Stringed instrument tunings This is a chart of stringed instrument tunings . Instruments are listed alphabetically by their most commonly known name.[ 1]
Terminology
A course may consist of one or more strings .[ 2]
Courses are listed reading from left to right facing the front of the instrument, with the instrument standing vertically. On a majority of instruments, this places the notes from low to high pitch .
Exceptions exist:
Instruments using reentrant tuning (e.g., the charango ) may have a high string before a low string.
Instruments strung in the reverse direction (e.g. mountain dulcimer ) will be noted with the highest sounding courses on the left and the lowest to the right.
A few instruments exist in "right-hand" and "left-hand" versions; left-handed instruments are not included here as separate entries, as their tuning is identical to the right-hand version, but with the strings in reverse order (e.g., a left-handed guitar ).
Strings within a course are also given from left to right, facing the front of the instrument, with it standing vertically. Single-string courses are separated by spaces; multiple-string courses (i.e. paired or tripled strings) are shown with courses separated by bullet characters (•).
Scientific pitch notation
Pitch : Unless otherwise noted, contemporary western standard pitch (A4 = 440 Hz ) and 12-tone equal temperament are assumed.[ 3]
Octaves are given in scientific pitch notation , with Middle C written as "C4 ". (The 'A' above Middle C would then be written as "A4 "; the next higher octave begins on "C5 "; the next lower octave on "C3 "; etc.)[ 4]
Because stringed instruments are easily re-tuned, the concept of a "standard tuning" is somewhat flexible. Some instruments:
have a designated standard tuning (e.g., violin ; guitar )
have more than one tuning considered "standard" (e.g. mejorana , ukulele )
do not have a standard tuning but rather a "common" tuning that is used more frequently than others (e.g., banjo ; lap steel guitar )
are typically re-tuned to suit the music being played or the voice being accompanied and have no set "standard" at all (e.g., đàn nguyệt ; Appalachian dulcimer )
Where more than one common tuning exists, the most common is given first and labeled "Standard" or "Standard/common". Other tunings will then be given under the heading "Alternates".
A
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Ahenk
12 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
A3 A3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4 •A4 A4 •D5 D5 •G5 G5
Alternates:
May also use various oud tunings
Turkey
Ajayu
12 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
A A•E E•A A•C♯ C♯ C♯ •F♯ F♯ F♯
Alternate:
Chile
A very recent instrument, invented in 2007
Akkordolia
4 strings
4 courses
F2 A2 C3 F3
Taishogoto, Bulbul-tarang, Benju
Germany & Austria / Japan / India / Pakistan
There are also a number of drone strings, the number and tuning of which vary widely.
Akonting
3 courses
3 strings
Common:
Casamance: D3 G3 F4
Gambian: C3 F3 E4
Ekonting, Bunchundo, Econtin, Konting
Senegal
Often strung with fishing line.
A rare 4-string version also exists.
Amzad
1 string
1 course
No standard tuning; tuned to any convenient note.
Imzad
Niger, Mali, Algeria
Horse hair string.
Archlute
27 strings
14 courses
F1 F2 •G1 G2 •A1 A2 •B1 B2 •C2 C3 •
D2 D3 •E2 E3 •F2 F3 •G2 G2 •C2 C2 •
F3 F3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4
Arciliuto, Erzlaute.
Europe
Number of courses could vary from 11–14, and the number of strings from 21–27.
12-course, 23-string archlute:
Armonico
7 strings
6 courses
E3 •A3 •D4 •G4 G4 •B3 •E4
Cuba
Arpeggione
6 strings
6 courses
E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
Vienna, Austria
Rare.
Tuning is same as guitar.
Autoharp
36 strings
36 courses
F2 G2 C3 D3 E3
F3 F♯ 3 G3 A3 A♯ 3 B3 C4 C♯ 4 D4 D♯ 4 E4
F4 F♯ 4 G4 G♯ 4 A4 A♯ 4 B4 C5 C♯ 5 D5 D♯ 5 E5
F5 F♯ 5 G5 G♯ 5 A5 A♯ 5 B5 C6
Chord zither
USA
Instruments with additional strings exist (from 37 – 48 total strings), but are very rare.
B
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Baglama
7 strings
3 courses
top to bottom:
G2 G3 •D3 D3 •A2 A3 A3
Bağlama, Saz, Tanbura, Çöğür
Turkey
See Bağlama
Baglamas
6 strings
3 courses
D4 D5 •A4 A4 •D5 D5
Baglama, Baglama Saz, Baglamadaki
Greece
Standard aka "Modal D"
Bajo quinto
10 strings
5 courses
A2 A1 •D3 D2 •G2 G2 •C3 C3 •F3 F3
Mexico
True 10-string bajo quintos are made, but many so-called "bajo quintos" are really bajo sextos with the lowest course removed.
Bajo sexto
12 strings
6 courses
Standard/common (all fourths ):
E2 E1 •A2 A1 •D3 D2 •G2 G2 •C3 C3 •F3 F3
Alternate:
Guitar (aka Solo Tuning, or Bass VI Tuning):
E2 E1 •A2 A1 •D3 D2 •G2 G2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3
Mexico
In practice the bottom course (2 strings) is often removed, making the instrument effectively a bajo quinto .
Balalaika , alto
3 strings
3 courses
E3 E3 A3
Alto
Russia
See Ekkel (1997) for all Balalaika tunings.[ 5]
Balalaika , bass
3 strings
3 courses
Standard:
E2 A2 D3
Old orchestral:
Bass
Russia
Balalaika , contrabass
3 strings
3 courses
Standard:
E1 A1 D2
Old orchestral:
Contrabass
Russia
Balalaika , descant
3 strings
3 courses
E5 E5 A5
Descant
Russia
Obsolete
Balalaika , piccolo
3 strings
3 courses
Standard:
B4 E5 A5
Old orchestral:
Piccolo
Russia
Rare
Balalaika , prima
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
E4 E4 A4
Alternates:
Prima
Russia
This is the standard instrument of the balalaika family
Balalaika , prima, 6-string
6 strings
3 courses
Standard:
E4 E4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4
Alternates:
Same as for 3-string prima
Prima
Russia
A more recent development, professionals consider these inferior to 3-string instruments.
Balalaika , secunda
3 strings
3 courses
A3 A3 D4
Secunda
Russia
Often just a prima with altered tuning, though slightly larger secundas are also made.
Balalaika , tenor
3 strings
3 courses
A2 A2 D3
Tenor
Russia
Obsolete
Bandola Andina Colombiana
16 strings
6 courses
F♯ 3 F♯ 3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4 E4 •A4 A4 A4 •D5 D5 D5 •G5 G5 G5
Colombia
Bandola Llanera
4 strings
4 courses
A2 D3 A3 E4
Venezuela
Bandola Oriental
8 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
Venezuela
Bandolin
15 strings
5 courses
E5 E4 E5 •A5 A4 A5 •D5 D5 D5 •F♯ 5 F♯ 5 F♯ 5 •B5 B5 B5
Ecuador
Bandurria , Philippine
14 strings
6 courses
F♯ 3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4 •A4 A4 A4 •D5 D5 D5 •G5 G5 G5
Philippines
One octave higher than the Philippine laud.
Bandurria , Spanish
12 strings
6 courses
G♯ 3 G♯ 3 •C♯ 4 C♯ 4 •F♯ 4 F♯ 4 •B4 B4 •E5 E5 •A5 A5
Spain
Standard tuning aka "Spanish tuning",
one octave higher than the laud.
Banjo, bass
4 strings
4 courses
E1 A1 D2 G2
US
The Cello banjo is sometimes called "bass banjo", but it is tuned differently, and there are true bass banjos as well.
Banjo, cello
4 strings
4 courses
C2 G2 D3 A3
"bass" banjo
US
Same as used for the cello .
Banjo, cello
5 strings
5 courses
G3 D2 G2 B2 D3
banjo cello
US
One octave lower than 5-string bluegrass banjo.
Banjo, contrabass
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
E1 A1 D2
Alternates:
D1 G1 C2
D1 A1 D2
C1 G1 C2
US
Essentially in the same range as the bass banjo , but with a much larger resonator. These instruments are very rare, and tuning is not standardized.
[ 6] [ 7]
Banjo (5-string)
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
G4 D3 G3 B3 D4
Alternates:
C tuning: G4 C3 G3 B3 D4
Double C: G4 C3 G3 C4 D4
Sawmill: G4 D3 G3 C4 D4
Open D : F♯ 4 D3 F♯ 3 A3 D4
Guitar: G4 D3 G3 B3 E4
Willie Moore: G4 D3 G3 A3 D4
Doc Bog's D: F♯ 4 D3 G3 A3 D4
Cumberland Gap:G4 E3 A3 D4 E4
G Minor: G4 D3 G3 B♭ 3 D4
Open C : G4 C3 G3 C4 E4
Bluegrass Banjo
US via Africa
Standard aka "Open G"
Sawmill aka "mountain modal"
Open D aka "Graveyard," "Reuben"
Guitar aka "Old G," "Sandy River Belle"
There are dozens of other, less common tunings.
Banjolele
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G4 C4 E4 A4
Alternate (traditional):
Baritone
Banjo ukulele, banjo uke, banjelele, banjulele
US
Hybrid of banjo and ukulele. Same tuning as a ukulele of the same scale.
Banjolin
4 strings
4 courses
G3 D4 A4 E5
Mandolin-banjo, Melody Banjo, banjoline, bandoline
US
Hybrid of mandolin and banjo but with only one string per course
Banjo ,
Long Neck
5 strings
5 courses
E4 B2 E3 G♯ 3 B3
"Pete Seeger" Banjo
US (commissioned by Pete Seeger)
Open string tuning; often played with capo on 3rd fret
Banjo , tenor
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common (all fifths ):
C3 G3 D4 A4
Alternate:
US
US via Africa
Irish tuning same as octave mandolin tuning
Banjo , Plectrum
4 strings
4 courses
C3 G3 B3 D4
Chicago Tuning:
D3 G3 B3 E4
US via Africa
Baryton
17 strings
17 courses
Two ranks
Bowed rank: A1 D2 G3 C3 E3 A3 D4
Plucked rank: A2 D3 E3 F♯ 3 G3 A3 B3 C♯ 3 D4 E4
Europe (Germany?)
Seven bowed strings, and 10 resonating strings, also plucked with the left thumb
Basprim
(See Brac, 5 string )
(See Brac, 5 string )
Bass guitar
(See Guitar, bass )
(See Guitar, bass )
Berimbau
1 string
1 course
[*]
Brazil
* No standard tuning,
Biscernica , 5 string
5 strings
4 courses
C♯ 3 •F♯ 3 •B3 •E4 E4
Bisernica
Balkans
The prim has 5 strings; there is another bisernica which has 6 strings.
Bisernica ,
6 string
6 strings
4 courses
E3 •A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Tamburitza
Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia
Other courses are sometimes doubled.
Bordonua
10 strings
5 courses
A2 A3 •D4 D3 •F♯ 3 F♯ 4 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
Puerto Rico
Bouzouki
8 strings
4 courses
C3 C4 •F3 F4 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Tetrachordo bouzouki
Greece
Standard aka "F6 tuning"
Bouzouki
6 strings
3 courses
D3 D4 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Trichordo bouzouki
Greece
Standard aka "F6 tuning"
Bouzouki, Irish
( See Irish bouzouki )
( See Irish bouzouki )
Brac ,
5 string
5 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
E3 •A3 •D4 •G4 G4
Alternate:
Basprim, Brach
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
Brac ,
6 string
6 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
Brach
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
Braguinha
4 strings
4 courses
D4 G4 B4 D5
Braguinã, Cavaquinho, Machete de braga
Madeira, Portugal
Standard aka "Banjo tuning" (octave higher than the plectrum banjo)
Bugarija ,
5 string
5 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 •B2 •D3 •G3 G3
Alternates:
D2 •F♯ 2 •A2 •D3 D3
E2 •G♯ 2 •B2 •E3 E3
Kontra
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
First course is sometimes not doubled.
Bugarija ,
6 string
6 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 •B2 •D3 D3 •G3 G3
Alternates:
D2 •F♯ 2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3
E2 •G♯ 2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3
Kontra
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
C
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Cak
4 strings
3 courses
D5 D5 • G4 • B4
Steel kroncong guitar
Indonesia
Cavaquinho
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
D4 G4 B4 D5
Alternates:
'Guitar': D4 G4 B4 E5
Alternative: G4 C5 B4 D5
Alternative: A4 A4 C♯ 5 E5
Cavaco, Manchete, Machimbo
Portugal
Cello
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
C2 G2 D3 A3
Alternates:
Violoncello
Europe
Many scordatura tunings have been employed by various composers for individual pieces, for example:
B1 F♯ 2 D3 A3
"Whole step down" tuning:
B♭ 1 F2 C3 G3
Celo
4 strings
celovic celloses ginga
Croatia Serbia Slovenia
This is the modern instrument
Čelovič ,
4 string
4 strings
4 courses
E2 A2 D3 G3
Celo, Csello, Cselo
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
This is the modern instrument again
Čelovič , Farkas
6 strings
4 courses
D2 •G2 •C3 C3 •G3 G3
Celo, Csello, Cselo
Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
The traditional 19th century instrument, developed by Jankovic Farkas, now virtually obsolete.
Cetera
16 strings
8 courses
Standard/common:
C3 C3 •D3 D3 •E♭ 3 E♭ 3 •F3 F3 •G3 G3 •G3 G3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Alternate:
G2 G2 •A2 A2 •C3 C3 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •G3 G3 •D4 D4 •E4 E4
Corsica, France.
Chanzy
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
F2 C3 F3
Alternates:
Chanzi, Tyanzi
Tuva, Russia
Chapey
3 strings
2 courses
F3 F3 • B3
Chapei, Chapei Dong Veng
Cambodia
Chapman Stick
10 strings
10 courses
E3 A2 D2 G1 C1 F♯ 2 B2 E3 A3 D4
Stick, The Stick, Classic Stick
United States
There are many alternate tunings, which vary from individual to individual
Chapman Stick ,
Grand Stick
12 strings
12 courses
B3 E3 A2 D2 G1 C1 C♯ 2 F♯ 2 B2 E3 A3 D4
Stick, The Stick, Grand Stick
United States
There are many alternates, which vary from individual to individual
Charango
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
G4 G4 •C5 C5 •E5 E4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
Alternates:
C4 C4 •F4 F4 •A4 A3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
F4 F4 •B♭ 5 B♭ 5 •C5 C4 •G4 G4 •D5 D5
Quirquincho, Mulita, Tatu, Kirki
Bolivia, Peru, Argentina
Chile, Ecuador
Common C6 /Am7 or "Bolivian" tuning, but there are many variants. 3rd course is an octave pair.
Charango, Hatun
7 or 8 strings
6 or 7 courses
(A3 ) • D4 • G4 • C5 • E5 E4 • A4 • E5
Grand Charango, Hatun Charango, Peruvian Charango
Peru
A recent addition to the charango family.
Charangón
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
D4 D4 •G4 G4 •B4 B3 •E4 E4 •B4 B4
Alternates:
G3 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
G3 G2 •C4 C3 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
C4 C4 •F4 F4 •A4 A3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
Tenor Charango,
"Bass" Charango
Andean Region
Standard aka "Argentine tuning" or "G6 tuning", one fourth lower than the charango.
Very similar in appearance to the charango , but slightly larger.
Charango, Ranka
11 strings
5 courses
G4 G4 •C5 C5 •E5 E4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5 E6 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •G5 G4 •C5 C5 •G5 G5 G6
Patasi Charango, Ranqha Charango
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Chillador
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
G3 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Alternates:
Same as charango
Andean mountains
Essentially a flat-backed charango
Chitarra battente
10 strings
5 courses
A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G3 G3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
Italy
Chonguri
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
D2 F2 D3 A2
Alternate:[*]
Chaghyr, Chagur, Chugur, Choghur, Chungur, Chunguri
Georgia
[*]There are many tuning variations. Note that both examples here are re-entrant.
Çiftelia
2 strings
2 courses
B3 E4
Albania
Common tuning, there are variants.
Cimbalom
[*] about 125 strings
about 53 courses
A2 A♯ 2 B2 C3 C♯ 3 D3 D♯ 3 E3 F3 F♯ 3 G3 G♯ 3
[...] * A♯ 5 B5 C6 C♯ 6 D6 D♯ 6 E6 F6 F♯ 6 G6 G♯ 6 A6
Cimbál, cymbalom, cymbalum, ţambal, tsymbaly and tsimbl, santur, santouri, sandouri
Hungary
* String number varies with size of instrument; bass courses are usually triple strung and higher courses typically quadruple strung. Range given is for a Concert Grand; other sizes with smaller, and with more extended ranges exist. Only lowest and highest octaves are given; intervening notes are tuned chromatically.
Cinco Cuatro
5 strings
4 courses
G3 •D4 D3 •F♯ 4 •B4
North-western Venezuela
Cinco Y Medio
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
E4 •G3 •D4 •F♯ 4 •B4
Alternates:
A4 •D3 •F♯ 4 •B4 •E4
North-western Venezuela
Cinco y Medio
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
E3 •A3 •D3 •F♯ 4 •B4 •E4
Alternate:
A4 •A3 •D3 •F♯ 4 •B4 •E4
North-western Venezuela
Standard a.k.a. "Sanara tuning"
Cinco Seis
( See Seis Cinco )
( See Seis Cinco )
Cittern (long scale)
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common (aka "Irish"):
D2 D2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Alternates:
C2 C2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
C2 C2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Celtic or Flatback Cittern
Europe
Long Scale[ 8] ~ 25.25" (64.1 cm)
Many other modal tunings have been described for citterns .
Cittern
(mid scale)
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
D2 D2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Alternates:
D2 D2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
D2 D2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Celtic or Flatback Cittern
Europe
Mid Scale[ 9] ~ 22.5" (57.2 cm)
Many other modal tunings have been described for citterns .
Cittern (short scale)
10 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
Alternates:
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •G3 G3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4 •B4 B4
Celtic or Flatback Cittern
Europe
Short Scale[ 10] ~ 20.0" (51.0 cm)
Many other modal tunings have been described for citterns .
Crwth
5 strings
5 courses
G2 •C3 •C2 •D2 •D3
Crowd, Rote
Wales
Traditional Welsh tuning
Cuatro Alto
10 strings
5 courses
F♯ 4 F♯ 3 •B3 B4 •E4 E4 •A4 A4 •D5 D5
Alto Cuatro
Puerto Rico
Rare.[ 11]
Cuatro Antiguo
8 strings
4 courses
A3 A3 •E4 E4 •A4 A4 •D5 D5
Puerto Rico
A 4 string/4 course version exists, tuned the same
Cuatro Bajo
10 strings
5 courses
E3 E2 •A3 A2 •D3 D3 •G3 G3 •C4 C4
Bass Cuatro
Puerto Rico
Rare.[ 12]
Cuatro Cubano
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G4 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E4 •A4 A4
Alternates:
G4 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E4 •G4 G4
A4 A3 •D4 D4 •F♯ 4 F♯ 4 •B4 B4
Cuban Cuatro, Tres-Cuatro
Cuba
Cuatro, Puerto Rican
10 strings
5 courses
B3 B2 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Cuatro Tradicional, Cuatro Tenor, Cuatro Puertorriqueno, Cuatro Aviolinado, Cuatro Moderno, tenor Cuatro
Puerto Rico
The Tenor Cuatro is the standard instrument of the Puerto Rican Cuatro Family .[ 13]
Cuatro Aviolinado means 'violin-shaped cuatro';
Cuatro Moderno is to distinguish from the Cuatro Antiguo
Cuatro, Venezuelan
4 strings
4 courses
A3 •D4 •F♯ 4 •B3
Cuatro Venezolano
Venezuela
Standard aka "D6 tuning"
Cuatro Soprano
10 strings
5 courses
C♯ 5 C♯ 4 •F♯ 4 F♯ 5 •B4 B4 •E5 E5 •A5 A5
Soprano Cuatro
Puerto Rico
Rare.[ 14]
Cuk
3 strings
3 courses
G4 • B3 • E3
Kroncong Cuk, Nylon kroncong guitar
Indonesia
Cümbüş
12 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
A2 A2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Alternates:
Alternative Standard: D2 D2 •E2 E2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3 •G3 G3 •C4 C4
Egypt/Arab: D2 D2 •G2 G2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3 •G3 G3 •C4 C4
Turkish/Armenian:
E2 E2 •A2 A2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Turkey
Tunings are highly variable, other common alternates include:
Turkish Armenian alt.: C♯ 2 C♯ 2 •F♯ 2 F♯ 2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
New Turkish classical: F♯ 2 F♯ 2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Old Turkish classical:
A2 A2 •D3 D3 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Cümbüş , tambur
6 strings
3 courses
D2 D2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3
Turkey
Cura
6 strings
3 courses
D4 D4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
Cura saz
Turkey
Cura
7 strings
3 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 A4
Cura saz
Turkey
Cura
8 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
Cura saz
Turkey
Same as Mandolin
D
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Đàn bầu
1 string/
1 course
C3 [*]
Đàn độc huyền, Độc huyền cầm
Vietnam
* Tuning is approximate, and frequently varies
Đàn đáy
3 strings
3 courses
G3 •C4 •F4
Vo de cam,
Đàn đáy
Vietnam
Đàn nguyệt
2 strings
2 courses
[ * ]
Nguyệt cầm,
Đàn kìm
Vietnam
* There is no fixed tuning: one string is tuned to a convenient vocal pitch, the other is tuned a 4th, a 5th or (rarely) an octave above that.
Đàn nhị
2 strings
2 courses
Standard/common:
F C
Alternates:
Đàn cò
Vietnam
Đàn tranh
17 strings,
17 courses [*]
G3 A3 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5 G5 A5 C6 D6 E6 G7 A7
Vietnam
*Instruments with from 14–25 strings/courses have been made; 17 is considered the current standard (2014)
Daruan
4 strings
4 courses
D2 A2 D3 A3 '
Bass Ruan
China
lit. "large Ruan"
Dihu
2 strings
2 courses
Dadihu, Dahu, Ziaodihu, Zhongdihu
China
A larger version of the Erhu.
Either tuning may be considered standard.
Diyinruan
4 strings
4 courses
G1 D2 G2 D3 '
Contraass Ruan
China
lit. "low pitched Ruan"
Dombra
2 strings
2 courses
Standard:
D4 •G4
Dambura, Dumbyra, Tumpyra, Tumra, Danbura
North central Asia
Domra , alto
3 strings
3 courses
E3 •A3 •D4
Russia
Domra , alto
4 strings
4 courses
C3 •G3 •D4 •A4
Ukraine
Same as mandola tuning
Domra , bass
3 strings
3 courses
E2 •A2 •D3
Russia
Domra , bass
4 strings
4 courses
C2 •G2 •D3 •A3
Ukraine
Same as mandocello tuning
Domra , contrabass
3 strings
3 courses
Standard:
E1 •A1 •D2
Alternate:
Russia
Domra , contrabass
4 strings
4 courses
E1 •A1 •D2 •G2
Ukraine
Same as the orchestral double bass
Domra , Mezzo-soprano
3 strings
3 courses
B3 •E4 •A4
Russia
Rare
Domra , piccolo
3 strings
3 courses
B4 •E5 •A5
Russia
Domra , piccolo
4 strings
4 courses
C4 •G4 •D5 •A5
Ukraine
Octave higher than the mandola
Domra , prima
3 strings
3 courses
E4 •A4 •D5
The main instrument of the domra family
Russia
Domra , prima
4 strings
4 courses
G3 •D4 •A4 •E5
Ukraine
Same as mandolin tuning
Domra , tenor
3 strings
3 courses
B2 •E3 •A3
Russia
Domra , tenor
4 strings
4 courses
G2 •D3 •A3 •E4
Ukraine
Same as octave-mandolin tuning
Dotara
4 strings
4 courses
F♯ 3 •C♯ 3 •F♯ 4 •B4
India
Dotara
6 strings
5 courses
G2 G3 •C4 •G4 •G4 •C5
Bangladesh
Double bass
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
E1 •A1 •D2 •G2
Alternates:
Drop D: D1 •A1 •D2 •G2
Solo Tuning: F♯ 1 •B1 •E2 •A2
With low 'C' machine:
C1 •A1 •D2 •G2
B0 •A1 •D2 •G2
Bass, bass fiddle, contrabass, string bass, standup bass, doghouse
Europe
Standard aka "orchestral tuning"
Double bass , 5-string
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
C1 •E1 •A1 •D2 •G2
Alternates:
B0 •E1 •A1 •D2 •G2
Bass, bass fiddle, contrabass, string bass, standup bass, doghouse
Europe
Standard aka "orchestral tuning"
Dranyen
7 strings
3 courses
A3 A3 •D4 D3 D3 •G3 G3
Dramyin, Dramnyen
Bhutan and Tibet
Standard aka "Bhutanese tuning"
Dranyen
6 strings
3 courses
A3 A3 •D3 D3 •G3 G3
Dramyin, Dramnyen
Bhutan and Tibet
Standard aka "Tibetan tuning"
Dulcimer ,
3 course
3–6 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
3-string: A3 •A3 •D3
4-string: A3 A3 •A3 •D3
5-string: A3 A3 •A3 •D3 D3
6-string: A3 A3 •A3 A3 •D3 D3
Alternates (see notes):
Mixolydian: D4 •A3 •D3
Dorian: G3 •A3 •D3
Aeolian: C4 •A3 •D3
Galax ("Unison"): D4 •D4 •D3
Mountain Dulcimer, Appalachian Dulcimer, Lap Dulcimer, Dulcimore, Delcimore, Delcimer
US
Most dulcimers are either 3 or 4 course; any or all courses may be doubled with a second, unison string—hence the number of different stringing possibilities.
Alternates listed here give a pitch for each whole course, regardless of number of strings.
Many variants are used; there is no fixed "standard" for the four-course.
Chromatic instruments exist, but traditionally dulcimers are fretted in diatonic intervals: whole (step), whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.[ 15]
3-course, 4-string dulcimer:
Dulcimer ,
4 course
4–8 strings
4 courses
Common*:
4-string: D4 •D4 •A3 •D3
5-string: D4 D4 •D4 •A3 •D3
6-string: D4 D4 •D4 •A3 •D3 D3
8-string: D4 D4 •D4 D4 •A3 A3 •D3 D3
Alternates (see notes):
G-tuning: D4 •B3 •G3 •D3
Dorian: D4 •C4 •G3 •D3
Ragtime: D4 •A♯ 3 •A3 •D3
D-tuning: F♯ 4 •D4 •A3 •D3
Mountain Dulcimer, Appalachian Dulcimer, Lap Dulcimer, Dulcimore, Delcimore, Delcimer
US
Dutar
2 strings
2 courses
Standard/common:
D3 •G3
Alternate:
Dotar
Uzbekistan
This instrument is found in many forms throughout central Asia.
E
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Ektara
1 string
1 course
No standard; string is tuned to any convenient pitch.
Ektar, Iktar, Gopichand, Gobijeu
India
Epinette des Vosges
6 strings [*]
6 courses
Common:
G C G
France
Typically three fretted strings; three drones, but the number of drones may vary widely.
Similar in concept to the Apalacian Dulcimer
Erhu
2 strings
2 courses
D4 A4
Nanhu
China
F
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Fegereng
2 strings
2 courses
[*]
Faglong, Fuglung, Hegelong, Kutyapi, Kutiapi, Kotyapi, Kotapi, Kudyapi, Kuglong, Kadlong, Kudlong, Kudlung, Kusyapi
Southeast Asia
[*] There is no "standard" tuning. One string is tuned to any convenient pitch, and the other is tuned one octave higher.
Fiddle
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G3 D4 A4 E5
Alternates:
Cajun: F3 C4 G4 D5
Open G: G3 D4 G4 B4
Sawmill: G3 D4 G4 D5
Gee-dad: G3 D4 A4 D5
Open D: D3 D4 A4 D5
High bass: A3 D4 A4 E5
Cross tuning: A3 E4 A4 E5
Calico: A3 E4 A4 C♯ 5
Violin , Kit, Pochette
Europe, USA
"Fiddle" describes a playing style more than a unique instrument; a fiddle is just a violin with a slightly different "set-up".
Standard aka "Italian" or "orchestral" tuning,
High Bass aka "Old-time D tuning",
Cross tuning aka "High counter",
Calico aka "Black Mountain Rag" or the Swedish tunings: Trollstämning, or Näckastämning
G
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Gabusi
6 strings
4 courses
D g bb dd
Gaboussi
Comoros Islands
Gadulka
3 strings
3 courses
A3 E3 A4
The Balkans
3 playing strings, with up to 10 sympathetic strings .
Gambus Hadhramaut
11 strings
6 courses
C • G G • B B • A A • E E • D D
Malaysia , Indonesia
Related to oud
Musician playing gambus Hadhramaut .
Gaoyinruan
4 strings
4 courses
G3 D4 G4 D5
Soprano Ruan
China
Literally "high pitched Ruan"
Gehu
4 strings
4 courses
C2 G2 D3 A3
Erhu-cello,
China
Same tunings as cello
Gekkin
4 strings
2 courses
C3 C3 G3 G3 [*]
Gekin
Japan
* Tuning is not western equal temperament
Gekkin
4 strings
4 courses
A3 D4 D4 D5
Japanese Yueqin
Japan
Geyerleier
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
E3 E2 •B3 B2 •E3 E3 •B3 B3
Alternate:
Hamburg, Germany
Guitalele
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
A2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4
Alternate:
Ukutar
US, Japan
Tuned a 4th or a 5th higher than the standard guitar.
Guitar
6 strings
6 courses
Standard:
E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
Common Alternates:
Drop D: D2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
Open D: D2 A2 D3 F♯ 3 A3 D4
Open G: D2 G2 D3 G3 B3 D4
Open A: E2 A2 E3 A3 C♯ 4 E4
Lute: E2 A2 D3 F♯ 3 B3 E4
Irish: D2 A2 D3 G3 A3 D4
Nashville: E3 A3 D4 G4 B3 E4
Classical guitar,
6-string guitar,
Spanish guitar,
Steel-string guitar
Spain (acoustic)
USA (electric)
"classical" = guitar with gut, nylon, or other synthetic strings;
"acoustic"/"steel-string" = guitar with metal strings;
Open G aka "bottleneck," "taro patch";
Open A aka "Spanish";
"Lute tuning" is usually capoed on 3rd fret to give G2 C3 F3 A3 D4 G4 , and E2 is often dropped to D2 (F2 with capo).
There are hundreds of alternate guitar tunings ; whole books have been written on the subject.[ 16]
Classical Guitar:
Steel String Guitar:
Electric Guitar:
Guitar , alto
11 strings
11 courses
B♭ 1 C2 D2 E♭ 2 F2 G2 C3 F3 B♭ 3 D4 G4
Archguitar, altgitarren, Bolin guitar
Sweden
Guitar , alto
13 strings
13 courses
A1 B♭ 1 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 D3 F3 A3 D4 F4
Archguitar, altgitarren, Bolin guitar
Sweden
This instrument is very rare.
Guitar , alto (Niibori)
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
B2 E3 A3 D4 F♯ 4 B4
G Guitar
Japan
Transposing guitar in the key of G, developed for the Niibori Guitar Orchestra
Guitar , 7 string
7 strings
7 courses
Standard/common:
B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
Alternate:
Van Eps: A1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
Choro: C2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
7 string classical guitar,
"Brazilian" guitar,
7 string electric guitar
US
Van Eps aka "Jazz tuning"
"Choro" is popular in Brazil
6-string alternates may be adapted for the 7-string
Guitar , 8 string (low/high)
8 strings
8 courses
B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 A4
8 string classical guitar
Spain
aka "Galbraith tuning"
Guitar , 8 string (added basses)
8 strings
8 courses
[B1 D2 ] E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
8 string classical guitar
8 string electric guitar
Spain
Tuning of two lowest strings varies with player and music
Guitar , 9 string
9 strings
6 courses
E3 E2 •A3 A2 •D4 D3 •G3 B3 E4
US
12-string guitar variant with doubled bases
Guitar , 9 string
9 strings
6 courses
E2 • A2 • D3 • G4 G3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
US
12-string guitar variant with doubled trebles
Guitar , 9 string
9 strings
9 courses
F♯ 1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 A4 [*]
US
* These short-scale, extended range instruments are uncommon, and tuning hasn't really been standardized for them.
Guitar , 10 string
10 strings
10 courses
F♯ 2 G♯ 2 A♯ 2 C2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
10 String classical guitar
Spain
Standard tuning, developed by luthier José Ramírez III in collaboration with guitarist Narciso Yepes
Twelve-string guitar , 12 string
12 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
E3 E2 •A3 A2 •D4 D3 •G4 G3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
Alternates:
Variant: E4 E2 •A3 A2 •D4 D3 •G4 G3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
All 6-string alternates may be adapted to 12-string.
Twelve-stringed Guitar
US?
Some players tune the third course to unison G3 's to minimize breakage of the high G string.
Guitar, baritone
6 strings
6 courses
Common tunings:
4th lower: B1 E2 A2 D3 F♯ 3 B3
5th lower: A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3
Octave lower: E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3
US
There really is no "standard" tuning for baritone guitar; choice of tuning depends on instrument, stringing, and player's preferences.
Guitar, bass
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
E1 A1 D2 G2
Alternates:
Bass, electric bass, 4-string bass, Fender bass
USA
First U.S. patent filed by Leo Fender on November 21, 1952.
Electric Bass:
Acoustic Bass:
Guitar, bass (5-string)
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
B0 E1 A1 D2 G2
E1 A1 D2 G2 C3
Bass, electric bass, 5-string bass
Essentially a 4-string bass with one added high or low string. Choice of tuning depends whether the added string is low or high .
Guitar, bass (6-string)
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3
Alternate:
E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3
Bass, electric bass, 6-string bass, contrabass guitar
Essentially a 4-string bass with either added high and low strings.
Guitar, bass (8-string)
8 strings
4 courses
E2 E1 •A2 A1 •D3 D2 •G3 G2
Eight-string bass guitar , 8-string bass
US
Essentially a 4-string bass with each string doubled at the upper octave.
Guitar, bass (12-string)
12 strings
4 courses
E2 E2 E1 •A2 A2 A1 •D3 D3 D2 •G3 G3 G2
Twelve-string bass guitar , 12-string bass
US
Similar to an 8-string bass with doubled upper octaves.
Guitar, octave
6 strings
6 courses
E3 •A3 •D4 •G4 •B4 •E5
Piccolo Guitar, Soprano Guitar
Germany
One octave higher than the standard guitar.
Guitarra De Golpe
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
D3 •G3 •C4 •E3 •A3
Alternates:
Tecalitan: D3 •G3 •B4 •E3 •A3
Urbana: G3 •C4 •E4 •A3 •D4
Urbana alt.: G3 •C4 •E3 •A3 •D4
Guitarra Colorada, Quinta De Golpe, Mariachera
Mexico
Note re-entrant tunings
Lute guitar
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
E2 •A2 •D3 •G3 •B3 •E4
Alternates are the same as the guitar
Guitarren laute, guitar-lute, lute-guitar
Germany
Basically this is a lute-shaped guitar; a guitar neck on a lute body.
Guitarro
6 strings
6 courses
B4 F♯ 4 D5 A5 E5
Guitarrico, Spanish Tiple
Spain
Guitarrón
6 strings
6 courses
A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A2
Guitarrón de Toloche
Mexico
Guitarron Argentino
6 strings
6courses
B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3
Argentina
A 6-string acoustic bass guitar.
Guitarrón chileno
24 or 25 strings total
5 courses + 4 open "diablitos"
diablitos , top: F♯ 5 A4
(D4 ) D4 D3 D3 D2 •
(G4 ) G4 G4 G4 G3 G3 •
(C4 ) C4 C4 C3 C2 •
E4 E4 E4 •
A4 A4 A4
diablitos , bottom: G4 B4
Chile
4 short, unfretted strings are known as diablitos (little devils).
Number of strings in 3rd, 4th, & 5th courses may vary.
Guitar, tenor
4 strings
4 courses
Standard
C3 • G3 • D4 • A4
Common Alternates
US
Same tuning as tenor banjo, mandola.
Guitar, terz
6 strings
6 courses
G2 C3 F3 B♭ 3 D4 G4
Tertz Guitar, Tierce Guitar, Third Guitar
Italy, Germany
A minor third higher than standard guitar tuning.
Guqin
7 strings
7 courses
sol la do re mi sol la
China
Guqin music uses no absolute pitch so tuning varies.
The common Zheng Diao tuning sets "do" to approx. "F3 " and tunes other strings relative to that to give C3 D3 F3 G3 A3 C4 D4
Gusli
9 strings
9 courses
Standard/common:
E3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4
Крыловидные гусли
Russia
Tuning varies; this is a common traditional tuning
H
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Halszither
9 strings
5 courses
G2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • D4 D4
Krienser Halszither
Switzerland
Hardingfele
4 strings
4 courses
plus 4–5 resonating strings
Standard/common:
A3 D4 A4 E5
res. strings : (B3 ) D4 E4 F♯ 4 A4
Common alternates:
Kolagutstille: A3 C4 A4 E5
res. : (A3 ) D4 E4 G4 A4
Seljekvatstille: A3 D4 F♯ 4 E5
res. : (B3 ) D4 E4 F♯ 4 A4
res. : (A3 ) C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 A4
res. : (A3 ) C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 A4
res. : (F3 ) B3 D4 G4 A4
res. : (B3 ) D4 E4 G4 A4
Hardanger violin, Hardanger fiddle
Norway
Standard aka "Oppstilt bas" : More than 80% of music written for this instrument uses this tuning.
Trollstilt aka
"Devil's Tuning"
There are many other variant tunings, most of them uncommon.
Harp , Concert
47 strings
47 courses
C♭ 1 D♭ 1 E♭ 1 F♭ 1 G♭ 1 A♭ 1 B♭ 1
[ . . . ] * C♭ 7 D♭ 7 E♭ 7 F♭ 7 G♭ 7
Pedal Harp, Double-action Harp, Diatonic Double-action Harp
France
* Only lowest and highest octaves shown. Tuning proceeds through 6+ 1 ⁄2 octaves using the C♭ diatonic scale
Harp , Celtic
34 strings
34 courses [*]
C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 B2
[ . . . ] * C6 D6 E6 F6 G6 A6
Clàrsach, Folk Harp, Lever Harp
British Isles
* Number of strings varies, generally between 19 and 40; 34 strings is typical. Not all models have levers. Only lowest and highest octaves shown. Tuning proceeds through 4+ 1 ⁄2 octaves using the C diatonic scale.
Harpsichord
Varies[*]
[*]Typical:
C2 C♯ 2 D2 D♯ 2 E2 F2 F♯ 2 G2 G♯ 2 A2 A♯ 2 B2
[...] * C♯ 6 D6 D♯ 6 E6 F6 F♯ 6 G6 G♯ 6 A6 A♯ 6 B6 C7
Virginal, Spinet, Clavicytherium, Ottavino, Pedal Harpsichord, et al
Europe (Belgium?)
Many variants exist having differing number of keys, multiple keyboards, pedal boards, choirs of strings, etc., and they may have anywhere from about 120 to many hundreds of strings. Tuning is given for a typical single-keyboard, 5-octave instrument, for the main choir of strings. Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; intervening notes are tuned chromatically. Often tuning is in some musical temperament other than 12-tone equal temperament (common on modern pianos).
Harzither
8 strings
4 courses
GG • CC • EE • GG
Bergzither
Germany
Huapanguera
8 strings
5 courses
G2 •D3 D4 •G3 G3 •B3 B3 •E3
Mexico
Huobosi
4 strings
4 courses
E2 A2 D3 G3
Hubo, Sugudu
China
Hurdy Gurdy
5 or 6 strings
5 courses
Traditional:
(G4 )G4 C4 G3 C3 C2
Alternates:
(G4 )G4 C4 G3 C3 G2
(D5 )D4 D4 G3 D3 D2
(D5 )D4 D4 A3 D3 G2
(A5 )A5 D4 A3 D3 D2
Beggar's lyre, Crank lyre, Cymphan, Forgolant, Organistrum, Symphonia, Wheel fiddle, Wheel vielle
France
Stringing is given in reverse order, owing to the orientation of the instrument while playing. The first one (or two) strings are melody strings; others are drone strings. Other regional tuning variants exist.
I
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Ichigenkin
1 string
1 course
no standard [*]
Japan
[*]
string is tuned to any note convenient for the vocalist
Igil
2 strings
2 courses
(E • B )
Ikili
Tuva , Mongolia
Pitch varies depending what other instruments the Igil is playing with, but the two strings are always tuned a 5th apart.
Irish bouzouki
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G3 G2 •D4 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Alternates:
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
G3 G2 •D4 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
A3 A2 •D4 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Bouzouki, Octave Mandolin, tenor Mandolin (US), tenor Mandola (UK), Zouk
Ireland
Irish bouzouki is an octave mandolin with the two lowest courses tuned in octaves instead of unisons. "Modal D" octaves can also be tuned in unisons.
J
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Jarana huasteca
5 strings
5 courses
G3 • B3 • D4 • F♯ 4 • A4
Mexico
Jarana jarocha
8 strings
5 courses
A3 • D4 D4 • G3 G4 • B3 B3 • E4
G3 •C4 C4 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •G4
Mexico
Part of their name usually describes their size, for example:
Jarana Chaquiste, Jarana Primera, Jarana Segunda, Jarana Tercera, Jarana Tercerola
Where octave doublings occur will often differ depending on the size of the instrument. The larger instruments commonly double the middle courses at the octave.
Jarana jarocha requinto
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 •A2 •D2 •G3
Alternates:
C2 •D2 •G2 •C3
C2 •D2 •G3 •C3
A2 •D3 •G3 •C3
Jarocha requinto, requinto jarocha, guitarra de son
Mexico
Jarana leona
4 strings
4 courses
G2 •A2 •D3 •G3
Mexico
Jouhikko
3 strings
3 courses
D A E
Jouhikannel
Finland
Absolute pitch is not fixed on this instrument
K
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Kabosy
6 strings
4 courses
G • G • B B • D D
Madagascar
Kacapi
6 strings
3 courses
A♯ • B •C♯ •F• F♯
Indonesia
Uses a gamelan pelog scale. Tuning is approximated to western notation.
Kamancheh
4 strings
4 courses
D5 •A5 •D4 •A4
Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Khonkhota
8 strings
5 courses
[*]
G4 G3 •C4 •D4 D3 •A3 •D4 D4
Qonqhota, Ponputu, Mokholos, Machus
South America
Strings/courses are usually 8/5 but 7/5, 9/5, 10/5 or 11/5 variations exist.
Kithara Sarda
6 strings
6 courses
B2 E2 A2 D3 F3 B3
Sardinia, Italy.
Kobza
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
GG • DD • GG • CC
Alternate:
DD • AA • DD • GG
Kobuz, Kobsa
Moldavia, Romania, Hungary
Kokles
11 strings
11 courses
G3 A3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G4 A4 B4 C4
G3 A3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G4 A4 B♭4 C4
Kokle, Kūkles, Kūkle
Latvia
Since the 1980s the most common tunings for 11-stringed kokles among kokles players.
Komuz
3 strings
3 courses
A E A
Qomuz, Gopuz, Kopuz, Kopus
Kyrgyzstan
Kora
21 strings
21 courses
Traditional tunings:
Tomora Ba/Silaba: F2 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 A5
Tomora Mesengo: F2 C3 +D3 +E♭ 3 F3 G3 +A3 +B♭ 3 C4 +D4 +E♭ 4 F4 G4 +A4 +B♭ 4 C5 +D5 +E♭ 5 F5 G5 +A5
Hardino: F2 C3 -D3 +E3 F3 G3 -A3 +B3 C4 -D4 +E4 F4 G4 -A4 +B4 C5 -D5 +E5 F5 G5 -A5
Sauta: F♯ 2 C3 D3 E3 F♯ 3 G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F♯ 4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 E5 F♯ 5 G5 A5
West Africa
Scales roughly correspond to Western major , minor , and lydian scales, but are not in equal temperament. Any of the scales may be considered "standard".
Koto
13 strings
13 courses
Traditional tunings:
D4 D4 A3 B3 D4 E4 F♯ 4 A4 B4 D5 E5 F♯ 5 A5
E4 A3 B3 D4 E3 F♯ 3 A3 B3 C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 A4 B4
E4 A3 B3 C♯ 4 E3 F♯ 3 A3 B3 C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 A4 B4
B3 E3 F♯ 3 A3 B3 C♯ 4 /D4 E4 F♯ 4 A4 B4 C♯ 5 /D5 E5 F♯ 5
B3 E3 F♯ 3 G♯ 3 B3 C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 G♯ 4 B4 C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4
F♯ 3 B3 C♯ 3 E3 F♯ 3 G♯ 3 /A3 B3 C♯ 4 E4 F♯ 4 G♯ 4 /A4 B4 C♯ 5
G3 G3 D3 E3 G3 A3 B3 D4 E4 G4 A4 B4 D5
箏, 琴
Japan
Tuning depends on the piece being played.
A4 is closer to 430 Hz than to the western standard (440 Hz), and intervals are in just intonation and not equal temperament.
In some tunings alternate choices are available for strings 6 and 11 (indicated with a slash); whatever note is chosen these strings are always tuned one octave apart.
Krachappi
4 strings
2 courses
F2 F2 • B2 B2
Grajappi, Krachap pi
Thailand
Kwitra
8 strings
4 courses
GG • EE • AA • DD
Kuitra, Kouitra, Quwaytara
Algeria
L
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Laouto
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
C2 C3 •G2 G3 •D2 D3 •A3 A3
Alternate:
Cretan: G2 G3 •D2 D3 •A2 A3 •E3 E3
Laghouto
Greece
Standard a.k.a. "Mainland"
Laúd
12 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
G♯ 2 G♯ 2 •C♯ 3 C♯ 3 •F♯ 3 F♯ 3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4 •A4 A4
Alternates:
D2 D2 •A2 A2 •E3 E3 •B3 B3 •F♯ 4 F♯ 4 •C♯ 5 C♯ 5
D2 D2 •A2 A2 •E3 E3 •B3 B3 •F♯ 4 F♯ 4 •D5 D5
Spanish laud
Spain
Standard aka Spanish Tuning;
one octave lower than the Spanish Bandurria
Laúd, Cuban
12 strings
6 courses
D3 D3 •F♯ 3 F♯ 3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4 •A4 A4 •D5 D5
Laud Cubano
Cuba
Laúd, Philippine
14 strings
6 courses
F♯ 2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 A3 •D4 D4 D4 •G4 G4 G4
Laud
Philippines
Same tuning as the Octavina
Lili'u
6 strings
4 courses
G4 • C3 C4 • E4 • A3 A4
6 string Tenor Ukulele
Hawaii
Invented by Sam Kamaka to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's Statehood. The name comes from the last queen of Hawaii, Queen Liliʻuokalani
Liuqin
4 strings
4 courses
G3 • D4 • G4 • D5
Alternate
liuyeqin, willow leaf instrument
China
Liuto cantabile
10 strings
5 courses
C2 C2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Liuto moderno
Naples, Italy
Some courses are occasionally single-strung
Luc huyen cam
5 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
C3 • F3 • C4 • G4 • C5
Alternate:
Hu ai Cam: G2 • D3 • G3 • B4 • D5
(a.k.a. "slide guitar tuning")
Đàn Ghita, Ghita, Phím Lõm,
Vietnamese guitar
Vietnam
Originally a 4- or 5-string instrument; today often nearly identical to a 6-string western guitar, except for having a scalloped fingerboard and one less string.
(See below.)
Luc huyen cam
6 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
E2 • A2 • D3 • G3 • B3 • E4
Alternates:
Day Rach-Gia: E2 • A2 • D3 • G3 • D4 • G4
Day Lai: D2 • A2 • D3 • G3 • D4 • G4
Day Sai Gon: D2 • G2 • D3 • G3 • D4 • G4
Đàn Ghita, Ghita, Phím Lõm,
Vietnamese guitar
Vietnam
"Standard" identical with the common western guitar.
Day Lai a.k.a. "aculturated tuning"
Day Sai Gon a.k.a. "Saigon Tuning"
Lute
[ * ]
Medieval 12 string/6 course:
G2 G2 • C3 C3 • F3 F3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4 • G4 G4
Medieval 13 string/7 course:
D2 D3 •G2 G3 •C3 C4 •F3 F3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4
Renaissance 15 string/8 course
D2 D3 •F2 F3 •G2 G3 •C3 C4 •F3 F3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4
Renaissance 19 string/10 course
C2 C3 •D2 D3 •E♭2 E♭3•F2 F3 •G2 G3 •C3 C4 •F3 F3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4 •G4
Baroque 24 string/13 course
A1 A2 •B1 B2 •C2 C3 •D2 D3 •E2 E3 •F2 F3 •G2 G3 •A2 A2 •D3 D3 •F3 F3 •A3 A3 •d4•f4
Europe
[ * ] The number of strings and courses on a lute can vary widely depending on period and geographical region. Among the more common forms are 6, 7, 8, 10, and 13 courses. (Pictured: 8 course Renaissance Lute.)
Cretan lyra
3 strings
3 courses
D3 • A3 • E5
Crete, Greece
M
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Mandobass
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
E1 A1 D2 G2
Alternate:
G1 D2 A2 E3
Alternate:
C1 G1 D2 A2
Bass Mandolin
Europe
The alternate tuning (2 octaves below the mandolin) is usually applied to a smaller-scale instrument (see Mandobass ).
The alternate tuning (2 octaves below the mandola) is usually applied to a smaller-scale instrument (see Mandobass ).
Mandobass
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G1 G1 •D2 D2 •A2 A2 •E3 E3
Alternate:
"Mandola": C1 C1 •G1 G1 •D2 D2 •A2 A2
Tremolo-bass
Europe
Relatively rare; larger than the standard mandobass.
Standard tuning is 2 octaves below the mandolin.
Alternate tuning is 2 octaves below the mandola.
Mandocello
8 strings
4 courses
C2 C2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3
mandolincello, mandoloncello
Standard tuning is 1 octave below the mandola.
Mandola
8 strings
4 courses
C3 C3 •G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
Tenor mandola (Europe)
A 5th below mandolin tuning.
Mandolin
8 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
Alternates:
"Get Up John Tuning":
F♯ 3 A3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •A5 D5
All violin alternate tunings may be adapted for the mandolin
Standard instrument of the mandolin family.
Mandolinetto
8 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4 •E5 E5
USA and Canada
A guitar-shaped mandolin, or mandolin neck on ukulele body.
Mandolin, Octave
8 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Alternate:
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Tenor Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Octave mandola (Europe)
Pitched 1 octave below the mandolin.
Mandolin, piccolo
8 strings
4 courses
C4 C4 •G4 G4 •D5 D5 •A5 A5
Brilliant tone mandolin
Tuned a 4th above the mandolin; 1 octave above the mandola.
Mandriola
12 strings
4 courses
G3 G3 G3 •D4 D4 D4 •A4 A4 A4 •E5 E5 E5
Tricordia
Europe
Tricordia is also a similar instrument tuned differently; both instruments are known by both names. (see Trichordia )
Manguerito
7 strings
5 courses
D4 •G4 •B4 B3 •E4 •B4 B4
La Paz, Bolivia
Mejorana
5 strings
5 courses
D4 •A4 •A3 •B3 •E4
D4 •G4 •G3 •B3 •E4
Mejorana, Rumbo
Panama
Either tuning may be considered "standard."
N
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Nevoud
11 strings
6 courses
C♯ 2 •F♯ 2 F♯ 2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •D4 D4
Nevud, New Oud
Turkey
Nigenkin
2 strings
2 courses
No standard [*]
Yakumogoto
Japan
[*] Strings are tuned in unison, to any pitch convenient for vocalist.
Nyckelharpa , standard
4 strings
4 courses + 12 resonating strings
C3 • G3 • C4 • A4
res.strings:
G♯ 3 A3 B♭ 3 B3 C4 C♯ 4 D4 E♭ 4 E4 F4 F♯ 4 G4
Key-harp,
Chromatic Nyckelharpa
Sweden
Number of sympathetic strings may vary.
Nyckelharpa, tenor
4 strings
4 courses + 12 resonating strings
G2 • D3 • G3 • E4
res.strings:
G♯ 2 A2 B♭ 2 B2 C3 C♯ 3 D3 E♭ 3 E3 F3 F♯ 3 G3
Sweden
This instrument is of very recent invention.
O
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Octavina
14 strings
6 courses
F♯ 1 •B1 B1 •E2 E2 •A2 A2 A2 •D3 D3 D3 •G3 G3 G3
Philippine Laúd
Philippines
One octave lower than the Philippine Bandurria
Octobass
3 strings
3 courses
Berlioz /Musée de la Musique :
C1 G1 C2
Subcontrabass, triple bass
France
Extremely rare. Extant instruments tuned variously.
Octofone
8 strings
4 courses
* C2 C2 •G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3
G2 G2 •D3 D3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
D2 D2 •G2 G2 •B2 B2 •E3 E3
USA
Any of the tunings may be considered "standard".
Oud
11 strings
6 courses
C2 F2 A2 D3 G3 C4
F2 A2 D3 G3 C4 F4
D2 G2 A2 D3 G3 C4
Ottoman Turkish/Armenian/Greek:
E2 A2 B2 E3 A3 D4
C♯ 2 F♯ 2 B2 E3 A3 D4
Alt. New Turkish Classical:
D2 F♯ 2 B2 E3 A3 D4
Ud, Al-Ud, Oud Arbi
Middle East
notated a 4th higher in ME notation; one octave higher in western notation.
P
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Palida
4 strings
4 courses
D3 • A3 • E4 • B4
Europe
Panduri
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
G3 • A3 • C4
Alternate:
Phanduri
Georgia (Asia)
Pardessus de Viole
5 strings
5 courses
Standard:
C4 • E4 • A4 • D5 • G5
Soprano Viol
Europe
A member of the viol family.
A rare 6-string version adds a G3 below the low C string.
Pedal Steel Guitar
[ * ]
10 strings
10 courses
Standard/common:
E9th: B2 D3 E3 F♯ 3 G♯ 3 B3 E4 G♯ 4 D♯ 4 F♯ 4
C6 th: C2 F2 A2 C3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4 D4
Alternates:
A7 th: A1 E2 G2 A2 C♯ 3 E3 G3 A3 C♯ 4 E4
C Diatonic: G2 A2 C3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4 E4
Steel guitar
United States
[ * ] 10 strings is more or less standard now, but instruments with 6, 8, 12, and other numbers of strings, and 2, 3, or 4 necks exist. A different tuning is usually applied to each neck, but setups vary from player to player.
2-Neck Pedal Steel Guitar
Phin
3 strings
3 courses
A3 E4 A4
Thailand
Piano
230 strings[*]
88 courses
A0 A♯ 0 B0 C1 C♯ 1 D1 D♯ 1 E1 F1 F♯ 1 G1 G♯ 1
[...] *C♯ 7 D7 D♯ 7 E7 F7 F♯ 7 G7 G♯ 7 A7 A♯ 7 B7 C8
Pianoforte, Grand, Grand Piano, Concert Grand, Upright, Upright Piano, Spinet
Europe (Italy)
* About 2 ⁄3 of courses are triple strung; some lower courses are double strung; the remaining bases are single strung. All multi-strung courses are tuned to unisons. Exact number of strings varies by manufacturer and model, 220 – 240 is typical.[ 17] Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic.
Upright Piano:
Grand Piano:
Piano , Imperial Grand
249 strings[*]
97 courses
C0 C♯ 0 D0 D♯ 0 E0 F0 F♯ 0 G0 G♯ 0 A0 A♯ 0 B0
[...] *C♯ 7 D7 D♯ 7 E7 F7 F♯ 7 G7 G♯ 7 A7 A♯ 7 B7 C8
Imperial Grand, 290, Bösendorfer
Austria
* About 2 ⁄3 of courses are triple strung; some lower courses are double strung; the remaining bases are single strung. All multi-strung courses are tuned to unisons. Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic. These extended-range pianos are very expensive and uncommon.
Pipa
4 strings
4 courses
A2 D3 E3 A3
Pi p'a
China
Portuguese guitar
12 strings
6 courses
D3 D2 •A3 A2 •B3 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •B3 B3
C3 C2 • G3 G2 • A3 A2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • A3 A3
Guitarra Portuguesa
Portugal
Either tuning may be considered "standard".
Prim
(See Bisernica, 5 string )
(See Bisernica, 5 string )
Q
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Qanbūs
7 stings
4 courses
C • D D • G G • C C
gambus
Yemen
Syrian qanbūs.
Qinqin
3 strings
3 courses
G3 D4 A5
China
R
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Rajao
6 strings
5 courses
D4 •G4 •C4 •E4 •A4 (A4 )
Rajão
Portugal
Sometimes the top course is not doubled, so there are only 5 strings
Ramkie
4 strings
4 courses
C3 F3 A3 C4
Afri-can, Kitaar
South Africa
Typically these are homemade, and therefore quite variable.
Rebab
2 strings
2 courses
D3 A3 [*]
Java
* Tuning given is approximate: does not follow western equal temperament
Requinto
6 strings
6 courses
A2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4
Requinto guitar
Mexico
4th above the standard guitar
Ronroco
10 strings
5 courses
Standard Argentine (G6 /Em7):
D4 D4 •G4 G4 •B4 B3 •E4 E4 •B4 B4
Standard Bolivian (F6 /Dm7):
C4 C4 •F4 F4 •A4 A3 •D4 D4 •A4 A4
Standard Chilean (C6 /Am7):
G3 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Common Variants: [*]
G4 G3 •C5 C4 •E4 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
G4 G3 •C5 C4 •E3 E3 •A3 A3 •E4 E4
Baritone Charango,
Ronrroco
Andean Region
[*] Instrument is still new enough that no one "standard" tuning has emerged. Chilean tuning (also a variant in Bolivia), one octave below the charango , is very common. Chilan variants (various octave doublings on courses 3, 4, and 5) depend on stringing—thinner strings are required for the high octaves in doubled courses. Argentine G6 /Em7 tuning is also popular, which basically raises the pitch to that of the charangón .
Ruan
See under individual sizes
Ruanqin
See listing for individual sizes:
soprano: Gaoyinruan
alto: Xiaoruan
tenor: Zhongruan
bass: Daruan
contrabass: Diyinruan
See under individual sizes
Ruanqin
See Ruan
See Ruan
Russian guitar
7 strings
7 courses
Standard/common:
D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B3 D4
Alternates:
Drop C: C2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B4 D4
French: D2 G2 C2 D3 G3 B4 D4
semistrunnaya gitara, semistrunka
Russia
There are many variant tunings, mostly idiosyncratic to individual performers.
S
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Samica
4 strings
2 courses
Standard/common:
B3 • E4
Alternate:
A3 • D4
Dangubica, tambura
Balkans
Tuning is flexible, but the courses are always a fourth apart.
Sanshin
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
C3 • F3 • C4
Alternates:
Ichi-agi chōshi: E♭ 3 • F3 • C4
Ni-agi chōshi: C3 • G3 • C4
Ichi, ni-agi chōshi: D3 • G3 • C4
San-sage chōshi: C3 • F3 • B♭ 3
Okinawa shamisen, jabisen
Ryukyu Islands , Japan
Standard aka Hon chōshi
Santur
72 strings
18 courses
Golden strings (right)
E♭ 3 •F3 •G3 •A♭ 3 •B♭ 3 •C4 •D4 •E♭ 4 •F4
Silver strings (left)
E♭ 4 •F4 •G4 •A♭ 4 •B♭ 4 •C5 •D5 •E♭ 5 •F5
Silver strings (behind bridges)
E♭ 5 •F5 •G5 •A♭ 5 •B♭ 5 •C6 •D6 •E♭ 6 •F6
Iran, Turkey
This is common tuning for Dastgāh-e Šur
Sanxian
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
A2 • D3 • A3
Alternate:
D3 A3 D4
Sanhsien, Small Sanxian, Xianzi, Quxian, Shuxian, Chinese Banjo
China
Sanxian , Large
3 strings
3 courses
G2 • D3 • G3
Sanhsien, Large Sanxian, Xianzi, Quxian, Shuxian, Chinese Banjo
China
Other size variants exist, but are uncommon.
Sarangi, Nepalese
4 strings
4 courses
G4 •C5 •C5 •G5
Nepal
Sargija
6 strings
3 courses
C3 C3 • G3 G3 • D3 D3
Sharkia, Sharki, Shargija
Albania
Seis Cinco
6 strings
5 courses
E3 •A4 A3 •D3 •F♯ 4 •B4
Seis Cinco
North-western Venezuela
Setar
4 strings
3 courses
C3 C4 • G3 • C4
Iran
Shamisen
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
D G D
Alternates:
San sagari: D G C
Ni agari: D A D
Samisen, Sangen
Japan
Standard = "Honchoshi" tuning
Sitar
7 strings
(3 are drones)
plus 13 sympathetic strings
C2 G2 C3 F3
drones: C5 C4 G3
North India
4th string can be tuned to C. Sympathetic (resonating) strings are tuned to the raga being played.
Socavon
4 strings
4 courses
G3 D4 A4 B2
Bocona
Panama
Strumstick
3 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
G3 D4 G4
Alternate:
Dulcitar, Dulcimer stick, Strumbly, Standard Strumstick
US
Other sizes exist. General tuning is Root-5th-Octave, but the variations used are endless.
Swedish lute (modern)
[*]
Standard / Common (12 strings / 12 courses):
F1 G1 A1 B1 C2 D2 open E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 over fretboard
Open A / Sittra (15 strings / 15 courses):
A1 , B1 , C#2 , D2 , E2 , F#2 , G#2 open A2 , B2 , C#3 , D3 , E3 , A3 , C#4 , E4 over fretboard
Scholander lute
Sweden
Other versions exist, mainly differing in the number of bass strings.
Open A was developed in 1793-1794 for the original, most developed form (taken from a cittern).[ 18]
T
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Tambura
8 strings
4 courses
D3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • E4 E4
Tamboura
Bulgaria
Tambura
4 strings
4 courses
sol do' do' do *
Tanpura, Tampuri, Tamboura, Taanpura
India
*Classical Indian music has no absolute pitch. "Do" is tuned to a convenient note for any singers, or for the Raga being played, and the other strings are tuned relative to that reference.
Tambura
4 strings
2 courses
D D • A A
Tamboura
Macedonia
Tar
6 strings
3 courses
Common (for Dastgāh-e Šur )
C4 C4 • G3 G3 • C4 • C3
Iran
Tarica
5 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
C2 • G2 G2 • C3 C3
Alternate:
Ionian: D2 • A2 A2 • D3 D3
Tarika, Tricord, Trichord
Europe
Taropatch
8 strings
4 courses
Standard:
G3 G4 • C3 C4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4
Alternates:
G4 G4 • C3 C3 • E4 E4 • A4 A4
G3 G3 • C3 C3 • E4 E4 • A4 A4
8 string Tenor Ukulele
Hawaii
The name comes from "Taropatch Fiddle" an early Hawaiian, slightly derogatory name for all Ukuleles used by the "Landed" Anglo Settlers however it came over to Mainland U.S.A. with the fiddle part dropped to describe an 8 string Ukulele
Tembor
5 strings
3 courses
A A•D•G G
China
Terzin Kitarra
6 strings
6 courses
G♯ 2 B2 E3 A3 C♯ 4 E4
Malta
Theorbo
14 strings
14 courses
F1 G1 A1 B1 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E3
Italy
May have as many as 19 courses, extending down to B0
Timple
5 strings
5 courses
G4 C5 E4 A4 D5
Canary Island Tiple
Canary Islands, Spain
Tiple , American
10 strings
4 courses
A4 A3 • D4 D3 D4 • F♯ 4 F♯ 3 F♯ 4 • B3 B3
Tiple ukulele, Martin Tiple
US
The D and F♯ are triple-strung; the other strings are paired.
Tiple, Columbian
12 strings
4 courses
Standard/Traditional:
C4 C3 C4 • E4 E3 E4 • A4 A3 A4 • D4 D4 D4
Alternate:
'Guitar'/modern G6 : D4 D3 D4 • G4 G3 G4 • B4 B3 B4 • E4 E4 E4
Tiple Colombiano
Colombia
Triple strung
Tiple de Menorca
5 strings
5 courses
D4 •G4 •C5 •E5 •A5
Menorca, Spain
Tiple , Puerto Rican
5 strings
5 courses
E3 • A3 • D4 • G4 • C5
Tiple Doliente
Puerto Rico
Tiple Requinto
12 strings
4 courses
Standard/Traditional:
C4 C4 C4 • E4 E4 E4 • A4 A4 A4 • D4 D4 D4
Alternate:
'Guitar'/modern G6 : D4 D4 D4 • G4 G4 G4 • B4 B4 B4 • E4 E4 E4
Tiple Requinto Colombiano
Colombia
Triple strung: smaller than Tiple Colombiano, and central lower octave strings are replaced with unisons.
Tres ,
Cuban
6 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
G4 G3 • C4 C4 • E3 E4
Alternate:
A4 A3 • D4 D4 • F♯ 3 F♯ 4
Tres, Tres Cubano
Cuba
Tres ,
Puerto Rican
9 strings
3 courses
Standard/common:
G4 G3 G4 • C4 C4 C4 • E4 E3 E4
Alternates:
G3 G4 G4 • C4 C4 C4 • E4 E4 E3
G4 G4 G3 • C4 C4 C4 • E3 E4 E4
Tres, Tres Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Note that alternates simply change the location of the octave doublings.
Tricordia
12 strings
4 courses
G2 G3 G3 • D3 D4 D4 • A3 A4 A4 • E4 E5 E5
Mandriola
Mexico
Although tuned differently from the mandriola, both instruments are known by both names
Tzouras
6 strings
3 courses
D3 D4 • A3 A3 • D4 D4
6 strings/3 courses
Tzouras
Greece
U
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Ukulele, Baritone
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
D3 G3 B3 E4
Alternate (rare):
Baritone Uke, Bari Uke
U.S.A.
Same as 4 highest-pitched guitar strings
Ukulele, bass
4 strings
4 courses
E2 A2 D3 G3
Bass Ukulele, bass Uke
US
Same as bottom four strings of the guitar. A relatively new instrument; unlike the UBass (see below) it has sufficient volume to be played acoustically, and sounds more like a uke than a bass.
Ukulele, contrabass ("UBass")
4 strings
4 courses
E1 A1 D2 G2
Bass Uke, contrabass Ukulele, Rubber Bass, Travel Bass, U-Bass
US
Same as bass guitar. A relatively new instrument that has to be amplified to be heard; tone is much like a double bass. Compared to the acoustic bass uke (see above), this is really a contrabass instrument.
Ukulele, Concert
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G4 C4 E4 A4
Alternate:
Uke,
Alto Ukulele
U.S.A
The size up from a Soprano. The original name was used to try and convey that the Ukulele in question was a better and more professional than the standard model. The current size comes from when C. F. Martin & Co. started making a 4 string version of their Taropatch.
Ukulele, Pocket
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
D5 G4 B4 E5
Alternate:
Pocket Uke, Mini Uke, Sopranino Ukulele, Sopranissimo Ukulele
Hawaii
a miniature ukulele first produced by the Hawaiian maker Jonah Kumalae very early in the 20th century which he referred to as a Mini
Ukulele, Soprano
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G4 C4 E4 A4
Alternate (traditional):
D6 : A4 D4 F♯ 4 B4
Low G: G3 C4 E4 A4
Uke
Hawaii
The standard, basic ukulele. Traditionally, D6 tuning was used though C6 tuning is now most common.
Ukulele, Tahitian
8 strings
4 courses
G4 G4 • C5 C5 • E5 E5 • A4 A4
Tahitian banjo, Tahitian Ukulele, Ukulélé Tahitien, Youke
Tahiti
This is a fairly modern instrument that was developed in the last quarter of the 20th century
Ukulele, tenor
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G4 C4 E4 A4
Alternate:
Uke, tenor Uke
Hawaii
5-, 6- and 8- string versions exist: 5-string has 4th (lowest)) course doubled; 6-string has 1st (highest) and 3rd courses doubled (see Taropatch ); 8-string has all 4 courses doubled (see Lili'u )
V
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Veena
7 strings
7 courses
C3 • D3 • E3 • F3 • G3 • A3 • B3
Vina, Saraswati Veena; Sawaswati Vina
South India
Pitches are approximate: does not use the western equal tempered tuning system.
Vihuela
5 strings
5 courses
A3 • D4 • G4 • B3 • E4
Mexico
This is the modern Mariachi instrument. Vihuela also refers to many historic antecedents of the guitar, in various configurations, most of them currently obsolete.
Viol , alto
6 strings
6 courses
C3 F3 A3 D4 G4 C5
Europe
Viol , baritone
6 strings
6 courses
F2 A2 D3 G3 C4 F4
Alto-tenor viola da gamba (Fidel) named by Wulf
Europe
Viol , bass
6 strings
6 courses
D2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4
Tenor viola da gamba (Fidel) named by Wulf
Europe
Viol , bass
7 strings
7 courses
A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4
Europe
Viol , contrabass
6 strings
6 courses
D1 G1 C2 E2 A2 D3
violone, D'violone
Europe
octave lower than the 6-string bass viol
Viol , Soprano
See Pardessus de Viole
See Pardessus de Viole
Viol , tenor
6 strings
6 courses
G2 C3 F3 A3 D4 G4
Viol da gamba, viola da gamba, alto viola da gamba (Fidel) named by Wulf
Europe
Viol , treble
6 strings
6 courses
D3 G3 C4 E4 A4 D5
Soprano viola da gamba (Fidel) named by Wulf
Europe
Viola
4 strings
4 courses
C3 G3 D4 A4
Europe
Pitched a 5th below the violin.
Viola amarantina
10 strings
5 courses
D3 D2 •A3 A2 •B3 B2 •E3 E3 •A3 A3
Viola aramante, viola de dois coracois
Amarante, Portugal
Viola beiroa
12 strings
7 courses
D3 •D3 •A3 A2 •D3 D2 •G3 G2 •B3 B3 •D3 D3
Portugal
Viola braguesa
10 strings
5 courses
C4 C3 •G4 G3 •A4 A3 •D4 D4 •G4 G4
Viola da braga
Portugal
Viola caipira
10 strings
5 courses
A3 A2 • D4 D3 • F♯ 4 F♯ 3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4
Viola de dez cordes, viola sertaneja
Brazil
Viola campaniça
10 strings
5 courses
C3 C2 • F3 F2 • C3 C3 • E3 E3 • G3 G3
Viola de beja
Portugal
Viola da gamba
See Viol, tenor
See Viol, tenor
Viola da terra
12 strings
5 courses
A3 A3 A2 •D4 D4 D3 •G3 G3 •B3 B3 •D4 D4
Azores (Portugal)
Viola de arame
9 strings
5 courses
G3 G2 •D3 D2 •G3 G3 •B3 •D3 D3
Viola de Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
Viola de cocho
5 strings
5 courses
G3 • D3 • E3 • A3 • D4
Mato Grosso, South-western Brazil
Violão de sete cordas
7 strings
7 courses
Standard/common:
C2 •E2 •A2 •D3 •G3 •B3 •E4
Alternate:
Brazil
Viola sertaneja
10 strings
5 courses
[*]
A3 A2 •D4 D2 •F♯ 4 F♯ 3 •B3 •A3 A3
A3 •D4 •G4 G4 •B3 •B3 B3 B3 •E4 E4 E4
Viola nordestina
Brazil
Two different arrangements are employed for the courses:
2-2-2-2-2 (1st tuning) or 1-1-2-3-3 (2nd tuning)
Viola Terceira
15 strings
6 courses
E3 E3 E2 •A3 A3 A2 •D4 D4 D3 •G4 G3 •B3 B3 •E4 E4
Viola da Terceira, Viola Terceirense
Azores (Portugal)
Viola toeira
12 strings
5 courses
A3 A3 A2 • D4 D4 D3 • G4 G3 • B3 B3 • E3 E3
Portugal
Violin
4 Strings
4 courses
G3 D4 A4 E5
Fiddle (colloquial)
Lombardy
For other tunings see fiddle
Violin , tenor
4 Strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 D3 A3 E4
Alternate:
Tenor violin , baritone violin, violotta , tenor cello
USA
Standard is one octave below the violin;
4th below the viola.
Rare.
W
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Walaycho
10 strings
5 courses
*Bolivian (F6 ):
C5 C5 •F5 F5 •A5 A4 •D5 D5 •A5 A5
D5 D5 •G5 G5 •B5 B4 •E5 E5 •B5 B5
Waylacho, hualaycho, maulincho
Andean region
A soprano charango
F6 = 4th higher than the charango
G6 = 5th higher than the charango
Waldzither, bass
9 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
A2 • E3 E3 •A3 A3 •C♯ 4 C♯ 4 •E4 E4
Germany
Waldzither, descant
9 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
G3 • D4 D4 •G4 G4 •B4 B4 •D5 D5
Bergmannszither, Walddoline
Germany
Waldzither, Heym
14 strings
6 courses
Standard/common:
C2 C2 •G3 G3 G3 •C4 C4 C4 •E4 E4 E4 •G4 G4 G4
Germany
Very rare, and possibly obsolete
Waldzither, piccolo
9 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
C4 • G4 G4 •C5 C5 •E5 E5 •G5 G5
Alternates:
D tuning: D4 • A4 A4 •D5 D5 •F♯ 5 F♯ 5 •A5 A5
Germany
Waldzither, tenor
9 strings
5 courses
Standard/common:
C3 • G3 G3 •C4 C4 •E4 E4 •G4 G4
Alternates:
D tuning: D3 • A3 A3 •D4 D4 •F♯ 4 F♯ 4 •A4 A4
Open G major: G2 • D3 D3 •G3 G3 •B3 B3 •D4 D4
Waldzither, Forest zither
Germany
The tenor is the standard waldzither;
several other, less common tunings are also used[ 19]
X
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Xenorphica
73 strings
73 courses
F1 F♯ 2 G1 G♯ 1 A1 A♯ 1 B1 C2 C♯ 2 D2 D♯ 2 E2 [...] *
F♯ 6 G6 G♯ 6 A6 A♯ 6 B6 C7 C♯ 7 D7 D♯ 7 E7 F7
claviharp, harp piano,
keyed harp
Austria
Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic.
Rare.
Xiaoruan
4 strings
4 courses
D3 A3 D4 A4 '
Alto Ruan
China
lit. "small Ruan"
Y
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Yakumogoto
See Nigenkin
See Nigenkin
Yaylı tambur
6 strings
3 courses
D2 D2 •A2 A2 •D3 D3
Turkish tambur
Turkey
the bowed variant (versus the mızraplı tambur, the plucked variant) of the Turkish tambur
Yueqin
4 strings
4 courses
G3 •D4 •G4 •D5
Yueh qin,
Yueh chin,
Moon guitar
China
Yueqin ,
Taiwanese
2 strings
2 courses
D3 •A4
Hengchun yueqin,
Yueh qin,
Yueh chin,
Moon guitar
Taiwan
Z
Instrument
Strings & Courses
Tuning(s)
Alternative Names
Origin
Notes
Picture
Zheng
18 strings
18 courses
Common:
C2 D2 E2 G2 A2 C3 D4 E4 G4 A4 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5
Guzheng, Gu Zheng, Pinyin
China
Tuning is not absolute, and is not limited by Western equal temperament.
Zhengs also come with varying numbers of strings, typically from 16–26; the pentatonic tuning is extended to accommodate these extra (high and low) strings.
Zhonghu
2 strings
2 courses
China
Either tuning may be considered "standard".
Zhongruan
4 strings
4 courses
Standard/common:
G2 D3 G3 D4
Alternates:
G2 D3 A3 E4 (Mandolin)
A2 E3 A3 E4
Tenor Ruan, ruanjian, ruanqin
China
lit. "medium Ruan";
This is the standard/most common instrument of the five-member ruan family.
Zither, Alpine
5 fretted strings[*]
5 courses
plus
37 open accompaniment & bass strings
Fretted strings standard/common:
A4 A4 D4 G3 C3
Alternate:
[See ZITHER TUNING CHART, below, for unfretted string tunings]
Alpine Zither, Harp Zither
Austria, Germany, elsewhere.
Standard Tuning aka "Munich"
[*]
5 fretted melody strings
12 unfretted accompaniment strings
12 unfretted bass strings
13 unfretted contrabass strings
Zither, Concert
5 fretted strings[*]
5 courses
plus
29 – 30 open accompaniment & bass strings
Fretted strings standard/common:
A4 A4 D4 G3 C3
Alternate:
[See ZITHER TUNING CHART, below, for unfretted string tunings]
Concert Zither, Fretted Zither
America, Germany, elsewhere.
Standard aka "Munich"
[*]
5 fretted melody strings
12 unfretted accompaniment strings
12 unfretted bass strings
up to 13 unfretted contrabass strings (5 or 6 is the most common)
Zither, guitar
Varies
Varied open string chord sets and chromatic or diatonic tuning of additional open strings. The string tuning is often printed on the instrument itself. See the picture. No frets nor fingerboard.
Guitar zither, chord zither, fretless zither
Austria, Germany, elsewhere.
May have from 12 to 50 strings, or more, depending on design
See also Autoharp which has diatonic and chromatic open strings, and a stop mechanism to produce chords.
Zither tuning chart
ZITHER TUNING CHART
FRETTED
UNFRETTED
STRING
Melody
Accompaniment
Basses
Countrabasses
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
PITCH
Munich
A4
A4
D4
G3
C3
E♭ 4
B♭ 3
F4
C4
G3
D4
A3
E4
B3
F♯ 3
C♯ 4
G♯ 3
E♭ 3
B♭ 2
F3
C3
G2
D3
A2
E3
B2
F♯ 2
C♯ 3
G♯ 2
F2
E2
E♭ 2
D2
C♯ 2
C2
B1
B♭ 1
A1
G♯ 1
G1
F♯ 1
F1
Viennese
A4
D4
G3
G3
C3
Ab4
E♭ 4
B♭ 3
F4
C4
G4
D4
A3
E4
B3
F♯ 4
C♯ 4
G♯ 3
E♭ 2
B♭ 2
F2
C3
G2
D2
A2
E2
B2
F♯ 2
C♯ 2
G♯ 2
C2
B1
B♭ 1
A1
G♯
G1
F♯ 1
F1
Notes:
Basic
Concert
Alpine
Notes
^ Marcuse, Sibyl; Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary ; W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
^ Randel, Don Michael, Ed.; The New Harvard Dictionary of Music ; Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press (1986). p. 211.
^ Backus, John; The Acoustical Foundations of Music ; New York: W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
^ Ibid. p. 60-61.
^ Ekkel, Bibs; Complete Balalaika Book ; Mel Bay: Pacific. Mo., 1997. pp.xiv, 92.
^ Man Playing Contrabass Banjo
^ Man Playing Contrabass Banjo
^ Long Scale Cittern
^ Mid Scale cittern
^ Short Scale Cittern
^ The two Puerto Rican cuatro traditions
^ Ibid.
^ Ibid.
^ Ibid.
^ Rockwell Sorts Out the Differences
^ See for Example: Hanson, Mark; The Complete Book of Alternate Tunings ; West Linn, Oregon: Accent of Music. (1995)
^ Smith, Eric; Piano Care & Restoration ; Blue Ridge Summit, Penn.: TAB Books, Inc. (1981). p. 60.
^ "The Swedish Lute 1" . www.tabulatura.com . Retrieved 2024-04-24 .
^ Waldzither Tuning
See also
References
External links