Visualize every note on the neck. Our interactive banjo fretboard helps you master scales, chords, and improvisation in Open G tuning.
Standard Open G Tuning (gDGBD)
Note: The short 5th string (top) physically starts at the 5th fret on a real banjo.
Understanding the layout of the banjo fretboard is the key to unlocking the instrument. Unlike the guitar, which is tuned in fourths, the banjo's Open G tuning creates a unique geometry of intervals.
Use this map to find scales, locate chord inversions, or simply learn where the notes are. Having a visual reference of the neck is an essential part of becoming a proficient player.
In Open G tuning, you'll notice many recurring patterns. For example, notes on the 1st and 4th strings are identical (both tuned to D), just one octave apart. This makes learning half of the strings much easier!
A great way to navigate the banjo neck is by finding your "octave shapes". If you play a note on the 3rd string, its octave is usually two frets up on the 1st string. Experiment with the interactive map above to see how notes repeat.