner. Clip the gadget onto the headstock of your banjo, twist the display where you can easily see it and find a suitable sitting position for the procedure.

The 6-string hybrid is tuned just like the guitar to the notes E-A-D-G-B-E and in essence the usual guitar tuner can be used. Once you are comfortable, switch on the tuner and get prepared to pluck the chords and monitor the display. The thickest and lowest note is usually the first one to be tuned and this is done to match the note E. Pluck the chord rhythmically and see if the display reads E. If the display shows a tendency towards the note D then the string needs some tightening to raise the pitch.

When the chord is too tight, the pitch will tend towards F which is higher than required in which case the peg needs to be loosened a bit. The string is perfectly tuned when it is plucked and the display indicates a stable E.

If the indicator moves to F then you know that the string is too tight and requires some loosening at the peg. The optimum position is where the tuner displays the note E when the wire is plucked. Next is the second thickest string which is tuned A. Always make sure you first of all loosen the strings before adjusting to ensure that the wire stretches uniformly without forming nodes. As with the first chord, check that as you pluck and adjust the peg the display gives you the required note and in this case the note A.

Having properly pegged the second chord, go to the third one and tune it D. Go on tuning the strings each to the required note up to the last wire which you will peg to the top E note. Remember to keep your eyes on the tuner and avoid adjusting the pegs once you are locked on the correct note. Be subtle as you twist the pegs and be careful not to form nodes on the strings for nodes become breakage points.

You can tune your banjo online if you have a reliable and high-speed Internet connection plus a good microphone connected to your PC. Online tuning websites require that you pluck the strings into the microphone and follow the instructions to successfully complete the task. Purchase an electronic turner and as you use it you will become an expert in no time.

Check out our review on how to easily tune a 6-String Banjo for advice on where to buy 6-string banjo on the Internet and features of a Dean Banjitar