A closer look at the banjo.
Guide updated
Play a free five-string virtual banjo with sampled plucked tones and open G tuning. Strum or explore melodies with touch, mouse, and keyboard controls.
Put a spring in your rhythm. Explore five open strings in G4–D3–G3–B3–D4 tuning: a high fifth string alongside the four longer strings gives the open-G sound its familiar shape.
Play your next noteHow do I play the online banjo?
In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Choose a G, C or D fingering and strum over the body, or touch positions on the 3D neck. The four long strings have 22 fret positions; the shorter fifth string has 17 from its own nut. Open strings restores the original tuning.
What sounds does the virtual banjo use?
Banjo samples from FluidR3 GM provide the crisp plucked tone. Fretted notes transpose the existing samples; string bends, physical fingerpicking rolls and clawhammer technique are not simulated.
Audio & tune creditsFit the high fifth string into a melody
Use the open-string buttons to hear how the high G sits beside lower strings. This original studio sequence does not teach a physical fingerpicking pattern.
Starting tempo: 72 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.
- 1G4 open string
- 2D3 open string
- 3G3 open string
- 4B3 open string
- 5D4 open string
- 6G3 open string
- 7B3 open string
- 8G4 open string
- Find the five open pitches
Open Individual open strings and identify G4, D3, G3, B3 and D4. Use those buttons, since the main melody shortcuts are a different compact scale.
- Place the high G at the edges
At 72 BPM, follow the eight-beat pattern. G4 opens and closes the phrase while the lower strings fill the middle.
- Compare the open strum
Choose Open strings in 3D and press Strum all. Compare the fast G4-D3-G3-B3-D4 sequence with the spaced notes in your exercise.
Try next: Choose C in the 3D String chord selector and strum once, then choose G and strum again. Compare the configured chord shapes without changing the tempo of your open-string exercise.
How do I record the banjo in Resonant?
- Choose your playing controls
Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.
- Record your idea
Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.
- Listen and keep a copy
Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.
A few useful notes about the banjo
Why does the banjo have one higher open string?
The five open strings are G4, D3, G3, B3, and D4. The short fifth string is the high G4, so the strings do not form an ascending scale. Use Individual open strings to hear the tuning clearly.
Does this banjo teach fingerpicking or clawhammer?
No. The 3D banjo offers G, C and D chord shapes and playable fretted notes: 22 positions on the four long strings and 17 on the shorter fifth string. It does not reproduce picking-hand patterns, bends or clawhammer technique. Classic view keeps the open strings and compact melody controls.