Mandolin vs tenor banjo tuning: the octave difference
A mandolin is tuned G3 D4 A4 E5. An Irish tenor banjo is tuned G2 D3 A3 E4, one octave lower. Both use GDAE in fifths, so the same string and fret numbers give the same tune in different octaves.
By TradTabPublished
- Mandolin, low to high
- G3 D4 A4 E5
- Irish tenor banjo
- G2 D3 A3 E4
- Pitch difference
- Banjo sounds one octave lower
- Shared tab
- GDAE fingerings transfer directly
The same letters, one octave apart
The octave number is part of the note name. A3 is 220 Hz and A4 is 440 Hz: the mandolin’s note vibrates twice as fast. Deering describes Irish tenor GDAE as an octave below fiddle and mandolin tuning.
| String or course | Mandolin | Irish tenor banjo |
|---|---|---|
| 4th, lowest | G3 · 196.00 Hz | G2 · 98.00 Hz |
| 3rd | D4 · 293.66 Hz | D3 · 146.83 Hz |
| 2nd | A4 · 440.00 Hz | A3 · 220.00 Hz |
| 1st, highest | E5 · 659.26 Hz | E4 · 329.63 Hz |
Can you use the same tab?
Yes, when both instruments are in these GDAE tunings. Fret 2 on the D string gives E on either instrument: E3 on Irish tenor banjo and E4 on mandolin. Open A followed by fret 2 gives A then B on both.
TradTab’s tenor banjo tab and mandolin tab use this shared fret pattern. The longer banjo neck changes the reach, so your choice of fingers may differ even when the fret numbers match.
A standard mandolin has eight strings in four unison pairs, or courses. A tenor banjo has four single strings. Tune each mandolin string separately, then check that each pair sounds together.
What if the tenor banjo is in CGDA?
Standard tenor-banjo tuning is C3 G3 D4 A4. Those open notes differ from Irish GDAE, so GDAE tab needs different fingerings. Moving from CGDA to Irish GDAE lowers each string by a perfect fourth: C3 to G2, G3 to D3, D4 to A3 and A4 to E4.
Choose strings for the instrument and intended tuning. Deering’s string guidance explains why lowering a standard tenor set to Irish tuning can leave it too loose. Our CGDA to GDAE guide walks through the change.
Where do octave mandola and bouzouki fit?
An octave mandola in GDAE, also called an octave mandolin, uses G2 D3 A3 E4. It shares the Irish tenor banjo’s sounding range and fret pattern.
An Irish bouzouki in GDAD has D4 on its highest course. To play E there, use fret 2. Select bouzouki in the ABC converter to generate the appropriate GDAD tab. Course stringing can be in unison or octaves, depending on the instrument.
Hear the reference notes
Open the mandolin tuner and the Irish tenor-banjo tuner. Tap the A reference on each and listen to the octave difference. Use the pitches shown for your instrument when tuning.
Questions about the tuning difference
An Irish tenor banjo and a mandolin share GDAE note names and fret patterns. The banjo sounds one octave lower: G2 D3 A3 E4 compared with G3 D4 A4 E5. A tenor banjo in standard CGDA has different open notes.
Yes, if the tab is for GDAE. The string positions and fret numbers transfer, while the mandolin sounds one octave higher. CGDA and GDAD tab need different fingerings.
No. Irish tenor tuning uses G2 D3 A3 E4. Raising an Irish tenor string set to G3 D4 A4 E5 can break strings or damage the instrument. Check the octave number as well as the note letter.
Keep reading
Read the guideGDAE or CGDA? Which tuning for Irish tenor banjo
For Irish melody playing, GDAE gives you the same fingering pattern as a fiddle or mandolin, sounding an octave lower. A tenor banjo in CGDA can use it too, with suitable strings and setup.
Read the guide17-fret or 19-fret tenor banjo?
Try both with the same short tune. A shorter scale brings the frets closer together; a longer scale changes reach and string feel. The best fit depends on the actual instrument and its setup.
Read the guideFive easy Irish tunes for tenor banjo, in learning order
Begin with a repeated phrase, then add jig rhythm, string crossings and longer runs. Each tune below links to one specific setting, with a skill to practise and a phrase to watch.