I sometimes play the tenor banjo at jam sessions. Since I play the 5-string I tend to tune it similar to a 5-string. But I like playing in reentrant tuning so I can play clawhammer or 2-finger. This is similar to Chicago tuning. I've wondered if there are as many tunings for the 4 string as there are for the 5 string. For accompanying a singer or fiddle player in a bluegrass or OT setting I don't really need accesss to large range of notes, but I want the chord voicing to be pleasant. Are you aware of other tunings besides fifths and Chicago sometimes played on the tenor banjo?
ADAE,AEAE,GDAD,DDAD,AEAC#. Look up Theo's Chord Generator. There are many more apps. Look for mandolin, violin, and other 4-string instruments
Octave mandolin strings are available for their standard CGDA tuning. However, if you lower strings 1 and 2, you end up with CGCG tuning. Conversely, if you raise strings 3 and 4, you end up with DADA. What's good about this set up is that the instrument is tuned to itself like a dulcimer. Major and minor keys are available without retuning and it all sounds harmonious which is good for backing songs in particular. I have an octave mandolin tuned to CGCG. banjered
Edited by - banjered on 10/24/2026 07:53:11
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