Best banjo tuners

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 17, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best banjo tuners you can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 104 of banjo tuners and selected the 32 top options by Asmuse, SLADE, kokko, Ritoeasysports. Check out what we recommend in 2023.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Peterson StroboStomp HD Guitar Tuner
#TOP 1
Peterson StroboStomp HD Guitar Tuner
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Snark SN1 Guitar Tuner (Blue)
#TOP 2
Snark SN1 Guitar Tuner (Blue)
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New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On"
#TOP 3
New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On"
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Top 32 Best banjo tuners Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Peterson StroboStomp HD Guitar Tuner

Peterson

Features

  • Full color display
#TOP 2

Snark SN1 Guitar Tuner (Blue)

SNARK

Features

  • Pitch Calibration (415-466 Hz)
  • With stay put clip, display rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing
  • High sensitivity vibration sensor
  • Features frequency range tailored for guitar and bass
  • Tap Tempo Metronome
#TOP 3

New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On"

SNARK

Features

#TOP 4

TC Electronic POLYTUNE 3 MINI Tiny Polyphonic Tuner

TC Electronic

Features

  • Polyphonic Mode tunes all your strings at once
  • Tiny polyphonic Tuner gives you fast, accurate tuning and a high-quality tone tool in a single unit
  • Quickly tune up with polyphonic, chromatic and strobe tuning modes
  • Built-in Bonafide buffer keeps tone crisp through long cables and large pedal boards
  • Lightning-fast chromatic Tuner
#TOP 5

Snark ST-8 Super Tight Clip On Tuner (Current Model)

SNARK

Features

  • Faster processing chip
  • Screen can be read from any angle
  • High definition screen
  • Enhanced accuracy
  • "Stay Put" Clip
#TOP 6

Snark ST8-HZ Chromatic Clip-on Tuner

SNARK

Features

  • Hertz Tuning Function for Accuracy to 1/10th of 1 Hz
  • Enhanced Accuracy for "Super Tight" Tuning
  • Extended Frequency Range for All Instruments
  • New Faster Processing Chip
  • Snark "Super Tight" H.Z. Clip-On Chromatic Tuner
#TOP 7

Envistia Mall Clip On AT-01A Tuner

Envistia Mall

Features

  • Uses one CR2032 battery which is included
  • The double color backlit LCD screen displays the instrument selected, the note the string is tuned to, and an in-tune indicator meter showing whether the string is in-tune, low, or high. When the string is in tune, the meter display will be centered and the display color turns green. if the string is out of tune, the meter indicates whether it is low or high, and the display color is blue
  • Auto power off function turns off automatically after 3 minutes if there is no signal present or operation for long battery life
  • Clip-on digital tuner has presets for tuning guitar, bass, violin, ukulele and chromatic
#TOP 8

Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner

Fender

Features

  • Compact, dual-hinged clip-on tuner
  • Tuning Range B0 - B7; A440 calibration
  • Color LCD screen with easy-to-read tuning needle
  • Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin and Chromatic tuning modes
  • Includes CR2032 battery
#TOP 9

Clip On Guitar Tuner For All Instruments

Feluog

Features

  • LARGE LCD DISPAY & EASY VIEW: in chromatic mode, the display shows the note name; In guitar, bass, violin and Ukulele mode, the display shows the string number and the note name.
  • MINI DESIGN: Guitar tuner is mini design, small as a coin, you will easily take it anywhere in your guitar bag.
  • ZERO RISK PURCHASING: Instant refund or replacement if any unsatisfied to our products, we will email you within 24hours.
  • MULTI MODES CLIP-ON TUNNING: Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin
  • HIGH PRECISION: High sensitive vibration tuner responds fast, which ignores the background noise, is ideal for loud, chaotic environment. Pitch calibration from 430HZ to 450HZ
#TOP 10

Fender Bullet Tuner

Fender

Features

  • Super bright LED display
  • Rugged
  • Extremely Small
#TOP 11

KLIQ UberTuner - Professional Clip-On Tuner

KLIQ Music Gear

Features

  • FAST, ACCURATE & EASY TO USE: The UberTuner's highly sensitive Piezo Sensor detects the instrument's vibration via direct contact and accurately tunes in a flash without interference from ambient noise. It's intuitive interface is easy enough to used by a beginner and feature-rich enough for use by a touring musician. Turn it on, clip it on, and you're ready to tune.
  • AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF & MEMORY BACK-UP FUNCTIONS: Ultra-low-power and auto-off function save energy and extend the life of the battery. Memory back-up keeps all settings even after powered off.
  • RELIABLE & DURABLE: The UberTuner is backed by a comprehensive 3-Year guarantee, and with a strong and durable design, this tuner is built to last. In the unlikely event the KLIQ UberTuner stops working, we'll replace it or give you 100% of your money back.
  • VERSATILE: UberTuner has dedicated modes for Guitar (Acoustic & Electric), Bass, Violin, and Ukulele and offers a Chromatic mode that allows for key changes (Bb, C, D, Eb, F) so you can tune any string, brass or woodwind instrument. With a 360º swivel mechanism and the largest clip opening available, it fits onto almost any instrument.
  • Includes CR2032 battery
  • #1 RATED CLIP-ON TUNER
  • BRIGHT HIGH-CONTRAST DISPLAY: The large color LCD display allows you to easily see if you're flat (yellow), sharp (red), or dead-on (green) from any angle. With 3 points of adjustment and a 1.25" x 1.25" viewing surface, you can position the tuner for optimal visibility.
#TOP 12

KLIQ EcoTuner - USB Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner

KLIQ Music Gear

Features

  • Fast & Accurate: Spend more time playing, and less time tuning. The EcoTuner's advanced Micro Processor and highly sensitive Piezo Sensor will ensure your instrument is accurately tuned in a flash.
  • Super Bright Display: The largest color display on a rechargeable tuner allows you to easily see if you're flat, sharp, or dead-on from any angle. With 3 points of adjustment, you can position the screen in any way you like to put the tuner in perfect view.
  • Rechargeable Battery Inside—recharge with the supplied cord with USB port on your PC, mobile power bank, or charging adapter. No need to replace batteries, very environmentally friendly; taking 1.5 hours to fully recharge and can be used for 6 hours continuously.
  • 3-Year Manufacturer Guarantee: In the unlikely event the KLIQ EcoTuner stops working, we'll replace it or give you 100% of your money back, no questions asked.
  • Easy to Use & Reliable: Turn it on, clip it on, and you're ready to tune. Since the tuner detects the pitches directly from your instruments' vibrations, ambient room noise will never get in the way. With a strong and durable design, this tuner was built to last. From light use by the music hobbyist to heavy abuse by the touring road warrior, the EcoTuner will get you in tune every time.
#TOP 13

D'Addario Guitar Tuner

D'Addario Accessories

Features

  • Extreme Accuracy - The Ns Micro Features An Extremely Accurate Piezo Transducer That Picks Up An Instrument'S Vibration Rather Than Sound. A Wide Calibration Range (410-480Hz) Assures Precise Performance.
  • Easy To Read - The Easy-To-Read, Tri-Color Backlit Screen Displays The Note In Red When Out Of Tune, Yellow When Close, And Green When In Tune. Powered By A Readily Available (And Included) Cr2032 Battery, You Will Enjoy Maximum Battery Life Thanks To The Tuner'S Auto-Off Function.
  • Versatile - Featuring A 360-Degree Swivel Mechanism And Adjustable Padded Clamp, The Ns Mini Offers Optimal Viewing Angles And Maximum Positioning Flexibility. For Left Or Right-Handed Instruments With Small Or Large Headstocks, It Is The Ideal Choice For Acoustic And Electric Guitars, Basses, Mandolins, Banjos And Ukuleles.
  • The Stealth Tuner - Your Audience Will Never Know There Is A Tuner On Your Instrument With The Highly Precise Micro Clip-On Tuner. The Lightweight, Discrete, Compact Tuner Hides Behind The Headstock Practically Blending Into The Instrument And Is Small Enough To Be Kept On Your Instrument While Stored In Its Case. At 1.25", You Will Want One For Each Stringed Instrument You Own.
#TOP 14

Clip on Tuner for Guitar

KSKUSA

Features

  • HIGH QUALITY: stylish, sturdy construction able to stand up to heavy use in the classroom or on the road while soft silicon pads protect your beautiful instrument’s finish.
  • ACCURATE: the piezo electric sensor is highly sensitive to pitch vibrations but background noise will not bother this tuner.
  • EASY TO READ: the letter for the note fills the large screen and is color-coded Red, Green or Orange to show pitch; the head rotates completely and flips up and down for easy viewing at any angle.
  • EASY TO USE: Just clip it on and play; It turns on (and off - after 5 min) and selects the instrument mode automatically; no more fumbling with buttons; and it folds down when you are finished so you can just leave it in your case.
  • 100% Manufacturer's Lifetime warranty: if it stops working for any reason just notify us and we will send you a new one or completely refund your payment.
#TOP 15

ROADIE 3 | Smart Automatic Guitar Tuner

Roadie

Features

  • 2x FASTER & EASY TO USE: automatically tunes your instrument in under 30 seconds with a motor speed 2x faster than Roadie 2. Simply place Roadie on the peg, pluck the string and watch it do the rest. ENHANCED TUNING ACCURACY & NOISE IMMUNITY with next-generation vibration detection, allowing you to tune even in noisy environments
  • BUILT-IN VIBRATION/BEEP METRONOME so that you can set the tempo and feel the beat while playing. RESTRING & TUNE IN ONE SINGLE STEP: changing strings is now a little less tedious. You can quickly wind your new strings and directly tune them to perfection in one go
  • 150+ BUILT-IN ALTERNATE TUNINGS so you can easily switch between tunings or create your own custom tunings. CUSTOMIZABLE TUNING SETTINGS: change the A4 reference pitch, tune with a capo on, create custom tunings, change between “Fast Tuning” and “High Accuracy” & more
  • FULL COLOR, HIGH RESOLUTION, larger display screen. COMPACT DESIGN and ergonomic grip for a comfortable tuning process. LONG LASTING CHARGE: Roadie can last as long as 1 month on a single charge and is easily recharged with its USB-C cable (included in the box)
  • WORKS ON MOST STRING INSTRUMENTS with a guitar machine head including electric, acoustic and classical guitars with nylon strings, 6, 7 and 12-string guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, lap steel guitars, bouzouki, mountain dulcimer, cigar box guitar, violins with planetary pegs, and many more! (Note: It does not tune bass guitars, Get Roadie Bass to tune bass guitars too)
#TOP 16

Fender Auto Clip Chromatic Tuner

Fender

Features

  • Compact 440Hz chromatic tuner
  • Smart auto power; switches on when attached to headstock
  • Auto shut-off after 5 minutes for longer battery life
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 cent
  • Includes CR2032 battery
#TOP 17

Ranch Guitar Tuner Clip On Professional

Ranch

Features

  • Easy to Use: Turn it on, clip it on, and you're ready to tune. Since the tuner detects the pitches directly from your instruments' vibrations, so the ambient room noise will never get in the way.
  • Tuning Key: There are 4 tuning keys that you can choose- Chromatic, F key, B flat key and E flat key.
  • Fast & Accurate: Tuning in seconds! Ranch Tuner's advanced Micro Processor and highly sensitive Sensor will ensure your instrument is accurately tuned in a flash.
  • Pro Design for Strings Instruments: Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Bass, Banjo Standard Tuning - Easy to navigate and smooth touching; Small and compact size one-handed swivel clamp.
  • Reliable: Ranch tuner has 25 years of tuning experience: with a strong and durable design, this tuner was built to last. This cute tuner will be you great helper and get your loved instruments in tune every time in seconds.
#TOP 18

Golden Gate P-148 Banjo Tuners

Golden Gate

Features

  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
  • Triple gold plated brass construction provides a lustrous and durable finish
  • Removable ivoroid buttons are ergonomically shaped and comfortable to grip
  • Precise 4:1 gear ratio offers assures accurate intonation and ultra-smooth tuning feel
  • Deluxe planetary style geared pegs have a compact design and "two-band" engraved case
#TOP 19

BQLZR Semiclosed Banjo Machine Head Tuning Tuner Peg

BQLZR

Features

  • Comes with 4pcs bushings
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1 pc Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 20

Guitar Tuner - Chromatic Clip-on Tuner

Real Tuner

Features

  • Never again play music with an out of tune instrument. Suitable for both Novice and Professional musicians
  • Awesome Music Accessory with Great Accuracy, Precision and Sensitivity. Once you use it you will feel the Quality
  • 3 Years Guarantee, no questions asked
  • Stylish Design with a Bright Full Color Display easy to Read
  • Easy to access all Functions on the Front Panel. No hidden buttons. Full 360 degree rotation
#TOP 21

Banjo 5th String Tuning Peg Key

Baosity

Features

  • Chrome finish with white pearl knobs.
  • Chrome Banjo 5th Geared Tuning Peg Tuner Machine Head with White Pearl Button.
  • Material: Metal
  • High quality and .
  • Geared 5th peg to fit and vintage banjos.
#TOP 22

Kmise Banjolele Banjo Ukulele Concert Size 23 Inch

Kmise

Features

  • Kmise banjolele has various playing methods. It can be in a traditional resonator style or an open back style by detaching its back. Traditional resonator style produces a mellower, softer sound while the open back style has a brighter sound. The package also comes with a piezo pickup that can connect the recording equipment for stage performance, which makes Kmise banjolele a super playable and multifunctional musical instrument.
  • The drum head of Kmise banjolele made of polyester with great elasticity has a quick response. Equipped with superior Aquila String from Italy and high quality closed geared tuners, this banjolele can not only produce a bright and percussive tone but also be in an accurate intonation and stay in tune well.
  • Compared with other banjoleles, Kmise banjolele with action 3mm at the 12th fret is very comfortable for beginners to learn because players do not need to press too hard with such a low action. Preset with truss rod inside the neck, players can adjust the action with the wrench as needed. Smooth fretboard and neat fret wires also offer comfortable touch and protect hands from being scratched.
  • Multifunctional strap with an adjustable length from 45.6'' to 66.1'' can release the pressure of the banjolele and set hands free to play. The strap equips with two hooks can allow players not to drill a hole on the banjolele but fasten the hook on the metal frame and tie the leather belt on either headstock or strap lock.
  • Kmise provides 90-day warranty for the banjolele and lifetime string replacement. If there is any problem with Kmise banjolele, please feel free to contact us and we will reply to you within 24 hours and help you solve the problem ASAP.
#TOP 23

Real Tuner - Chromatic Clip-on Tuner

Real Tuner

Features

  • 3 Years Guarantee, no questions asked
  • Easy to access all Functions on the Front Panel. No hidden buttons. Full 360 degree rotation
  • Stylish Design with a Bright Full Color Display easy to Read
  • Never again play music with an out of tune instrument. Suitable for both Novice and Professional musicians
  • Awesome Music Accessory with Great Accuracy, Precision and Sensitivity. Once you use it you will feel the Quality
#TOP 24

Guitar Tuner Clip-on

Aroma

Features

  • TUNE YOUR INSTRUMENT UNDER A DIFFERENT PITCH. With great function of pitch calibration ranging from 430Hz to 450Hz, you can easily and fast to tune your instrument under a different pitch.
  • MORE PRECISELY TUNING YOUR INSTRUMENTS. The new feature of CENT INDICATOR on the screen shows how many cents away from note in tune. More or less 3 cents which shows note in tune. So keep your instrument in tune just 3 cents and less away from in tune.
  • EASY TO USE UNDER ANY LIGHTING CONDITIONS. Sharp and bright, colorful graphics allow you to easily see whether you're out or in tune from any angle in different light situations. Dual 360 degrees rotatable clip flexible for both right- and left-handed musician to read the screen from any angle.
  • USE THE SAME TUNER FOR MULTI INSTRUMENTS. With highly sensitive piezo sensor inside, the tuner picks up vast range of frequencies, especially low frequency, and is fast accurate to tune instruments like acoustic electric classical and steel guitars, 7 and 12 strings guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, banjos and bass guitars.
  • NO WORRY TO REPLACE BATTERIES ANY MORE. The rechargeable battery inside can be recharged 500 times. The tuner watches the power volume all the time and alerts with power volume sign on the screen. This rechargeable tuner can be quickly charged in just 1.5 hours with USB cable(included in package) for continuously use up to 5.5 hours. Saves energy with automatic power off after 3 minutes of no signal. And save your money, protect environment.
#TOP 25

D'Addario Micro Banjo Tuner

D'Addario Accessories

Features

  • Visual metronome
  • Multi-color display
  • Non-marring hoop bracket
  • Fast accurate response
  • Calibration range 435-455 Hz
#TOP 26

Golden Gate P-147 Deluxe Banjo Tuners

Golden Gate

Features

  • Set of four deluxe tuners with compact housing and ultra smooth tuning
  • Nickel plated for traditional good looks
  • 4:1 Planetary gear system allows quick, precise tuning
  • Removable ivoroid buttons are comfortable to hold and look great
  • To learn more, please see our Product Description below
#TOP 27

Crosby TuneMate Electronic Clip On Chromatic Tuner

Crosby

Features

  • COMPACT DESIGN - Made from rigid plastic to withstand abuse at home or on stage, the travel-friendly TuneMate also features a silicon case for added protection and a silicon lined clamp that won’t mark or dent your headstock or instrument.
  • 5 TUNING MODES - With 5 tuning modes and a user-friendly interface, the easy to read, full color 360º digital display makes tuning your instrument from any angle a breeze. Features a power saving mode that shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity.
  • EASY TO USE - From beginners to professional musicians, band practices to concerts, the TuneMate is the perfect accessory for kids learning music in school, experienced guitarists, and all players alike. It also makes a great gift.
  • MULTI-INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY - The TuneMate’s versatile design works with all stringed instruments including acoustic and electric guitar, bass, violin, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, viola and cello.
  • FAST AND ACCURATE - Using string vibration detection, the TuneMate's advanced microprocessor and highly sensitive pitch perfect piezo sensor allows you to quickly and accurately tune your instrument in even the noisiest environments.
#TOP 28

MICIKET Ukulele Guitar Tuner Clip-On Tuner

MICIKET

Features

  • 360 Degree RotatableWith 360 degree rubber rotational clip, you can adjust the angle you need. 360° rotatable screen will provide you clear view experience with no shaking or ghosting. Easy to read from any angle.
  • Easy To Use This guitar tuner can be easily clipped-on your instrument and easily tuned with one hand.Lightweight and portable with compact size.
  • Auto-off Auto power-off function can save energy and extend the life of battery. One piece of CR2032 Battery is included.
  • Fast & AccurateHigh sensitivity and fast tuning measuring and can be used even in a noisy environment. The high precise detection and sensitive vibrator can make sure your instrument exactly tuning in a fast speed.The tones are measured by determining the vibration frequency, which is more accurate. Tuning range is from A0 (27.5Hz) - C8 (4186.01Hz).
  • Multiple Tuning ModesChromatic, Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Banjo,Mandolin and Wind Instrument of Key F, Bb, Eb.Suitable for various instruments Perfect tuner for your string instruments.
#TOP 29

BQLZR Chrome 5 String Banjo Geared Machine Head

BQLZR

Features

  • Made of zinc alloy with pearl buttons.
  • [SIZE]: 1-4 strings (length 66MMx width 23MM), 5 strings (length 45.5MMx23MM)
  • [EXQUISITE APPEARANCE]Exquisite looks with perfect workmanship and high-technology, very easily matched for your guitar and also have good decoration effect.
  • [FUNCTION]Mainly used to fix strings and improve the sound of strings.Tuning fast and accurately, difficult to be out of tune.
  • [EASY TO USE]The tuner is lightweight and portable installation,easy to use, sturdy design and practicality.
#TOP 30

Head Tuner Tuning Peg Key Button + Bushing

ZJIA

Features

  • Comes with 4pcs bushings and spacer
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1pcs Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 31

5pcs Banjo Tuning Pegs

Homeswitch

Features

  • Top choice for your old and broke one.
  • Durable with good workmanship for long time use.
  • Includes 4pcs machine heads and 1 pc Banjo non slip peg
#TOP 32

ARTIBETTER 4pcs Banjo Tuning Pegs Tuners String Key Banjo Parts Accessories Tuning Kit Banjo Machine Head Tuning Tuner Peg

ARTIBETTER

Features

  • Guitar Machine Heads Knobs Easy install, no modifications needed. Replace old or broken with a new one.
  • Acoustic Guitar Tuning Pegs Made of high quality material, it is durable and wear resistant for long-term use.
  • Guitar String Tuning Pegs The set comes with 4 pcs string ferrules and 4pcs threaded bushing, easy to install.
  • Guitar Machine Head Good sealed tuner pegs can ensure you to play your beloved banjo flexibly and accurately.
  • Banjo String Tuning Pegs Including:4 x Tuning Pegs+4 x Bushings+4 x Ferrules

The Buying Guide to the Top banjo tuners - What You Must Know

Which is harder banjo or guitar?

If you compare how easy it is to move fingers over fingerboard or frets, you will realize it is harder to work on guitar than banjo since banjo has fewer strings. The fact that guitar has more strings that are closer to each other makes it hard, especially for beginners, to pluck or strum a precise chord.

How hard is it to tune a banjo?

Tuning a banjo is easy. There are a number of different types of banjos that all are tuned differently. The most common banjo type is a 5 string banjo and has a standard tuning in open G - the notes from the 5th string to the 1st are G, D, G, B, D. Find out alternate tunings and tunings for all other banjo types here.

Is banjo tuning the same as guitar?

Tune your five string banjo to guitar tuning by only raising the first string one whole step. Yes… you heard me right…. That's the ONLY difference from a guitar. Then, on the first four strings, play any guitar chord that you would play on the first four strings of the guitar.

What kind of tuner do you use for a banjo?

Use a clip-on tuner to check each string's current-sounding pitch. The standard tuning for a banjo is: 5-String Banjo: GDGBD.

Does tailpiece affect tone banjo?

The main tailpiece factors affecting tone are mass, length and tension. The only way I found to control mass and length, was to swap out tailpieces.

Is banjo harder to learn than guitar?

If you compare how easy it is to move fingers over fingerboard or frets, you will realize it is harder to work on guitar than banjo since banjo has fewer strings. The fact that guitar has more strings that are closer to each other makes it hard, especially for beginners, to pluck or strum a precise chord.

Do you strum or pick a banjo?

Unlike most guitarists who strum with one pick held between their fingers, bluegrass banjo players wear finger picks. Typically, bluegrass players will wear a plastic pick on their thumb and a steel pick on the index and middle fingers on their right hand.

Why are banjos hard to tune?

I gave the main reasons banjos are uniquely hard to tune (long thin flexible neck, bridge sits on thin flexible material, sensitivity to temperature, etc.) and ways to work around these challenges…

Editor's Notes

A considerable amount of time and effort was put into this research. We spent a lot of time (over 71 hours to be exact) to deep dive into the topic, analyzing at least 1593 consumer reviews. As a result, we came up with a list of the most loved models with an average rating of 277. The products you'll find in this compilation are available at $1030 on average (as of 03-10-2023).

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.