Sawmill (gDGCD) Tuning
Tune your banjo to Sawmill (gDGCD) — G4, D3, G3, C4, D4
About Sawmill (gDGCD) Tuning
Sawmill tuning (G4-D3-G3-C4-D4), also known as G Modal or Mountain Minor, is one of the most distinctive old-time banjo tunings. It takes Standard Open G and raises the 2nd string from B to C, creating a suspended fourth instead of a major third. This single change transforms the character from bright and major to haunting and ambiguous.
The name 'Sawmill' comes from the old-time tune of the same name, which showcases the tuning's eerie, modal sound. Some players call it Mountain Minor because of its dark quality, though technically it's not a minor tuning — it's a sus4 sound that floats between major and minor. This ambiguity is what makes it so compelling for ballads and slow mountain airs.
Sawmill tuning is closely related to Double C — both raise the B string to C. The difference is that Sawmill keeps the 4th string at D (like standard), while Double C drops it to C. This means Sawmill has more tension between the G and D notes, giving it a different modal character.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
Standard strings work perfectly for Sawmill. Only one string changes from standard Open G — the 2nd string rises a half step from B3 to C4. This minimal change means no special strings are needed. The slight tension increase on the 2nd string is negligible.
How to Tune to Sawmill (gDGCD)
- 1.Start from Standard Open G (gDGBD). Only one string changes — the 2nd string.
- 2.Raise the 2nd string from B3 up to C4 (261.63 Hz). This is just a half step — a small, easy adjustment.
- 3.All other strings stay the same: 5th = G4, 4th = D3, 3rd = G3, 1st = D4.
- 4.Strum the open strings. Instead of the bright G major chord of standard tuning, you should hear a darker, suspended sound — G-D-G-C-D.
- 5.The sound should be hauntingly ambiguous — not clearly happy or sad. That's the signature Sawmill quality.
Common Chords in Sawmill (gDGCD)
Gsus4 (open)
All strings open produce this suspended sound — the defining character of Sawmill tuning.
G Major
Fret the 2nd string at the 4th fret (E) or use other voicings. Moving between the open sus4 and a resolved G major creates beautiful melodic motion.
C Shape
C voicings using the open C string (2nd) as a foundation. Many Sawmill tunes revolve around C and G.
Dm Shape
D minor fits naturally in the modal landscape of Sawmill tuning, adding to the haunting quality.