About this issue
Why this chart.
The Banjo Chord Chart documents standard 5-string banjo chords in open G tuning (gDGBD — the lowest 'g' is the high drone string). The banjo's bright, sustained voice is the foundation of bluegrass, old-time, and folk music.
Banjo chord shapes are simpler than guitar — fewer strings, and the open G tuning means many chords need only two or three fingers. The chart covers G, C, D, A, Em, and a few other essentials.
Phase 5 will expand the banjo catalog. For now, this chart covers what you need to play most bluegrass and old-time tunes.
How to use it
The 5th string (the high g drone) usually rings open without being fretted. Start with G major — one of the simplest chords because it uses the open tuning directly. Then C, D, and Em.