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Stringed instrument tunings

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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 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.

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)
  • 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)

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
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
Akkordolia 4 strings

4 courses

F2 A2 C3 F3

Taishogoto, Bulbul-tarang, Benju Germany & Austria / Japan / India / Pakistan

B

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
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 Although true 10-string bajo quintos are made, many so-called "bajo quintos" are really bajo sextos with the lowest course of strings removed.
Bajo Sexto 12 strings

6 courses

Standard/Common (All fourths):

E2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G2 G2•C3 C3•F3 F3

Alternate:

E2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G2 G2•B3 B3•E3 E3

Mexico
Balalaika, Alto 3 strings

3 courses

E3 E3 A3 Alto Russia
Balalaika, Bass 3 strings

3 courses

E2 A2 D3 Bass Russia
Balalaika, Contrabass 3 strings

3 courses

E1 A1 D2 Contrabass Russia
Balalaika, Piccolo 3 strings

3 courses

B4 E5 A5 Piccolo Russia
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/Common:

E4 E4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4

Alternates:

  • Same as for 3-string prima
 Prima Russia
Balalaika, Secunda 3 strings

3 courses

A3 A3 D4 Secunda Russia
Balalaika, Tenor 3 strings

3 courses

A2 A2 E3 Tenor Russia
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

6 courses

E5 E4 E5•A5 A4 A5•D5 D5 D5•F#5 F#5 F#5•B5 B5 B5 Ecuador
Bandurria, Philippene 14 strings

6 courses

F#2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3 A3•D4 D4 D4•G4 G4 G4 Philippenes One octave higher than the Philippene laud.
Bandurria, Spanish 12 strings

6 courses

G#2 G#2•C#3 C#3•F#3 F#3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4 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 All-fifths tuning is used for the cello, mandocello, and violin.
Banjo, Cello 5 strings

5 courses

G3 D2 G2 B2 D3 banjo cello US One octave lower than 5-string Bluegrass Banjo.
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 C3 D4
  • Sawmill: G4 D3 G3 C3 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 D3 E4
  • G Minor: G4 D3 G3 Bb3 D4
  • Open C: G4 C3 G3 C3 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.

Banjolin 4 strings

4 courses

G3 D4 A4 E5 US Hybrid of mandolin and banjo
Banjo (Long Neck) 5 strings

5 courses

G4 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 US via Africa
Bisernica 5 strings

4 courses

E3•A3•D4•G4 G4 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 )
Brac 5 strings

4 courses

E2•A2•D3•G3 G3 Basprim, Brach Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
Braguinha 4 strings

4 courses

D4 B4 G4 D5 Braguinã, Machete de braga Medeira, Portugal Standard AKA "Banjo tuning" (octave higher than the plectrum banjo)
Bugarija 5 strings

4 courses

G2•B2•D3•G3 G3 Kontra Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia First course is sometimes not doubled.

C

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Cak 4 strings

3 courses

D5 D5 • G4 • B4

Steel kroncong guitar Indonesia
Cuk 3 strings

3 courses

G4 • B3 • E3

Nylon kroncong guitar Indonesia
Cavaquinho 4 strings

4 courses

Standard/Common:

D3 G3 B3 D4

Alternates:

  • 'Guitar': D3 G3 B3 E4
  • Alternative: G3 C4 B3 D4
  • Alternative: A3 A3 C#4 E4
 Cavaco 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

Cetera 16 strings

8 courses

Standard/Common:

C3 C3•D3 D3•Eb3 Eb3•F3 F3•G3 G3•G3 G3•D4 D4•G4 G4

Alternate:

  • Renaissance:

G2 G2•A2 A2•C3 C3•D3 D3•A3 A3•G3 G3•D4 D4•E4 E4

Corsica, France.
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

G4 G4•C5 C5•E5 E4•A4 A4•E5 E5

Quirquincho, Mulita, Tatu, Kirki Bolivia, Peru, Argentina

Chile, Ecuador

Common C6/Am7 tuning, but there are many variants. 3rd course is an octave pair.
Charangon 10 strings

5 courses

Standard/Common:

G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4

Alternates:

  • Bass C

G3 G3•C4 C3•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4

  • Bass G

G3 G2•C4 C3•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4

  • Bolivian tuning:

C4 C4•F4 F4•A4 A3•D4 D4•A4 A4

  • G6 tuning:

D4 D4•G4 G4•B4 B3•E4 E4•B4 B4

Bass Charango Andean Region Standard AKA "C6 tuning"

Very similar in appearance to the ronroco, but slightly larger.

Chonguri 4 strings

4 courses

Standard/Common:

D2 F2 D3 A2

Alternate:[*]

  • F3 A3 F4 C4
 Georgia [*]There are many tuning variations. Note that both examples here are re-entrant.
Chitarra battente 10 strings

5 courses

A3 A3•D4 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E4 E4

Italy
Çiftelia 2 strings

2 courses

B3 E3 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:

  • "El Tocuyo tuning":

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:

  • "El Tocuyo tuning":

A4•A3•D3•F#4•B4•E4

North-western Venezuela Standard aka "Sanara tuning"
Cinco Seis ( See Seis Cinco )
Cittern 10 strings

5 courses

Standard/Common:

C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

Alternates:

C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4

  • Irish:

D2 D2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

  • Mandolin high 'B':

G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4•B4 B4

  • Modal D:

D2 D2•A2 A2•D3 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

Celtic or Flatback Cittern Europe Many other modal tunings have been described for citterns.
Crwth 5 strings

5 courses

G2•C3•C2•D2•D3 Wales Traditional Welsh tuning
Cuatro, Puerto Rican 10 strings

5 courses

B3 B2•E4 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4

Puerto Rico
Cuatro, Venezuelan 4 strings

4 courses

A3•D4•F#4•B3

Venezuela Standard AKA "D6 tuning"
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

  • 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

Turkey
Cümbüş, Tambor 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 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 a 4th, a 5th or (rarely) an octave above that. File:Dan nguyet.jpg
Domra 3 strings

3 courses

E4•A4•D5 Russia
Domra 4 strings

4 courses

G3•D4•A4•E5 Ukraine Same as mandolin tuning
Dotar 2 strings

2 courses

Standard/Common:

D3•G3

Alternate:

  • D3•A3
 Dutar Uzbekistan This instrument is found in many forms throughout central Asia.
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

  • 'C' Machine "Legion":

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:

  • Modern 4th tuning:

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 3-6 strings

3 courses

Standard 3-string:

A3•A3•D3

Standard 6-string: A3 A3•A3 A3•D3 D3

Alternates:

  • Mixolydian tuning: D4•A3•D3
  • Dorian Tuning: G3•A3•D3
  • Aeolian Tuning: C4•A3•D3
  • Galax: D4•D4•D4
  • 'Bagpipe' Tuning: D4•D3•D3
 Mountain Dulcimer, Appalachian Dulcimer, Lap Dulcimer, Dulcimore, Delcimore, Delcimer US Standard AKA "Ionian Tuning"; Galax AKA "unison tuning"; there are many, many variations.

Dulcimers with 3, 4, 5, and 6 strings exist, usually 3 courses, but sometimes with 4 courses. (The traditional dulcimer is fretted diatonically whole, whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole. )

E

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Erhu 2 strings

2 courses

D4 A4 Nanhu China

F

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
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 "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 Sweedish 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.
Grajappi 4 strings

2 courses

F2 F2 • B2 B2 Krachappi, Krachap pi Thailand
Guitalele 6 strings

6 courses

Standard/Common:

A2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4

Alternate:

  • B2 E3 A3 D4 F#4 B4
 US, Japan
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 D2 G2 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
 Axe,

Classical Guitar, Flamenco guitar, Guit-box, Guit-fiddle, Nylon string Guitar, 6-string Guitar, Steel-string guitar

Spain "6-string" / "steel" = guitar with metal strings;

"classical" / "nylon" = guitar with nylon or other synthetic strings;

"flamenco" may have gut or nylon strings.

Open G AKA "bottleneck," "taro patch";

Open A AKA "Spanish";

"Lute tuing" 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.[5]

Guitar, Alto 11 strings

11 courses

Bb1 C2 D2 Eb2 F2 G2 C3 F3 Bb3 D4 G4 Archguitar, altgitarren, Bolin guitar Sweden
Guitar, Alto 13 strings

13 courses

A1 Bb1 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
 US 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 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, 10 string 10 strings

10 courses

F#1 G#1 A#1 C2 E3 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 10 String classical guitar Spain Standard tuning
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

E1 A1 D2 G2 Bass, electric bass, 4-string 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

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3 Bass, electric bass, 6-string bass, Contrabass Guitar Essentially a 4-string bass with added high and low strings.
Guitar, octave 6 strings

6 courses

E3•A3•D4•G4•B4•E5 Germany One octave higher than the standard guitar.
Guitar, tenor 4 strings

4 courses

C3 • G3 • D4 • A4 US Same tuning as tenor banjo, mandola.
Guitarrico 6 strings

6 courses

B4 F#4 D5 A5 E5 Guitarro, Spanish Tiple Spain File:Tiple menorquí3.jpg
Guitarrón 6 strings

6 courses

A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A2 Guitarrón de Toloche Mexico
Guitarrón chileno 24 or 25 strings total

5 courses + 4 resonating strings

D4 D4 D3 D3 D2•G4 G4 G4 G3 G3•

(C4) C4 C4 C3 C2•E4 E4 E4•A4 A4 A4

res. strings: F#5 A4 G4 B4

Chile Resonating strings are known as diablos (devils).
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 set "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 10 strings

5 courses

G2 G2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • D4 D4 Krienser Halszither Switzwerland
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

  • Trollstilt: A3 E4 A4 C#5

res.: (A3) C#4 E4 F#4 A4

  • Forstemt: A3 E4 A4 E5

res.: (A3) C#4 E4 F#4 A4

  • Gorrlaus: F3 D4 A4 E5

res.: (F3) B3 D4 G4 A4

  • Bas: G3 D4 A4 E5

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"

  • Bas AKA "Violin tuning"


There are many other variant tunings, most of them uncommon.

Harp, Concert 47 strings

47 courses

Cb1 Db1 Eb1 Fb1 Gb1 Ab1 Bb1

[ . . . ] * Cb7 Db7 Eb7 Fb7 Gb7

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 Cb 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 19-40; 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 temperment other than 12-tone equal temperment (common on modern pianos).
Harzither 8 strings

4 courses

GG • CC • EE • GG Bergzither Germany
Hatun Charango 7 or 8 strings

6 or 7 courses

(A3) • D4 • G4 • C5 • E5 E4 • A4 • E5

Grand Charango, Peruvian Charango Peru A recent addition to the charango family.
Huapanguera 8 strings

5 courses

G2 •D3 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E3 Mexico
Hurdy Gurdy 5 or 6 strings

5 courses

Traditional:

(G4)G4 C4 G3 C3 C2

Alternates:

  • Altered Traditional:

(G4)G4 C4 G3 C3 G2

  • Bourbonnais:

(D5)D4 D4 G3 D3 D2

  • Altered Bourbonnais:

(D5)D4 D4 A3 D3 G2

  • Vendée:

(A5)A5 D4 A3 D3 D2

Beggar’s lyre, Crank lyre, Cymphan, Forgolant, Organistrum, Symphonia, Wheel fiddle 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
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:

  • Mandolin:

G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4

  • Irish:

G3 G2•D4 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

  • Modal D:

A3 A2•D4 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

Bouzouki, Octave Mandolin, Zouk Ireland Irish bouzouki is basically 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

  • Modern or "Commercial"

A3 • D4 D4 • G3 G4 • B3 B3 • E4

  • Traditional

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.

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
Kacapi 6 strings

3 courses

A# B C# F F# Malaysia Uses a gamelan pelog scale. Tuning is approximated to western notation.
Kabosy 6 strings

4 courses

G • G • B B • D D Madagascar
Kithara Sarda 6 strings

6 courses

B2 E2 A2 D3 F3 B3 Sardinia, Italy.
Kobsa 8 strings

4 courses

Standard/Common:

GG • DD • GG • CC

Alternate:

  • DD • AA • DD • GG
 Kobuz Moldavia, Romania, Hungary
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 +Eb3 F3 G3 +A3 +Bb3 C4 +D4 +Eb4 F4 G4 +A4 +Bb4 C5 +D5 +Eb5 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:
  • Itsikotchu-chô:

D4 D4 A3 B3 D4 E4 F#4 A4 B4 D5 E5 F#5 A5

  • Oshiki-chô:

E4 A3 B3 D4 E3 F#3 A3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 A4 B4

  • Sui-chô:

E4 A3 B3 C#4 E3 F#3 A3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 A4 B4

  • Hyô-jô:

B3 E3 F#3 A3 B3 C#4/D4 E4 F#4 A4 B4 C#5/D5 E5 F#5

  • Taishiki-chô:

B3 E3 F#3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 G#4 B4 C#4 E4 F#4

  • Banskiki-chô:

F#3 B3 C#3 E3 F#3 G#3/A3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 G#4/A4 B4 C#5

  • Sôjô:

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 430Hz than to the western standard (440 Hz), and intervals are in just intonation and not equal temperment.
  • 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.
Kwitra 8 strings

4 courses

GG • EE • AA • DD Kuitra, Kouitra, Quwaytara Algeria

L

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Laúd, Philippene ( See Octavina )
Laúd 12 strings

6 courses

Standard/Common:

G#1 G#1•C#2 C#2•F#2 F#2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3

Alternates:

  • Cuban:

D1 D1•A1 A1•E2 E2•B2 B2•F#3 F#3•C#4 C#4

  • Alt. Cuban:

D1 D1•A1 A1•E2 E2•B2 B2•F#3 F#3•D4 D4

Spanish laud Spain Standard AKA Spanish Tuning;

one octave lower than the Spanish Bandurria

Li'liu 6 strings

4 courses

G3 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A4 Lili'u, Taropatch, Tenor Ukulele Hawaii C6 tuning Tenor Ukulele tuning with courses 1 and 3 doubled.
Li'liu 8 strings

4 courses

G3 G4 • C3 C4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4 Lili'u, Taropatch, Tenor Ukulele Hawaii Double-strung tenor ukulele.
Liuqin 4 strings

4 courses

G3 • D4 • G4 • D5 liuyeqin, willow leaf instrument China
Luc huyen cam 5 strings

5 courses

Standard/Common:

C3 • F3 • C4 • G4 • C5

Alternate:

  • Hu ai Cam: G2 • D3 • G3 • B4 • D5

(aka "slide guitar tuning")

Đàn Ghita, Ghita,

Vietnamese guitar

Vietnam Originally a 4- or 5-string instrument; today most often identical to a 6-string western guitar, except for having a scalloped fingerboard.

(See below.)

Luc huyen cam 6 strings

6 courses

Standard/Common:

E2 • A2 • D3 • G3 • B4 • 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,

Vietnamese guitar

Vietnam
  • "Standard" identical with the common western guitar.
  • Day Lai aka "aculturated tuning"
  • Day Sai Gon aka "Saigon Tuning"
Lute [ * ]
  • Medival 12 string/6 course:

G2 G2 • C3 C3 • F3 F3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4 • G4 G4

  • Medival 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.) File:ReinassanceLute.jpg
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

Europe The alternate tuning (2 octaves below the mandolin) 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.

Mandola 8 strings

4 courses

C3 C3•G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4 Tenor mandola (Europe) A 5th below mandolin tuning.
Mandocello 8 strings

4 courses

C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3 mandolincello, mandoloncello Standard tuning is 1 octave below the mandola.
Mandolin 8 strings

4 courses

G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5 Mando Standard instrument of the mandolin family.
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.
Mandolin (Octave) 8 strings

4 courses

G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4 Tenor Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Octave mandola (Europe) Pitched 1 octave below the mandolin.
Mejorana 5 strings

5 courses

  • "Por veinticinco":

D4•A4•A3•B3•E4

  • "Por seis":

D4•G4•G3•B3•E4

Panama Either tuning may be considered "standard."

N

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Nyckelharpa 4 strings

4 courses + 12 resonating strings

C3 • G3 • C4 • A4

res.strings: G#3 A3 Bb3 B3 C4 C#4 D4 Eb4 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 Bb2 B2 C3 C#3 D3 Eb3 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

Philippene Laúd Philippenes One octave lower than the Philippene Bandurria
Octobass 3 strings

3 courses

C0 G0 D1 Subcontrabass, triple bass France Extremely rare. Tuning is that supplied by the inventor, Jean Baptiste Vuillaume (1798-1875), 2 octaves below the modern cello.
Oud 11 strings

6 courses

Standard/Common:

D2 G2 A2 D3 G3 C4

Alternate:

  • "New Turkish Classical":

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 Standard AKA "Arabic tuning"; 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
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
  • C6th: C2 F2 A2 C3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4 D4

Alternates:

  • A7th: 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.[6] 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 File:Бива.jpg
Portuguese guitar 12 strings

6 courses

  • Lisbon / Lisboa tuning:

D3 D2•A3 A2•B3 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•B3 B3

  • Coimbra tuning:

C3 C2 • G3 G2 • A3 A2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • A3 A3

Guitarra Portuguesa Portugal Either tuning may be considered "standard".

Q

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
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
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

  • Argentine (G6/Em7):

D3 D3•G4 G4•B2 B3•E4 E4•B4 B4

  • Argentine Variant:

C3 C3•F4 F4•A2 A3•D4 D4•A4 A4

  • Bolivian (C6/Am7):

G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4

Ronrroco Andean Region In effect, a baritone charango. Bolivian tuning is one octave below the charango. Either tuning may be considered "standard".
Ruan 4 strings

4 courses

G2 D3 G3 D4 Ruanqin China
Russian guitar 7 strings

7 courses

Standard/Common:

D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B3 D4

Alternate:

  • Gypsy: D2 G2 B2 G3 D3 C3 D4
 semistrunnaya gitara, semistrunka Russia There are many variant tunings, mostly idiosyncratic to individual perfomers.

S

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
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
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.
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 8 strings

(3 are drones)

8 courses

plus 12 resonating strings

C5 C4 G3 C2 G2

drones: C2 C2 F2

North India 5th 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:

  • F3 C4 F4
 Dulcitar, Dulcimer stick, Strumbly, Standard Strumstick US Other sizes exist. General tuning is Root-5th-Octave, but the variations used are endless.

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 4 strings

3 courses

C3 C4 • G3 • C4 C4

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 ( See Li'liu )
Terzin Kitarra 6 strings

6 courses

G#2 B2 E3 A3 C#4 E4

Malta
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, Colombian 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, 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• E4 E3

Alternate:

  • New D major:

A4 A3• D4 D4 • F#4 F#3

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, Puerto Rican Tres Puerto Rico Note that alternates simply change the location of the octave doublings. File:Tres puertorriqueno.png
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

D3 G3 B3 E4

Baritone Uke, Bari Uke Hawaii Same as 4 highest-pitched guitar strings.
Ukulele (Bass) 4 strings

4 courses

E1 A1 D2 G2

Bass Uke, Travel Bass, Rubber 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.
Ukulele, Concert 4 strings

4 courses

Standard/Common:

G4 C4 E4 A4

Alternate:

  • D6 or "soprano": A4 D4 F#4 B4
 Uke Hawaii Often just a soprano uke with a slightly longer neck -- 15, 16 or 18 frets, as opposed to 12 or 13 frets.
Ukulele, Soprano 4 strings

4 courses

Standard/Common:

A4 D4 F#4 B4

Alternate:

  • C6 or "concert": G4 C4 E4 A4
 Uke Hawaii The standard, basic ukulele.
Ukulele, Tahitian 8 strings

4 courses

G4 G4 • C5 C5 • E5 E5 • A4 A4

Tahitian banjo, Tahitian Ukulele, Ukulélé Tahitien, Youke Tahiti
Ukulele (Tenor) 4 strings

4 courses

G3 C4 E4 A4

Uke, Tenor Uke Hawaii 6- and 8- string versions exist. 6-string has the first (highest) and third courses doubled; paired strings are tuned in unison. For 8-string, see Taro Patch File:Mya-Moe mahogany ukulele rotated 90 degrees.jpg

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

A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 A4

Europe
Viol, bass 6 strings

6 courses

D2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4

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, Tenor 6 strings

6 courses

G2 C3 F3 A3 D4 G4

Viol da Gamba, Viola da Gamba Europe
Viol, Treble 6 strings

6 courses

D3 G3 C4 E4 A4 D5

Europe
Viola 4 strings

4 courses

C3 G3 D4 A4

Europe Pitched a 5th below the violin.
Viola braguesa 10 strings

5 courses

cC, gG, aA, dd, gg

Portugal
Viola caipira 10 strings

5 courses

A3 A2 • D4 D2 • F#4 F#3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4

Viola de dez cordes, Viola sertaneja Brazil
Viola da Gamba See Viol, Tenor
Viola de cocho 5 strings

5 courses

G3 • D3 • E3 • A3 • D4

Mato Grosso, South-western Brazil
Viola toeira 12 strings

5 courses

A3 A3 A2 • D3 D3 D2 • G3 G2 • 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

G2 D3 A3 E4

Tenor violin, baritone violin US 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):

C4 C4•F4 F4•A5 A4•D5 D5•A5 A5

  • Argentine (G6):

D4 D4•G4 G4•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 9 strings

5 courses

Standard/Common:

C G C E G

Alternate:

  • Open G major: G D G B D
 Forest zither Germany

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,

keyed harp

Austria Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic.

Y

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Yueqin 4 strings

4 courses

G3 D4 G4 D5

Yueh qin,

Yueh chin, Moon guitar

China
Yueqin,

Taiwanese

2 strings

2 courses

D3 A4

Yueh qin,

Yueh chin, Moon guitar

Taiwan

Z

Instrument Strings & Courses Tuning(s) Alternative Names Origin Notes Picture
Zheng 18 strings

18 courses

C D E G A C D E G A C D E G A C D E Guzheng, Gu Zheng, Pinyin China Tuning is not absolute, and is not limited by Western equal temperment.
Zither Alpine 5 fretted strings[*]

5 courses

plus

37 open accompaniment & bass strings

Fretted Strings Standard/Common:

A4 A4 D4 G3 C3

Alternate:

  • Vienna: A4 D4 G3 G3 C3

[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
 File:Alpine Zither 001.jpg
Zither, Concert 5 fretted strings[*]

5 courses

plus

29 - 30 open accompaniment & bass strings

Fretted Strings Standard/Common:

A4 A4 D4 G3 C3

Alternate:

  • Vienna: A4 D4 G3 G3 C3

[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 Accompaniment Basses Countrabasses
String 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 A4 A4 D4 G3 C3 Eb4 Bb3 F4 C4 G3 D4 A3 E4 B3 F#3 C#4 G#3 Eb4 Bb3 F4 C4 G3 D4 A3 E4 B3 F#3 C#4 G#3 F3 E3 Eb3 D3 C#3 C3 B2 Bb2 A2 G#2 G2 F#2 F2
A4 D4 G3 G3 C3 NOTE: Unfretted string #6 is closest to fretted string #5. Concert Alpine

Notes

  1. ^ Marcuse, Sibyl; Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary; W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
  2. ^ Randel, Don Michael, Ed.; The New Harvard Dictionary of Music; Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press (1986). p. 211.
  3. ^ Backus, John; The Acoustical Foundations of Music; New York: W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
  4. ^ Ibid. p. 60-61.
  5. ^ See for Example: Hanson, Mark; The Complete Book of Alternate Tunings; West Linn, Oregon: Accent of Music. (1995)
  6. ^ Smith, Eric; Piano Care & Restoration; Blue Ridge Summit, Penn.: TAB Books, Inc. (1981). p. 60.

References

  • Brody, David; The Fiddler's Fakebook: The Ultimate Sourcebook For The Traditional Fiddler; Music Sales America (1992). ISBN 0825602386
  • Dearling, Robert; Stringed Instruments; Chelsea House Publishing (2000). ISBN 0791060926
  • Hanson, Mark; The Complete Book of Alternate Guitar Tunings; Music Sales America (1995). ISBN 0936799137
  • Marcuse, Sibyl; Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary; W. W. Norton & Company (1975). ISBN 0393007588
  • Piston, Walter; Orchestration; W. W. Norton & Company (1955). ISBN 0393097404
  • Randell, D. M. (editor); Harvard Dictionary of Music , 4th Edition; Belknap Press of Harvard University Press (2003). ISBN 0674011635

See also

General
Tuning Repetitive Overtones Other
(often most popular)
  • A-C♯-E-A-C♯-E
  • B-D♯-F♯-B-D♯-F♯
  • C-E-G-C-E-G
  • D-F♯-A-D-F♯-A
  • E-G♯-B-E-G♯-B
  • F-A-C-F-A-C
  • G-B-D-G-B-D
Miscellaneous

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