The banjo is tuned to open G: all the open strings together already sound as G major. That has a great side effect. If you lay one finger flat across the four long strings, you simply slide that G chord up – and get a different major chord.
- G: all strings open.
- C: index finger flat across the four long strings at the 5th fret. The short 5th string rings open along with them, because its note G is part of C too.
- D: index finger flat across the four long strings at the 7th fret. Don’t play the short 5th string here – its G doesn’t fit D.
With these shapes the lowest note isn’t always the root: for C it’s a G, for D an A. They’re still real major chords with all three notes. On the C and D chord pages you’ll find them under Easier ways to play it, ready to listen to.
Getting the barre to ring clearly
- Place your index finger just behind the fret wire, not in the middle.
- Roll it slightly onto its side so it presses more evenly.
- Pick each string on its own. If one sounds dull, shift your finger a tiny bit.