Double C Tuning on 5-string banjo
Double C tuning is G4 C3 G3 C4 D4, written gCGCD. From open G, lower the 4th string a whole step from D3 to C3, and raise the 2nd string a semitone from B3 to C4.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th (short drone) | G4 | 392.00 | 67 |
| 4th | C3 | 130.81 | 48 |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 | 55 |
| 2nd | C4 | 261.63 | 60 |
| 1st | D4 | 293.66 | 62 |
Every frequency is computed from the MIDI number, not typed in. Each one links to its own reference page.
Microphone tuner
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Why banjo players use Double C tuning
Two strings now sound C an octave apart, which is where the name comes from, and the open strings give a C chord with an added second rather than a plain triad. Old-time players often capo this up to D rather than retuning again.
Where you will hear it: old-time, clawhammer. That list is deliberately limited to genres and playing traditions. Attributing a tuning to specific songs or players is the kind of claim that needs a source, and this page does not make claims it cannot back up.
Double C compared with standard gDGBD tuning
This is the table that tells you how far to turn each peg, in semitones and in hertz. A negative semitone value means the string goes down.
| String | Standard | Standard (Hz) | Double C | Double C (Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th (short drone) | G4 | 392.00 | G4 | 392.00 | unchanged |
| 4th | D3 | 146.83 | C3 | 130.81 | -2 semitones (-16.02 Hz) |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 | G3 | 196.00 | unchanged |
| 2nd | B3 | 246.94 | C4 | 261.63 | +1 semitone (+14.68 Hz) |
| 1st | D4 | 293.66 | D4 | 293.66 | unchanged |
Notice that equal semitone steps are not equal hertz steps: the same whole step is worth about 9 Hz down at the bottom string and far more at the top. That is why tuners report cents, which are proportional, rather than hertz.
How to tune to Double C, string by string
- Play the 5th (short drone) open and adjust until the tuner reads G4 at 392.00 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 4th open and adjust until the tuner reads C3 at 130.81 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 3rd open and adjust until the tuner reads G3 at 196.00 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 2nd open and adjust until the tuner reads C4 at 261.63 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
- Play the 1st open and adjust until the tuner reads D4 at 293.66 Hz. Aim to land inside five cents.
Retune in two passes. Changing the tension on one string changes the pull on the neck, so the strings you set first will have drifted slightly by the time you finish the last one. That effect is larger the further the tuning sits from standard, so a tuning that moves four or more strings almost always needs a third pass.
Frequently asked questions
What notes is Double C tuning on a 5-string banjo?
Double C is G4, C3, G3, C4, D4, written gCGCD. From open G, lower the 4th string a whole step from D3 to C3, and raise the 2nd string a semitone from B3 to C4.
What are the frequencies of Double C tuning?
G4 is 392.00 Hz, C3 is 130.81 Hz, G3 is 196.00 Hz, C4 is 261.63 Hz, D4 is 293.66 Hz, all in twelve tone equal temperament with A4 at 440 Hz.
How many strings change compared to standard tuning?
2 of 5. the 4th goes from D3 to C3 (down 2 semitones), the 2nd goes from B3 to C4 (up 1 semitone).
What is the lowest note in Double C tuning?
G4 at 392.00 Hz, MIDI note 67. Low notes take longer for a pitch detector to lock onto, so play the string firmly and let it ring before trusting the cents reading.
Other 5-string banjo tunings
More tuning references
Frequencies on this page are computed at build time from twelve tone equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz, using the twelfth root of two (about 1.059463) per semitone. Nothing is typed in by hand. See the full method and sources. Maintained by FusionStudios. Last reviewed: .