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Banjo Chord Chart

Master the 5-string banjo with our interactive chord guide. Essential positions for Open G tuning, perfect for bluegrass and folk.

Major Chords

G Major

Easy

Open

Open G Tuning

C Major

Easy

0-2-0-1-2

Open G Tuning

D Major

Medium

0-4-2-3-4

Open G Tuning

A Major

Medium

2-2-2-2-2

Open G Tuning

E Major

Hard

1-2-1-0-2

Open G Tuning

minor Chords

G minor

Easy

0-0-0-3-0

Open G Tuning

C minor

Medium

0-1-0-1-1

Open G Tuning

D minor

Medium

0-3-2-3-3

Open G Tuning

A minor

Medium

2-2-2-1-2

Open G Tuning

7th Chords

G7

Easy

0-0-0-0-3

Open G Tuning

D7

Easy

0-0-2-1-0

Open G Tuning

C7

Medium

0-2-3-1-2

Open G Tuning

How to Play Banjo Chords

Playing chords on the 5-string banjo is different from the guitar because of the drone string (the short 5th string). In Open G tuning, you don't even need to fret a single note to play a G Major chord!

As you progress, you'll learn common shapes like the "F-shape" and "D-shape" which can be moved up and down the neck to play chords in any key. This is a powerful technique in bluegrass music.

Tips for Better Chords

  • Arched Fingers: Keep your fingers perpendicular to the fretboard to avoid buzzing or muting adjacent strings.
  • Pressure: Place your fingers just behind the fret wire, not directly on top of it.
  • Short 5th String: In many chords, the 5th string is left open or muted. Be mindful of its pitch relative to the chord.

Related Practice Tools

Banjo Fretboard Map →Guitar Chord Library →Ukulele Chord Chart →