Whether you’re picking up the banjo for the first time or looking for a quick chord reference, this complete banjo chords chart has everything you need. We’ve organized every essential chord with clear diagrams for standard open G tuning (gDGBD).
Understanding Banjo Chord Diagrams
Before diving into the chords, let’s understand how to read banjo chord diagrams. The five vertical lines represent the five strings of the banjo (from left to right: 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and 5th/thumb string). Horizontal lines represent frets. Dots show where to place your fingers.
The standard tuning for a 5-string banjo is gDGBD (open G tuning). This means when you strum all strings open, you’re already playing a G chord!
Essential Open Chords
Major Chords
G Major — All strings open. The easiest chord on the banjo since open G tuning gives you G for free.
C Major — Index finger on the 4th string (2nd fret), middle finger on the 2nd string (1st fret). One of the most common banjo chords.
D Major — Middle finger on the 3rd string (2nd fret), ring finger on the 1st string (2nd fret), and index on the 2nd string (1st fret). Forms a triangle shape.
D7 — Same as D but lift the ring finger off the 1st string. A common transition chord back to G.
F Major — Barre across strings 1-4 at the 3rd fret, then add ring finger on the 3rd string (5th fret).
A Major — Index on the 2nd string (2nd fret), middle on the 3rd string (2nd fret), ring on the 4th string (2nd fret).
E Major — Index on the 2nd string (1st fret), middle on the 3rd string (2nd fret), ring on the 4th string (2nd fret).
Minor Chords
Am — Index on the 2nd string (1st fret), middle on the 3rd string (2nd fret), ring on the 4th string (2nd fret). Very similar to the A major shape.
Em — Middle finger on the 2nd string (2nd fret). One of the easiest minor chords.
Dm — Index on the 2nd string (1st fret), middle on the 3rd string (2nd fret), ring on the 1st string (2nd fret).
Bm — Barre strings 1-4 at the 4th fret, then add ring finger on the 3rd string (6th fret).
Moveable Barre Chord Shapes
The beauty of the banjo is that once you learn a few shapes, you can move them up the neck to play any chord:
Major barre shape (based on F): Barre across all strings and add one finger two frets up on the 3rd string. Move this shape to any fret for different major chords.
Minor barre shape: Barre across all strings and add one finger two frets up on the 2nd string.
Essential Chord Progressions for Banjo
The Classic Bluegrass Progression: G – C – D – G
This I-IV-V-I progression is the foundation of thousands of bluegrass, folk, and country songs. Master these three chords and you can play most traditional banjo tunes.
The Mountain Minor: Am – G – Am – Em
Perfect for old-time Appalachian music and murder ballads.
The Country Standard: G – Em – C – D
Works for everything from Hank Williams to modern country.
Tips for Learning Banjo Chords
Start with G, C, and D
These three chords will let you play hundreds of songs. Since G is open, you really only need to learn two chord shapes to get started.
Practice clean transitions
The biggest challenge on banjo is switching chords quickly while maintaining your picking pattern. Practice switching between two chords slowly before adding speed.
Use a capo
Banjo players use capos frequently. A capo on the 2nd fret with G shapes gives you A. This lets you play in any key with simple open chords.
Learn rolls alongside chords
Banjo chords sound best with picking rolls (forward roll, backward roll, alternating thumb). Practice your rolls on open strings, then add chord shapes.
Songs to Practice These Chords
Start with these beginner-friendly banjo songs:
– Cripple Creek (G, C, D) — The first song most banjo players learn
– Foggy Mountain Breakdown (G, Em, D) — Earl Scruggs’ classic
– Boil Them Cabbage Down (G, D) — Just two chords!
– Old Joe Clark (A, G) — Great for practicing the A chord
– Will the Circle Be Unbroken (G, C, D) — A gospel/bluegrass standard