How to String a 5-String Banjo
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Stringing a 5-string banjo means fitting a fresh set of strings, seating them at the tailpiece and the tuner posts, and bringing them up to pitch with the bridge in place. Work one string at a time so the bridge stays put, then tune, stretch, and retune until the strings hold pitch.
Loosen the old strings and remove them
Turn each tuner to slacken the string, then unwind it from the tuner post and lift it free of the tailpiece and the nut. If you change one string at a time, the bridge stays where it was, which keeps the setup intact. To clean the fingerboard, remove all the strings and wipe it with a soft dry cloth before fitting the new set.
Seat the new strings at the tailpiece
Fasten one end of each string at the tailpiece, then run the string over the bridge and up the neck to its tuner. The short 5th string goes to the tuner on the side of the neck, while the long strings run to the tuners at the head. Keep each string in its slot at the nut as you work, and leave enough slack to wind the string around the post.
Wind the strings onto the tuner posts
Turn the tuner so the string winds down the post in neat coils, with each coil sitting below the last. Keep light tension on the string with one hand while you turn the tuner with the other, so the coils stay tight and do not overlap. The short 5th string winds onto the tuner on the side of the neck in the same way.
Bring the strings up to pitch
Use a tuner to bring each string up to pitch, working from the lowest string to the highest and going back over them as they settle. Tune the short 5th string to G and the long strings to D, G, B, D. New strings stretch, so tune, pull each string gently away from the neck, and tune again until the pitch holds.
Check the bridge position after tuning
After the strings hold pitch, look at the bridge from the side and from above to confirm it still sits centered on the head with the strings running straight from the tailpiece to the nut. If the bridge has moved, slacken the strings, set it back in place, and tune again. Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth after playing to keep them clean.
What you need
AKLOT Full-Sized Banjo Set: 38’’ 5 String
A full-size 5-string banjo kit with extra strings, a digital tuner, a bridge placement ruler, and a geared 5th tuner for stringing and tuning.
- Resonator back
- Brackets: 24
- Case or gig bag included
- Strings: 5
- 2 year warranty stated
Kmise 5 String Resonator Banjo
A 5-string resonator banjo kit with extra strings, a digital clip-on tuner, and a removable back cover, plus a storage bag for carrying it.
- Resonator back
- Case or gig bag included
- Strings: 5
- 6-month warranty stated
Gold Tone Mastertone OB-150 Orange Blossom 5-String
A 5-string resonator banjo with GT Planetary tuners, a Presto tailpiece, and a hard case, set up and inspected by hand in the workshop.
- Resonator back
- Case or gig bag included
- Strings: 5
- Lifetime warranty stated
Costzon 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Geared
A 5-string banjo kit with a geared 5th tuner, 24 brackets, a digital tuner, and a bag and strap for carrying it.
- Brackets: 24
- Case or gig bag included
- Strings: 5
These come from our ranked list Best 5 String Banjo, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change banjo strings?
Change them when the strings look discolored or feel rough, when rust appears, or when they no longer hold tune. How much and where you play affects how soon those signs show up, so check the strings each time you pick the banjo up.
Do I have to remove all the strings at once?
No. Changing one string at a time keeps the bridge in place and the banjo close to pitch. Remove all of them only when you want to wipe the fingerboard with a soft dry cloth.
Why does my banjo go out of tune with new strings?
New strings stretch as they settle, so the pitch drops after the first tuning. Tune, stretch each string gently, and tune again, repeating the cycle until the strings hold pitch.
What do I do if a string keeps slipping at the tuner?
Slacken the string and wind it again so the coils sit neatly down the post without overlapping. Keep light tension on the string while you wind, and check that the string sits in its slot at the nut.
Ranked banjos lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.