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词条 Stringed instrument tunings
释义

  1. Terminology

  2. A

  3. B

  4. C

  5. D

  6. E

  7. F

  8. G

  9. H

  10. I

  11. J

  12. K

  13. L

  14. M

  15. N

  16. O

  17. P

  18. Q

  19. R

  20. S

  21. T

  22. U

  23. V

  24. W

  25. X

  26. Y

  27. Z

  28. Zither Tuning Chart

  29. Notes

  30. See also

  31. References

  32. External links

This is a chart of stringed instrument tunings. Instruments are listed alphabetically by their most commonly known name.[1]

{{Horizontal TOC|nonum=y}}

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 (•).

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

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Ahenk12 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:A3 A3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5•G5 G5

Alternates:

May also use various oud tunings

Turkey
Ajayu12 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:A A•E E•A A•C{{music|#}} C{{music|#}} C{{music|#}}•F{{music|#}} F{{music|#}} F{{music|#}}

Alternate:

  • C C•G G•C C•E E E•A A A
ChileA very recent instrument, invented in 2007
Akkordolia4 strings4 coursesF2 A2 C3 F3Taishogoto, Bulbul-tarang, BenjuGermany & Austria / Japan / India / PakistanThere are also a number of drone strings, the number and tuning of which vary widely.
Akonting3 courses3 stringsCommon:

Casamance: D3 G3 F4

Gambian: C3 F3 E4

Ekonting, Bunchundo, Econtin, KontingSenegalOften strung with fishing line.

A rare 4-string version also exists.

Amzad1 string1 courseNo standard tuning; tuned to any convenient note.ImzadNiger, Mali, AlgeriaHorse hair string.
Archlute27 strings14 coursesF1 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.EuropeNumber of courses could vary from 11–14, and the number of strings from 21–27.12-course, 23-string archlute:
Armonico7 strings6 coursesE3•A3•D4•G4 G4•B3•E4Cuba
Arpeggione6 strings6 coursesE2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4Vienna, AustriaRare.

Tuning is same as guitar.

Autoharp36 strings36 coursesF2 G2 C3 D3 E3
F3 F{{music|#}}3 G3 A3 A{{music|#}}3 B3 C4 C{{music|#}}4 D4 D{{music|#}}4 E4
F4 F{{music|#}}4 G4 G{{music|#}}4 A4 A{{music|#}}4 B4 C5 C{{music|#}}5 D5 D{{music|#}}5 E5
F5 F{{music|#}}5 G5 G{{music|#}}5 A5 A{{music|#}}5 B5 C6		Chord zitherUSAInstruments with additional strings exist (from 37 - 48 totalstrings), but are very rare.

B

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Baglamas6 strings3 coursesD4 D5•A4 A4•D5 D5Baglama, Baglama Saz, BaglamadakiGreeceStandard AKA "Modal D"
Bajo quinto10 strings5 coursesA2 A1•D3 D2•G2 G2•C3 C3•F3 F3MexicoTrue 10-string bajo quintos are made, but many so-called "bajo quintos" are really bajo sextos with the lowest course removed.
Bajo Sexto12 strings6 coursesStandard/Common (All fourths):E2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G2 G2•C3 C3•F3 F3

Alternate:

  • Guitar:

E2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G2 G2•B2 B2•E3 E3

MexicoIn practice the bottom course is often removed(2 strings), making the instrument effectively a bajo quinto.
Balalaika, Alto3 strings3 coursesE3 E3 A3AltoRussiaSee Ekkel (1997) for all Balalaika tunings.[5]
Balalaika, Bass3 strings3 coursesStandard:E2 A2 D3

Old Orchestral:

  • E2 A2 E3
BassRussia
Balalaika, Contrabass3 strings3 coursesStandard:E1 A1 D2

Old Orchestral:

  • E1 A1 E2
ContrabassRussia
Balalaika, Descant3 strings3 coursesE5 E5 A5DescantRussiaObsolete
Balalaika, Piccolo3 strings3 coursesStandard:B4 E5 A5

Old Orchestral:

  • E4 A4 E5
PiccoloRussiaRare
Balalaika, Prima3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:E4 E4 A4

Alternates:

  • Folk: C4 E4 G4
  • Russian guitar: G3 B3 D4
PrimaRussiaThis is the standard instrument of the balalaika family
Balalaika, Prima, 6-string6 strings3 coursesStandard:E4 E4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4

Alternates:

  • Same as for 3-string prima
PrimaRussiaA more recent development, professionals consider these inferior to 3-string instruments.
Balalaika, Secunda3 strings3 coursesA3 A3 D4SecundaRussiaOften just a prima with altered tuning, though slightly larger secundas are also made.
Balalaika, Tenor3 strings3 coursesE3 A3 E4TenorRussiaObsolete
Bandola Andina Colombiana16 strings6 coursesF{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}3•B3 B3•E4 E4 E4•A4 A4 A4•D5 D5 D5•G5 G5 G5Colombia
Bandola Llanera4 strings4 coursesA2 D3 A3 E4Venezuela
Bandola Oriental8 strings4 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5Venezuela
Bandolin15 strings5 coursesE5 E4 E5•A5 A4 A5•D5 D5 D5•F{{music|#}}5 F{{music|#}}5 F{{music|#}}5•B5 B5 B5Ecuador
Bandurria, Philippine14 strings6 coursesF{{music|#}}3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4 A4•D5 D5 D5•G5 G5 G5PhilippinesOne octave higher than the Philippine laud.
Bandurria, Spanish12 strings6 coursesG{{music|#}}3 G{{music|#}}3•C{{music|#}}4 C{{music|#}}4•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4•B4 B4•E5 E5•A5 A5SpainStandard tuning AKA "Spanish tuning",

one octave higher than the laud.

Banjo, Bass4 strings4 coursesE1 A1 D2 G2USThe Cello banjo is sometimes called "bass banjo", but it is tuned differently, and there are true bass banjos as well.
Banjo, Cello4 strings4 courses C2 G2 D3 A3"bass" banjoUSSame as used for the cello.
Banjo, Cello5 strings5 coursesG3 D2 G2 B2 D3banjo celloUSOne octave lower than 5-string Bluegrass Banjo.
Banjo, Contrabass3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:E1 A1 D2

Alternates:

  • D1 G1 C2
  • D1 A1 D2
  • C1 G1 C2
USEssentially 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 strings5 coursesStandard/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{{music|#}}4 D3 F{{music|#}}3 A3 D4
  • Guitar: G4 D3 G3 B3 E4
  • Willie Moore: G4 D3 G3 A3 D4
  • Doc Bog's D: F{{music|#}}4 D3 G3 A3 D4
  • Cumberland Gap:G4 E3 A3 D3 E4
  • G Minor: G4 D3 G3 B{{music|b}}3 D4
  • Open C: G4 C3 G3 C3 E4
Bluegrass BanjoUS 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.

Banjolin4 strings4 coursesG3 D4 A4 E5USHybrid of mandolin and banjo
Banjo,

Long Neck

5 strings5 coursesE4 B2 E3 G{{music|#}}3 B3"Pete Seeger" BanjoUS (commissioned by Pete Seeger)Open string tuning; often played with capo on 3rd fret
Banjo, Tenor4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common (all fifths):C3 G3 D4 A4

Alternate:

  • Irish (all fifths): G2 D3 A3 E4
USUS via AfricaIrish tuning same as octave mandolin tuning
Banjo, Plectrum4 strings4 coursesC3 G3 B3 D4US via Africa
Baryton17 strings17 coursesTwo ranksBowed rank: A1 D2 G3 C3 E3 A3 D4

Plucked rank: A2 D3 E3 F{{music|#}}3 G3 A3 B3 C{{music|#}}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)
Biscernica, 5 string5 strings4 coursesC{{music|#}}3•F{{music|#}}3•B3•E4 E4BisernicaBalkansThe prim has 5 strings; there is another bisernica which has 6 strings.
Bisernica,

6 string

6 strings4 coursesE3•A3•D4 D4•G4 G4TamburitzaCroatia, Serbia, Hungary, SloveniaOther courses are sometimes doubled.
Bordonua10 strings5 coursesA2 A3•D4 D3•F{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}4•B3 B3•E4 E4Puerto Rico
Bouzouki8 strings4 coursesC3 C4•F3 F4•A3 A3•D4 D4Tetrachordo bouzoukiGreeceStandard AKA "F6 tuning"
Bouzouki6 strings3 coursesD3 D4•A3 A3•D4 D4Trichordo bouzoukiGreeceStandard AKA "F6 tuning"
Bouzouki, Irish( See Irish bouzouki )( See Irish bouzouki )
Brac,

5 string

5 strings4 courses

Standard/Common:

E3•A3•D4•G4 G4

Alternate:

  • F{{music|#}}3•B3•E4•A4 A4
Basprim, BrachCroatia, Serbia, Slovenia
Brac,

6 string

6 strings4 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4BrachCroatia, Serbia, Slovenia
Braguinha4 strings4 coursesD4 G4 B4 D5Braguinã, Cavaquinho, Machete de bragaMadeira, PortugalStandard AKA "Banjo tuning" (octave higher than the plectrum banjo)
Bugarija,

5 string

5 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2•B2•D3•G3 G3

Alternates:

  • D2•F{{music|#}}2•A2•D3 D3
  • E2•G{{music|#}}2•B2•E3 E3
KontraCroatia, Serbia, SloveniaFirst course is sometimes not doubled.
Bugarija,

6 string

6 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2•B2•D3 D3•G3 G3

Alternates:

  • D2•F{{music|#}}2•A2 A2•D3 D3
  • E2•G{{music|#}}2•B2 B2•E3 E3
KontraCroatia, Serbia, Slovenia

C

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Cak4 strings3 coursesD5 D5 • G4 • B4Steel kroncong guitarIndonesia
Cavaquinho4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:D4 G4 B4 D5

Alternates:

  • 'Guitar': D4 G4 B4 E5
  • Alternative: G4 C5 B4 D5
  • Alternative: A4 A4 C{{music|#}}5 E5
Cavaco, Manchete, MachimboPortugal
Cello4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:C2 G2 D3 A3

Alternates:

  • "5th Suite" tuning: C2 G2 D3 G3
VioloncelloEuropeMany scordatura tunings have been employed by various composers for individual pieces, for example:
  • "Zoltán Kodály" tuning:

B1 F{{music|#}}2 D3 A3

  • "Whole step down" tuning:

B{{music|b}}1 F2 C3 G3

Celo(See Čelovič, 4 string)(See Čelovič, 4 string)
Čelovič,

4 string

4 strings4 coursesE2 A2 D3 G3Celo, Csello, CseloCroatia, Serbia, SloveniaThis is the modern instrument
Čelovič, Farkas6 strings4 coursesD2•G2•C3 C3•G3 G3Celo, Csello, CseloCroatia, Serbia, SloveniaThe traditional 19th century instrument, developed by Jankovic Farkas, now virtually obsolete.
Cetera16 strings8 coursesStandard/Common:C3 C3•D3 D3•E{{music|b}}3 E{{music|b}}3•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.
Chanzy3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:F2 C3 F3

Alternates:

  • D2 A2 D3
  • C2 G2 C3
Chanzi, TyanziTuva, Russia
Chapey3 strings2 coursesF3 F3 • B3Chapei, Chapei Dong VengCambodia
Chapman Stick10 strings10 coursesE3 A2 D2 G1 C1 F{{music|#}}2 B2 E3 A3 D4Stick, The Stick, Classic StickUnited StatesThere are many alternate tunings, which vary from individual to individual
Chapman Stick,

Grand Stick

12 strings12 coursesB3 E3 A2 D2 G1 C1 C{{music|#}}2 F{{music|#}}2 B2 E3 A3 D4Stick, The Stick, Grand StickUnited StatesThere are many alternates, which vary from individual to individual
Charango10 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:G4 G4•C5 C5•E5 E4•A4 A4•E5 E5

Alternates:

  • Argentine tuning:

C4 C4•F4 F4•A4 A3•D4 D4•A4 A4

  • Gm7/B{{music|b}}6 Tuning:

F4 F4•B{{music|b}}5 B{{music|b}}5•C5 C4•G4 G4•D5 D5

Quirquincho, Mulita, Tatu, KirkiBolivia, Peru, Argentina

Chile, Ecuador

Common C6/Am7 or "Bolivian" tuning, but there are many variants. 3rd course is an octave pair.
Charango, Hatun7 or 8 strings6 or 7 courses(A3) • D4 • G4 • C5 • E5 E4 • A4 • E5Grand Charango, Hatun Charango, Peruvian CharangoPeruA recent addition to the charango family.
Charangón10 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:D4 D4•G4 G4•B4 B3•E4 E4•B4 B4

Alternates:

  • C6 Tuning

G3 G3•C4 C4•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

Tenor Charango,

"Bass" Charango

Andean RegionStandard AKA "Argentine tuning" or "G6 tuning", one fourth lower than the charango.

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

Charango, Ranka11 strings5 coursesG4 G4•C5 C5•E5 E4•A4 A4•E5 E5 E6•D4 D4•A4 A4•G5 G4•C5 C5•G5 G5 G6Patasi Charango, Ranqha CharangoCochabamba, Bolivia
Chillador10 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4

Alternates:

Same as charango

Andean mountainsEssentially a flat-backed charango
Chitarra battente10 strings5 coursesA3 A3•D4 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E4 E4Italy
Chonguri4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:D2 F2 D3 A2

Alternate:[*]

  • F3 A3 F4 C4
Chaghyr, Chagur, Chugur, Choghur, Chungur, ChunguriGeorgia[*]There are many tuning variations. Note that both examples here are re-entrant.
Çiftelia2 strings2 coursesB3 E3AlbaniaCommon tuning, there are variants.
Cimbalom[*] about 125 stringsabout 53 coursesA2 A{{music|#}}2 B2 C3 C{{music|#}}3 D3 D{{music|#}}3 E3 F3 F{{music|#}}3 G3 G{{music|#}}3

[...] * A{{music|#}}5 B5 C6 C{{music|#}}6 D6 D{{music|#}}6 E6 F6 F{{music|#}}6 G6 G{{music|#}}6 A6

Cimbál, cymbalom, cymbalum, ţambal, tsymbaly and tsimbl, santur, santouri, sandouriHungary* 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 Cuatro5 strings4 coursesG3•D4 D3•F{{music|#}}4•B4North-western Venezuela
Cinco Y Medio5 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:E4•G3•D4•F{{music|#}}4•B4

Alternates:

  • "El Tocuyo tuning":

A4•D3•F{{music|#}}4•B4•E4

North-western Venezuela
Cinco y Medio6 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:E3•A3•D3•F{{music|#}}4•B4•E4

Alternate:

  • "El Tocuyo tuning":

A4•A3•D3•F{{music|#}}4•B4•E4

North-western VenezuelaStandard a.k.a. "Sanara tuning"
Cinco Seis( See Seis Cinco )( See Seis Cinco )
Cittern10 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4

Alternates:

  • Mandolin low 'C' (All fifths):

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 CitternEuropeMany other modal tunings have been described for citterns.
Crwth5 strings5 coursesG2•C3•C2•D2•D3Crowd, RoteWalesTraditional Welsh tuning
Cuatro Alto10 strings5 coursesF{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}3•B3 B4•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5Alto CuatroPuerto RicoRare.[8]
Cuatro Antiguo8 strings4 coursesA3 A3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5Puerto RicoA 4 string/4 course version exists, tuned the same
Cuatro Bajo10 strings5 coursesE3 E2•A3 A2•D3 D3•G3 G3•C4 C4Bass CuatroPuerto RicoRare.[9]
Cuatro Cubano8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G4 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•A4 A4

Alternates:

  • G4 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•G4 G4
  • A4 A3•D4 D4•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4•B4 B4
Cuban Cuatro, Tres-CuatroCuba
Cuatro, Puerto Rican10 strings5 coursesB3 B2•E4 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4Cuatro Tradicional, Cuatro Tenor, Cuatro Puertorriqueno, Cuatro Aviolinado, Cuatro Moderno, Tenor CuatroPuerto RicoThe Tenor Cuatro is the standard instrument of the Puerto Rican Cuatro Family.[10]

Cuatro Aviolinado means 'violin-shaped cuatro';

Cuatro Moderno is to distinguish from the Cuatro Antiguo
Cuatro, Venezuelan4 strings4 coursesA3•D4•F{{music|#}}4•B3Cuatro VenezolanoVenezuelaStandard AKA "D6 tuning"
Cuatro Soprano10 strings5 coursesC{{music|#}}5 C{{music|#}}4•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}5•B4 B4•E5 E5•A5 A5Soprano CuatroPuerto RicoRare.[11]
Cuk3 strings3 coursesG4 • B3 • E3Kroncong Cuk, Nylon kroncong guitarIndonesia
Cümbüş12 strings6 coursesStandard/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

TurkeyTunings are highly variable, other common alternates include:
  • Turkish Armenian alt.: C{{music|#}}2 C{{music|#}}2•F{{music|#}}2 F{{music|#}}2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4
  • New Turkish classical: F{{music|#}}2 F{{music|#}}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, Tambur6 strings3 coursesD2 D2•A2 A2•D3 D3Turkey
Cura6 strings3 coursesD4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5Cura sazTurkey
Cura7 strings3 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4 A4Cura sazTurkey
Cura8 strings4 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5Cura sazTurkeySame as Mandolin

D

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Đàn bầu1 string/1 courseC3 [*]Đàn độc huyền, Độc huyền cầmVietnam* Tuning is approximate, and frequently varies
Đàn đáy3 strings3 coursesG3•C4•F4Vo de cam,

Đàn đáy

Vietnam
Đàn nguyệt2 strings2 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 nhị2 strings2 courses"Standard/Common:F C

Alternates:

  • cheo: C G
  • hoy bac: G D
Đàn còVietnam
Đàn tranh17 strings,

17 courses[*]

G3 A3 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5 G5 A5 C6 D6 E6 G7 A7Vietnam*Instruments with from 14-25 strings/courses have been made; 17 is considered the current standard (2014)
Daruan4 strings4 coursesD2 A2 D3 A3'Bass RuanChinalit. "large Ruan"
Dihu2 strings2 courses
  • G2 D3
  • D3 A3
Dadihu, Dahu, Ziaodihu, ZhongdihuChinaA larger version of the Erhu.

Either tuning may be considered standard.

Diyinruan4 strings4 coursesG1 D2 G2 D3'Contraass RuanChinalit. "low pitched Ruan"
Dombra2 strings2 coursesStandard:D4•G4Dambura, Dumbyra, Tumpyra, Tumra, DanburaNorth central Asia
Domra, Alto3 strings3 coursesE3•A3•D4Russia
Domra, Alto4 strings4 coursesC3•G3•D4•A4UkraineSame as mandola tuning
Domra, Bass3 strings3 coursesE2•A2•D3Russia
Domra, Bass4 strings4 coursesC2•G2•D3•A3UkraineSame as mandocello tuning
Domra, Contrabass3 strings3 coursesStandard:E1•A1•D2

Alternate:

  • A1•D2•G2
Russia
Domra, Contrabass4 strings4 coursesE1•A1•D2•G2UkraineSame as the orchestral double bass
Domra, Mezzo-soprano3 strings3 coursesB3•E4•A4RussiaRare
Domra, Piccolo3 strings3 coursesB4•E5•A5Russia
Domra, Piccolo4 strings4 coursesC4•G4•D5•A5UkraineOctave higher than the mandola
Domra, Prima3 strings3 coursesE4•A4•D5The main instrument of the domra familyRussia
Domra, Prima4 strings4 coursesG3•D4•A4•E5UkraineSame as mandolin tuning
Domra, Tenor3 strings3 coursesB2•E3•A3Russia
Domra, Tenor4 strings4 coursesG2•D3•A3•E4UkraineSame as octave-mandolin tuning
Dotar2 strings2 coursesStandard/Common:D3•G3

Alternate:

  • D3•A3
DutarUzbekistanThis instrument is found in many forms throughout central Asia.
Dotara4 strings4 coursesF{{music|#}}3•C{{music|#}}3•F{{music|#}}4•B4India
Dotara6 strings5 coursesG2 G3•C4•G4•G4•C5Bangladesh
Double bass4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:E1•A1•D2•G2

Alternates:

  • Drop D: D1•A1•D2•G2
  • Solo Tuning: F{{music|#}}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, doghouseEuropeStandard AKA "orchestral tuning"
Double bass, 5-string5 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:C1•E1•A1•D2•G2

Alternates:

  • Modern 4th tuning:

B0•E1•A1•D2•G2

Bass, bass fiddle, contrabass, string bass, standup bass, doghouseEuropeStandard AKA "orchestral tuning"
Dranyen7 strings3 coursesA3 A3•D4 D3 D3•G3 G3Dramyin, DramnyenBhutan and TibetStandard AKA "Bhutanese tuning"
Dranyen6 strings3 coursesA3 A3•D3 D3•G3 G3Dramyin, DramnyenBhutan and TibetStandard AKA "Tibetan tuning"
Dulcimer,

3 course

3-6 strings3 coursesStandard/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, DelcimerUS
  • 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.[12]
3-course, 4-string dulcimer:
Dulcimer,

4 course

4-8 strings4 coursesCommon*:
  • 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{{music|#}}3•A3•D3
  • D-tuning: F{{music|#}}4•D4•A3•D3
Mountain Dulcimer, Appalachian Dulcimer, Lap Dulcimer, Dulcimore, Delcimore, DelcimerUS

E

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Ektara1 string1 courseNo standard; string is tuned to any convenient pitch.Ektar, Iktar, Gopichand, GobijeuIndia
Epinette Des Vosges6 strings [*]6 coursesCommon:G C GFranceTypically three fretted strings; three drones, but the number of drones may vary widely.

Similar in concept to the Apalacian Dulcimer

Erhu2 strings2 coursesD4 A4NanhuChina

F

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Fegereng2 strings2 courses[*]Faglong, Fuglung, Hegelong, Kutyapi, Kutiapi, Kotyapi, Kotapi, Kudyapi, Kuglong, Kadlong, Kudlong, Kudlung, KusyapiSoutheast Asia[*] There is no "standard" tuning. One string is tuned to any convenient pitch, and the other is tuned one octave higher.
Fiddle4 strings4 coursesStandard/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{{music|#}}5
Violin, Kit, PochetteEurope, 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

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Gabusi6 strings4 coursesD g bb ddGaboussiComoros Islands
Gadulka3 strings3 coursesA3 E3 A4The Balkans3 playing strings, with up to 10 sympathetic strings.
Gaoyinruan4 strings4 coursesG3 D4 G4 D5Soprano RuanChinaLiterally "high pitched Ruan"
Gehu4 strings4 coursesC2 G2 D3 A3Erhu-cello,ChinaSame tunings as cello
Gekkin4 strings2 coursesC3 C3 G3 G3 [*]GekinJapan* Tuning is not western equal temperament
Gekkin4 strings4 coursesA3 D4 D4 D5Japanese YueqinJapan
Geyerleier8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:E3 E2•B3 B2•E3 E3•B3 B3

Alternate:

  • D3 D2•A3 A2•D3 D3•A3 A3
Hamburg, Germany
Grajappi4 strings2 coursesF2 F2 • B2 B2Krachappi, Krachap piThailand
Guitalele6 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:A2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4

Alternate:

  • B2 E3 A3 D4 F{{music|#}}4 B4
UkutarUS, JapanTuned a 4th or a 5th higher than the standard guitar.
Guitar6 strings6 coursesStandard:E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4

Common Alternates:

  • Drop D: D2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
  • Open D: D2 A2 D3 F{{music|#}}3 A3 D4
  • Open G: D2 G2 D2 G2 B3 D4
  • Open A: E2 A2 E3 A3 C{{music|#}}4 E4
  • Lute: E2 A2 D3 F{{music|#}}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 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.[13]

Classical Guitar:

Steel String Guitar:

Electric Guitar:

Guitar, Alto11 strings11 coursesB{{music|b}}1 C2 D2 E{{music|b}}2 F2 G2 C3 F3 B{{music|b}}3 D4 G4Archguitar, altgitarren, Bolin guitarSweden
Guitar, Alto13 strings13 coursesA1 B{{music|b}}1 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 D3 F3 A3 D4 F4Archguitar, altgitarren, Bolin guitarSwedenThis instrument is very rare.
Guitar, Alto (Niibori)6 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:B2 E3 A3 D4 F{{music|#}}4 B4G GuitarJapanTransposing guitar in the key of G, developed for the Niibori Guitar Orchestra
Guitar, 7 string7 strings7 coursesStandard/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

USVan 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 strings8 coursesB1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 A48 string classical guitarSpainAKA "Galbraith tuning"
Guitar, 8 string (added basses)8 strings8 courses[B1 D2] E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E48 string classical guitar

8 string electric guitar

SpainTuning of two lowest strings varies with player and music
Guitar, 9 string9 strings6 coursesE3 E2•A3 A2•D4 D3•G3 B3 E4US12-string guitar variant with doubled bases
Guitar, 9 string9 strings6 coursesE2• A2• D3• G4 G3•B3 B3•E4 E4US12-string guitar variant with doubled trebles
Guitar, 9 string9 strings9 coursesF{{music|#}}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 string10 strings10 coursesF{{music|#}}2 G{{music|#}}2 A{{music|#}}2 C2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E410 String classical guitarSpainStandard tuning, developed by luthier José Ramírez III in collaboration with guitarist Narciso Yepes
Guitar, 12 string12 strings6 coursesStandard/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 GuitarUS?Some players tune the third course to unison G3's to minimize breakage of the high G string.
Guitar, baritone6 strings6 coursesCommon tunings:
  • 4th lower: B1 E2 A2 D3 F{{music|#}}3 B3
  • 5th lower: A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3
  • Octave lower: E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3
USThere really is no "standard" tuning for baritone guitar; choice of tuning depends on instrument, stringing, and player's preferences.
Guitar, bass4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:E1 A1 D2 G2

Alternates:

  • D1 A1 D2 G2
  • D1 G1 C2 F2
Bass, electric bass, 4-string bass, Fender bassUSAFirst U.S. patent filed by Leo Fender on November 21, 1952.Electric Bass:

Acoustic Bass:

Guitar, bass (5-string)5 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:
  • B0 E1 A1 D2 G2
  • E1 A1 D2 G2 C3
Bass, electric bass, 5-string bassEssentially 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 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

Alternate:

E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3		Bass, electric bass, 6-string bass, Contrabass GuitarEssentially a 4-string bass with either added high and low strings.
Guitar, bass (8-string)8 strings4 coursesE2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G3 G2Eight-string bass guitar, 8-string bassUSEssentially a 4-string bass with each string doubled at the upper octave.
Guitar, bass (12-string)12 strings4 coursesE2 E2 E1•A2 A2 A1•D3 D3 D2•G3 G3 G2Twelve-string bass guitar, 12-string bassUSSimilar to an 8-string bass with doubled upper octaves.
Guitar, octave6 strings6 coursesE3•A3•D4•G4•B4•E5Piccolo Guitar, Soprano GuitarGermanyOne octave higher than the standard guitar.
Guitarra De Golpe5 strings5 coursesStandard/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, MariacheraMexicoNote re-entrant tunings
Lute guitar6 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4

Alternates are the same as the Guitar

Guitarren laute, Guitar-lute, Lute-guitarGermanyBasically this is a lute-shaped guitar; a guitar neck on a lute body.
Guitarro6 strings6 coursesB4 F{{music|#}}4 D5 A5 E5Guitarrico, Spanish TipleSpain
Guitarrón6 strings6 coursesA1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A2Guitarrón de TolocheMexico
Guitarron Argentino6 strings6coursesB1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3ArgentinaA 6-string acoustic bass guitar.
Guitarrón chileno24 or 25 strings total5 courses + 4 open "diablitos"diablitos, top: F{{music|#}}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		Chile4 short, unfretted strings are known as diablitos (little devils).

Number of strings in 3rd, 4th, & 5th courses may vary.

Guitar, tenor4 strings4 coursesC3 • G3 • D4 • A4USSame tuning as tenor banjo, mandola.
Guitar, terz6 strings6 coursesG2 C3 F3 B{{music|b}}3 D4 G4Tertz Guitar, Tierce Guitar, Third GuitarItaly, GermanyA minor third higher than standard guitar tuning.
Guqin7 strings7 coursessol la do re mi sol laChinaGuqin 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

Gusli9 strings9 coursesStandard/Common:E3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4Крыловидные гуслиRussiaTuning varies; this is a common traditional tuning

H

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Halszither9 strings5 coursesG2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • D4 D4Krienser HalszitherSwitzerland
Hardingfele4 strings4 courses

plus 4-5 resonating strings

Standard/Common:A3 D4 A4 E5res. strings: (B3) D4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4

Common alternates:

  • Kolagutstille: A3 C4 A4 E5
res.: (A3) D4 E4 G4 A4
  • Seljekvatstille: A3 D4 F{{music|#}}4 E5
res.: (B3) D4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4
  • Trollstilt: A3 E4 A4 C{{music|#}}5
res.: (A3) C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4
  • Forstemt: A3 E4 A4 E5
res.: (A3) C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}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 fiddleNorway
  • 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, Concert47 strings47 coursesC{{music|b}}1 D{{music|b}}1 E{{music|b}}1 F{{music|b}}1 G{{music|b}}1 A{{music|b}}1 B{{music|b}}1

[ . . . ] * C{{music|b}}7 D{{music|b}}7 E{{music|b}}7 F{{music|b}}7 G{{music|b}}7

Pedal Harp, Double-action Harp, Diatonic Double-action HarpFrance* Only lowest and highest octaves shown. Tuning proceeds through {{frac|6|1|2}} octaves using the C{{music|b}} diatonic scale
Harp, Celtic34 strings

34 courses[*]

C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 A2 B2

[ . . . ] * C6 D6 E6 F6 G6 A6

Clàrsach, Folk Harp, Lever HarpBritish 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 {{frac|4|1|2}} octaves using the C diatonic scale.
HarpsichordVaries[*][*]Typical:C2 C{{music|#}}2 D2 D{{music|#}}2 E2 F2 F{{music|#}}2 G2 G{{music|#}}2 A2 A{{music|#}}2 B2

[...] * C{{music|#}}6 D6 D{{music|#}}6 E6 F6 F{{music|#}}6 G6 G{{music|#}}6 A6 A{{music|#}}6 B6 C7

Virginal, Spinet, Clavicytherium, Ottavino, Pedal Harpsichord, et alEurope (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).
Harzither8 strings4 coursesGG • CC • EE • GGBergzitherGermany
Huapanguera8 strings5 coursesG2 •D3 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E3Mexico
Huobosi4 strings4 coursesE2 A2 D3 G3Hubo, SuguduChina
Hurdy Gurdy5 or 6 strings5 coursesTraditional:(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, Wheel vielleFranceStringing 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

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Ichigenkin1 string1 courseno standard [*]Japan[*]

string is tuned to any note convenient for the vocalist

Igil2 strings2 courses(E • B)IkiliTuva, MongoliaPitch varies depending what other instruments the Igil is playing with, but the two strings are always tuned a 5th apart.
Irish bouzouki8 strings4 coursesStandard/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, Tenor Mandolin (US), Tenor Mandola (UK), ZoukIrelandIrish 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

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Jarana huasteca5 strings5 coursesG3 • B3 • D4 • F{{music|#}}4 • A4Mexico
Jarana jarocha8 strings5 courses
  • Modern or "Commercial"

A3 • D4 D4 • G3 G4 • B3 B3 • E4

  • Traditional

G3•C4 C4•E3 E3•A3 A3•G4

MexicoPart 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 Requinto4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2•A2•D2•G3

Alternates:

  • C2•D2•G2•C3
  • C2•D2•G3•C3
  • A2•D3•G3•C3
Jarocha Requinto, Requinto Jarocha, Guitarra De SonMexico
Jarana Leona4 strings4 coursesG2•A2•D3•G3Mexico
Jouhikko3 strings3 coursesD A EJouhikannelFinlandAbsolute pitch is not fixed on this instrument

K

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Kabosy6 strings4 coursesG • G • B B • D DMadagascar
Kacapi6 strings3 coursesA{{music|#}}• B •C{{music|#}} •F• F{{music|#}}IndonesiaUses a gamelan pelog scale. Tuning is approximated to western notation.
Kamancheh4 strings4 coursesD5•A5•D4•A4Iran,
Armenia,
Azerbaijan,
Uzbekistan,
Turkmenistan
Khonkhota8 strings5 courses

[*]

G4 G3•C4•D4 D3•A3•D4 D4Qonqhota, Ponputu, Mokholos, MachusSouth AmericaStrings/courses are usually 8/5 but 7/5, 9/5, 10/5 or 11/5 variations exist.
Kithara Sarda6 strings6 coursesB2 E2 A2 D3 F3 B3Sardinia, Italy.
Kobza8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:GG • DD • GG • CC

Alternate:

DD • AA • DD • GG

Kobuz, KobsaMoldavia, Romania, Hungary
Kokles11 strings11 coursesG3 A3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G4 A4 B4 C4G3 A3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G4 A4 B♭4 C4Kokle, Kūkles, KūkleLatviaSince the 1980s the most common tunings for 11-stringed kokles among kokles players.
Komuz3 strings3 coursesA E AQomuz, Gopuz, Kopuz, KopusKyrgyzstan
Kora21 strings21 coursesTraditional 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{{music|b}}3 F3 G3 +A3 +B{{music|b}}3 C4 +D4 +E{{music|b}}4 F4 G4 +A4 +B{{music|b}}4 C5 +D5 +E{{music|b}}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{{music|#}}2 C3 D3 E3 F{{music|#}}3 G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 E5 F{{music|#}}5 G5 A5
West AfricaScales roughly correspond to Western major, minor, and lydian scales, but are not in equal temperament. Any of the scales may be considered "standard".
Koto13 strings13 coursesTraditional tunings:
  • Itsikotchu-chô:

D4 D4 A3 B3 D4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4 B4 D5 E5 F{{music|#}}5 A5

  • Oshiki-chô:

E4 A3 B3 D4 E3 F{{music|#}}3 A3 B3 C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4 B4

  • Sui-chô:

E4 A3 B3 C{{music|#}}4 E3 F{{music|#}}3 A3 B3 C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 A4 B4

  • Hyô-jô:

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

  • Taishiki-chô:

B3 E3 F{{music|#}}3 G{{music|#}}3 B3 C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 G{{music|#}}4 B4 C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4

  • Banskiki-chô:

F{{music|#}}3 B3 C{{music|#}}3 E3 F{{music|#}}3 G{{music|#}}3/A3 B3 C{{music|#}}4 E4 F{{music|#}}4 G{{music|#}}4/A4 B4 C{{music|#}}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 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.
Kwitra8 strings4 coursesGG • EE • AA • DDKuitra, Kouitra, QuwaytaraAlgeria

L

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Laouto8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:C2 C3•G2 G3•D2 D3•A3 A3

Alternate:

  • Cretan: G2 G3•D2 D3•A2 A3•E3 E3
LaghoutoGreeceStandard a.k.a. "Mainland"
Laúd12 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:G{{music|#}}2 G{{music|#}}2•C{{music|#}}3 C{{music|#}}3•F{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4

Alternates:

  • Cuban:

D2 D2•A2 A2•E3 E3•B3 B3•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4•C{{music|#}}5 C{{music|#}}5

  • Alt. Cuban:

D2 D2•A2 A2•E3 E3•B3 B3•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4•D5 D5

Spanish laudSpainStandard AKA Spanish Tuning;

one octave lower than the Spanish Bandurria

Laúd, Cuban12 strings6 coursesD3 D3•F{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5Laud CubanoCuba
Laúd, Philippine14 strings6 coursesF{{music|#}}2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3 A3•D4 D4 D4•G4 G4 G4LaudPhilippinesSame tuning as the Octavina
Lili'u8 strings4 coursesG3 G4 • C3 C4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4Li'liu, Taropatch, Tenor UkuleleHawaiiDouble-strung tenor ukulele.
Liuqin4 strings4 coursesG3 • D4 • G4 • D5

Alternate

  • G3 • D4 • A4 • E5
liuyeqin, willow leaf instrumentChina
Liuto cantabile10 strings5 coursesC2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4Liuto modernoNaples, ItalySome courses are occasionally single-strung
Luc huyen cam5 strings5 coursesStandard/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

VietnamOriginally 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 cam6 strings6 coursesStandard/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, 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 lyra3 strings3 coursesD3 • A3 • E5Crete, Greece

M

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Mandobass4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:E1 A1 D2 G2

Alternate:

G1 D2 A2 E3

Bass MandolinEuropeThe alternate tuning (2 octaves below the mandolin) is usually applied to a smaller-scale instrument (see Mandobass).
Mandobass8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G1 G1•D2 D2•A2 A2•E3 E3

Alternate:

  • "Mandola": C1 C1•G1 G1•D2 D2•A2 A2
Tremolo-bassEuropeRelatively rare; larger than the standard mandobass.

Standard tuning is 2 octaves below the mandolin.

Mandocello8 strings4 coursesC2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3mandolincello, mandoloncelloStandard tuning is 1 octave below the mandola.
Mandola8 strings4 coursesC3 C3•G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4Tenor mandola (Europe)A 5th below mandolin tuning.
Mandolin8 strings4 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5MandoStandard instrument of the mandolin family.
Mandolinetto8 strings4 coursesG3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5USA and CanadaA guitar-shaped mandolin, or mandolin neck on ukulele body.
Mandolin, Octave8 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4

Alternate:

  • Irish Bouzouki:
G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•D4 D4		Tenor Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Octave mandola (Europe)Pitched 1 octave below the mandolin.
Mandolin, Piccolo8 strings4 coursesC4 C4•G4 G4•D5 D5•A5 A5Brilliant tone mandolinTuned a 4th above the mandolin; 1 octave above the mandola.
Mandriola12 strings4 coursesG3 G3 G3•D4 D4 D4•A4 A4 A4•E5 E5 E5TricordiaEuropeTricordia is also a similar instrument tuned differently; both instruments are known by both names. (see Trichordia)
Manguerito7 strings5 coursesD4•G4•B4 B3•E4•B4 B4La Paz, Bolivia
Mejorana5 strings5 courses
  • "Por veinticinco":
D4•A4•A3•B3•E4
  • "Por seis":
D4•G4•G3•B3•E4		Mejorana, RumboPanamaEither tuning may be considered "standard."

N

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Nevoud11 strings6 coursesC{{music|#}}2•F{{music|#}}2 F{{music|#}}2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4Nevud, New OudTurkey
Nigenkin2 strings2 coursesNo standard [*]YakumogotoJapan[*] Strings are tuned in unison, to any pitch convenient for vocalist.
Nyckelharpa4 strings4 courses + 12 resonating stringsC3 • G3 • C4 • A4

res.strings:

G{{music|#}}3 A3 B{{music|b}}3 B3 C4 C{{music|#}}4 D4 E{{music|b}}4 E4 F4 F{{music|#}}4 G4

Key-harp,

Chromatic Nyckelharpa

SwedenNumber of sympathetic strings may vary.
Nyckelharpa, Tenor4 strings4 courses + 12 resonating stringsG2 • D3 • G3 • E4

res.strings:

G{{music|#}}2 A2 B{{music|b}}2 B2 C3 C{{music|#}}3 D3 E{{music|b}}3 E3 F3 F{{music|#}}3 G3

SwedenThis instrument is of very recent invention.

O

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Octavina14 strings6 coursesF{{music|#}}1•B1 B1•E2 E2•A2 A2 A2•D3 D3 D3•G3 G3 G3Philippine LaúdPhilippinesOne octave lower than the Philippine Bandurria
Octobass3 strings3 coursesBerlioz/Musée de la Musique:C1 G1 C2
  • Musical Instrument Museum: C0 G0 D1
  • Montreal Symphony Orchestra: A0 E1 B1
Subcontrabass, triple bassFranceExtremely rare. Extant instruments tuned variously.
Octofone8 strings4 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
USAAny of the tunings may be considered "standard".
Oud11 strings6 courses
  • Standard/Common:
C2 F2 A2 D3 G3 C4
  • Alt. Arabic:

F2 A2 D3 G3 C4 F4

  • Alternate bass:

D2 G2 A2 D3 G3 C4

  • Turkish/Armenian:

E2 A2 B2 E3 A3 D4

  • New Turkish Classical:

C{{music|#}}2 F{{music|#}}2 B2 E3 A3 D4

  • Alt. New Turkish Classical:

D2 F{{music|#}}2 B2 E3 A3 D4

Ud, Al-Ud, Oud ArbiMiddle EastStandard AKA "Arabic tuning"; notated a 4th higher in ME notation; one octave higher in western notation.

P

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Palida4 strings4 coursesD3 • A3 • E4 • B4Europe
Panduri3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:G3 • A3 • C4

Alternate:

  • E3 • B3 • A4
PhanduriGeorgia (Asia)
Pardessus de Viole5 strings5 coursesStandard:C4 • E4 • A4 • D5 • G5Soprano ViolEuropeA 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{{music|#}}3 G{{music|#}}3 B3 E4 G{{music|#}}4 D{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4
  • C6th: C2 F2 A2 C3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4 D4

Alternates:

  • A7th: A1 E2 G2 A2 C{{music|#}}3 E3 G3 A3 C{{music|#}}4 E4
  • C Diatonic: G2 A2 C3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4 E4
Steel guitarUnited 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
Phin3 strings3 coursesA3 E4 A4Thailand
Piano230 strings[*]88 coursesA0 A{{music|#}}0 B0 C1 C{{music|#}}1 D1 D{{music|#}}1 E1 F1 F{{music|#}}1 G1 G{{music|#}}1

[...] *C{{music|#}}7 D7 D{{music|#}}7 E7 F7 F{{music|#}}7 G7 G{{music|#}}7 A7 A{{music|#}}7 B7 C8

Pianoforte, Grand, Grand Piano, Concert Grand, Upright, Upright Piano, SpinetEurope (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.[14] Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic.Upright Piano:

Grand Piano:

Piano, Imperial Grand249 strings[*]97 coursesC0 C{{music|#}}0 D0 D{{music|#}}0 E0 F0 F{{music|#}}0 G0 G{{music|#}}0 A0 A{{music|#}}0 B0

[...] *C{{music|#}}7 D7 D{{music|#}}7 E7 F7 F{{music|#}}7 G7 G{{music|#}}7 A7 A{{music|#}}7 B7 C8

Imperial Grand, 290, BösendorferAustria* 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.
Pipa4 strings4 coursesA2 D3 E3 A3Pi p'aChina
Portuguese guitar12 strings6 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 PortuguesaPortugalEither tuning may be considered "standard".
Prim(See Bisernica, 5 string)(See Bisernica, 5 string)

Q

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Qinqin3 strings3 coursesG3 D4 A5China
QuirquinchoSee charangoSee charango

R

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Rajao6 strings5 coursesD4•G4•C4•E4•A4 (A4)RajãoPortugalSometimes the top course is not doubled, so there are only 5 strings
Ramkie4 strings4 coursesC3 F3 A3 C4Afri-can, KitaarSouth AfricaTypically these are homemade, and therefore quite variable.
Rebab2 strings2 coursesD3 A3 [*]Java* Tuning given is approximate: does not follow western equal temperament
Requinto6 strings6 coursesA2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4Requinto guitarMexico4th above the standard guitar
Ronroco10 strings5 coursesStandard 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.
RuanSee under individual sizesRuanqinSee listing for individual sizes:
  • soprano: Gaoyinruan
  • alto: Xiaoruan
  • tenor: Zhongruan
  • bass: Daruan
  • contrabass: Diyinruan
See under individual sizes
RuanqinSee RuanSee Ruan
Russian guitar7 strings7 coursesStandard/Common:D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B3 D4

Alternates:

  • Drop C: C2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B4 D4
  • Gypsy: D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 C4 D4
semistrunnaya gitara, semistrunkaRussiaThere are many variant tunings, mostly idiosyncratic to individual performers.

S

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Samica4 strings2 coursesStandard/Common:B3 • E4

Alternate:

A3 • D4

Dangubica, tamburaBalkansTuning is flexible, but the courses are always a fourth apart.
Sanshin3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:C3 • F3 • C4

Alternates:

  • Ichi-agi chōshi: E{{music|b}}3 • F3 • C4
  • Ni-agi chōshi: C3 • G3 • C4
  • Ichi, ni-agi chōshi: D3 • G3 • C4
  • San-sage chōshi: C3 • F3 • B{{music|b}}3
Okinawa shamisen, jabisenRyukyu Islands, JapanStandard AKA Hon chōshi
Santur72 strings18 courses

Golden strings (right)

E{{music|b}}3•F3•G3•A{{music|b}}3•B{{music|b}}3•C4•D4•E{{music|b}}4•F4

Silver strings (left)

E{{music|b}}4•F4•G4•A{{music|b}}4•B{{music|b}}4•C5•D5•E{{music|b}}5•F5

Silver strings (behind bridges)

E{{music|b}}5•F5•G5•A{{music|b}}5•B{{music|b}}5•C6•D6•E{{music|b}}6•F6
Iran,
Turkey		This is common tuning for Dastgāh-e Šur
Sanxian3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:A2 • D3 • A3

Alternate:

D3 A3 D4 		Sanhsien, Small Sanxian, Xianzi, Quxian, Shuxian, Chinese BanjoChina
Sanxian, Large3 strings3 coursesG2 • D3 • G3Sanhsien, Large Sanxian, Xianzi, Quxian, Shuxian, Chinese BanjoChinaOther size variants exist, but are uncommon.
Sarangi, Nepalese4 strings4 coursesG4•C5•C5•G5Nepal
Sargija6 strings3 coursesC3 C3 • G3 G3 • D3 D3Sharkia, Sharki, ShargijaAlbania
Seis Cinco6 strings5 coursesE3•A4 A3•D3•F{{music|#}}4•B4Seis CincoNorth-western Venezuela
Setar4 strings3 coursesC3 C4 • G3 • C4Iran
Shamisen3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:D G D

Alternates:

  • San sagari: D G C
  • Ni agari: D A D
Samisen, SangenJapanStandard = "Honchoshi" tuning
Sitar7 strings

(3 are drones)

plus 13 sympathetic strings

 C2 G2 C3 F3

drones: C5 C4 G3

North India4th string can be tuned to C. Sympathetic (resonating) strings are tuned to the raga being played.
Socavon4 strings4 coursesG3 D4 A4 B2BoconaPanama
Strumstick3 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:G3 D4 G4

Alternate:

  • F3 C4 F4
Dulcitar, Dulcimer stick, Strumbly, Standard StrumstickUSOther sizes exist. General tuning is Root-5th-Octave, but the variations used are endless.
Swedish lute (modern)12 strings12 coursesStandard/Common:F1 G1 A1 B1 C2 D2 open
E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 over fretboard		Scholander luteSwedenOther versions exist, mainly differing in the number of bass strings.

T

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Tambura8 strings4 coursesD3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • E4 E4TambouraBulgaria
Tambura4 strings4 courses

sol do' do' do*

Tanpura, Tampuri, Tamboura, TaanpuraIndia*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.
Tambura4 strings2 coursesD D • A ATambouraMacedonia
Tar6 strings3 coursesCommon (for Dastgāh-e Šur)C4 C4 • G3 G3 • C4 • C3Iran
Tarica5 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:C2 • G2 G2 • C3 C3

Alternate:

  • Ionian: D2 • A2 A2 • D3 D3
Tarika, Tricord, TrichordEurope
Taropatch6 strings4 coursesStandard:G3 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A4

Alternates:

  • High G:

G4 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A4

  • Low A: G3 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A3
  • Reverse C:

G3 • C4 C3 • E4 • A4 A3

  • High G & Low A:

G4 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A3

Lili'u, Li'liu, 6-string Tenor UkuleleHawaiiC6 tuning Tenor Ukulele tuning with courses 1 and 3 doubled.
Tembor5 strings3 coursesA A•D•G GChina
Terzin Kitarra6 strings6 coursesG{{music|#}}2 B2 E3 A3 C{{music|#}}4 E4Malta
Timple5 strings5 coursesG4 C5 E4 A4 D5Canary Island TipleCanary Islands, Spain
Tiple, American10 strings4 coursesA4 A3 • D4 D3 D4 • F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}4 • B3 B3Tiple ukulele, Martin TipleUSThe D and F{{music|#}} are triple-strung; the other strings are paired.
Tiple, Columbian12 strings4 coursesStandard/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 ColombianoColombiaTriple strung
Tiple de Menorca5 strings5 coursesD4•G4•C5•E5•A5Menorca, Spain
Tiple, Puerto Rican5 strings5 coursesE3 • A3 • D4 • G4 C5Tiple DolientePuerto Rico
Tiple Requinto12 strings4 coursesStandard/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 ColombianoColombiaTriple strung: smaller than Tiple Colombiano, and central lower octave strings are replaced with unisons.
Tres,

Cuban

6 strings3 coursesStandard/Common:G4 G3• C4 C4• E3 E4

Alternate:

  • New D major:

A4 A3• D4 D4 • F{{music|#}}3 F{{music|#}}4

Tres, Tres CubanoCuba
Tres,

Puerto Rican

9 strings3 coursesStandard/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 RicoPuerto RicoNote that alternates simply change the location of the octave doublings.
Tricordia12 strings4 coursesG2 G3 G3 • D3 D4 D4 • A3 A4 A4 • E4 E5 E5MandriolaMexicoAlthough tuned differently from the mandriola, both instruments are known by both names
Tzouras6 strings3 coursesD3 D4 • A3 A3 • D4 D46 strings/3 coursesTzourasGreece

U

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Ukulele, Baritone4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:D3 G3 B3 E4

Alternate (rare):

  • High D: D4 G3 B3 E4
Baritone Uke, Bari UkeHawaiiSame as 4 highest-pitched guitar strings.
Ukulele, Bass4 strings4 coursesE2 A2 D3 G3 Bass Ukulele, Bass UkeUSSame 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 strings4 coursesE1 A1 D2 G2 Bass Uke, Contrabass Ukulele, Rubber Bass, Travel Bass, U-BassUSSame 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, Concert4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G4 C4 E4 A4

Alternate:

  • D6: A4 D4 F{{music|#}}4 B4
UkeHawaiiOften just a soprano uke with a slightly longer neck—15, 16 or 18 frets, as opposed to 12 or 13 frets.
Ukulele, Pocket4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:C5 F5 A5 D5Pocket Uke, Mini Uke, Sopranino UkuleleHawaiiRelatively recent: a miniature ukulele
Ukulele, Soprano4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G4 C4 E4 A4

Alternate (traditional):

  • D6: A4 D4 F{{music|#}}4 B4
UkeHawaiiThe standard, basic ukulele. Traditionally, D6 tuning was used though C6 tuning is now most common.
Ukulele, Tahitian8 strings4 coursesG4 G4 • C5 C5 • E5 E5 • A4 A4Tahitian banjo, Tahitian Ukulele, Ukulélé Tahitien, YoukeTahiti
Ukulele, Tenor4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G3 C4 E4 A4

Alternate:

  • High G: G4 C4 E4 A4
Uke, Tenor UkeHawaii5-, 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

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Veena7 strings7 coursesC3 • D3 • E3 • F3 • G3 • A3 • B3Vina, Saraswati Veena; Sawaswati VinaSouth IndiaPitches are approximate: does not use the western equal tempered tuning system.
Vihuela5 strings5 coursesA3 • D4 • G4 • B3 • E4MexicoThis is the modern Mariachi instrument. Vihuela also refers to many historic antecedents of the guitar, in various configurations, most of them currently obsolete.
Viol, alto6 strings6 coursesA2 D3 G3 B3 E4 A4Europe
Viol, bass6 strings6 coursesD2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4Europe
Viol, bass7 strings7 coursesA1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4Europe
Viol, contrabass6 strings6 coursesD1 G1 C2 E2 A2 D3violone, D'violoneEuropeoctave lower than the 6-string bass viol
Viol, Tenor6 strings6 coursesG2 C3 F3 A3 D4 G4Viol da Gamba, Viola da GambaEurope
Viol, SopranoSee Pardessus de VioleSee Pardessus de Viole
Viol, Treble6 strings6 coursesD3 G3 C4 E4 A4 D5Europe
Viola4 strings4 coursesC3 G3 D4 A4EuropePitched a 5th below the violin.
Viola Amarantina10 strings5 coursesD3 D2•A3 A2•B3 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3Viola Aramante, Viola de dois coracoisAmarante, Portugal
Viola Beiroa12 strings7 coursesD3•D3•A3 A2•D3 D2•G3 G2•B3 B3•D3 D3Portugal
Viola Braguesa10 strings5 coursesC4 C3•G4 G3•A4 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4Viola Da BragaPortugal
Viola caipira10 strings5 coursesA3 A2 • D4 D2 • F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4Viola de dez cordes, Viola sertanejaBrazil
Viola Campaniça10 strings5 coursesC3 C2 • F3 F2 • C3 C3 • E3 E3 • G3 G3Viola de BejaPortugal
Viola da GambaSee Viol, TenorSee Viol, Tenor
Viola Da Terra12 strings5 coursesA3 A3 A2•D4 D4 D3•G3 G3•B3 B3•D4 D4Azores (Portugal)
Viola De Arame9 strings5 coursesG3 G2•D3 D2•G3 G3•B3•D3 D3Viola de MadeiraMadeira, Portugal
Viola de cocho5 strings5 coursesG3 • D3 • E3 • A3 • D4Mato Grosso, South-western Brazil
Violao De Sete Cordas7 strings7 coursesStandard/Common:C2•E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4

Alternate:

  • B2•E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4
Brazil
Viola Sertaneja10 strings5 courses[*]A3 A2•D4 D2•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}3•B3•A3 A3A3•D4•G4 G4•B3•B3 B3 B3•E4 E4 E4Viola NordestinaBrazilTwo different arrangements are employed for the courses:

2-2-2-2-2 (1st tuning) or 1-1-2-3-3 (2nd tuning)

Viola Terceira15 strings6 coursesE3 E3 E2•A3 A3 A2•D4 D4 D3•G4 G3•B3 B3•E3 E3Viola Da Terceira, Viola TerceirenseAzores (Portugal)
Viola Toeira12 strings5 coursesA3 A3 A2 • D4 D4 D3 • G4 G3 • B3 B3 • E3 E3Portugal
Violin4 Strings4 coursesG3 D4 A4 E5Fiddle (colloquial)LombardyFor other tunings see fiddle
Violin, Tenor4 Strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2 D3 A3 E4

Alternate:

  • F2 C3 G3 D4
Tenor violin, baritone violin, violottaUSStandard is one octave below the violin;

4th below the viola.

Rare.

W

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Walaycho10 strings5 courses*Bolivian (F6):C5 C5•F5 F5•A5 A4•D5 D5•A5 A5
  • Argentine (G6):
D5 D5•G5 G5•B5 B4•E5 E5•B5 B5		Waylacho, hualaycho, maulinchoAndean regionA soprano charango

F6 = 4th higher than the charango

G6 = 5th higher than the charango

Waldzither, bass9 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:A2 • E3 E3•A3 A3•C{{music|#}}4 C{{music|#}}4•E4 E4Germany
Waldzither, descant9 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:G3 • D4 D4•G4 G4•B4 B4•D5 D5Bergmannszither, WalddolineGermany
Waldzither, Heym14 strings6 coursesStandard/Common:C2 C2•G3 G3 G3•C4 C4 C4•E4 E4 E4•G4 G4 G4GermanyVery rare, and possibly obsolete
Waldzither, piccolo9 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:C4 • G4 G4•C5 C5•E5 E5•G5 G5

Alternates:

  • D tuning: D4 • A4 A4•D5 D5•F{{music|#}}5 F{{music|#}}5•A5 A5
Germany
Waldzither, tenor9 strings5 coursesStandard/Common:C3 • G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•G4 G4

Alternates:

  • D tuning: D3 • A3 A3•D4 D4•F{{music|#}}4 F{{music|#}}4•A4 A4
  • Open G major: G2 • D3 D3•G3 G3•B3 B3•D4 D4
Waldzither, Forest zitherGermanyThe tenor is the standard waldzither;

several other, less common tunings are also used[15]

X

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Xenorphica73 strings73 coursesF1 F{{music|#}}2 G1 G{{music|#}}1 A1 A{{music|#}}1 B1 C2 C{{music|#}}2 D2 D{{music|#}}2 E2[...] *F{{music|#}}6 G6 G{{music|#}}6 A6 A{{music|#}}6 B6 C7 C{{music|#}}7 D7 D{{music|#}}7 E7 F7claviharp, harp piano,

keyed harp

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

Rare.

Xiaoruan4 strings4 coursesD3 A3 D4 A4'Alto RuanChinalit. "small Ruan"

Y

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
YakumogotoSee NigenkinSee Nigenkin
Yayli Tambur6 strings3 coursesD2 D2•A2 A2•D3 D3Yayli TanburTurkey
Yueqin4 strings4 coursesG3•D4•G4•D5Yueh qin,

Yueh chin,

Moon guitar

China
Yueqin,

Taiwanese

2 strings2 coursesD3•A4Hengchun yueqin,

Yueh qin,

Yueh chin,

Moon guitar

Taiwan

Z

InstrumentStrings & CoursesTuning(s)Alternative NamesOriginNotesPicture
Zheng18 strings18 coursesCommon:C2 D2 E2 G2 A2 C3 D4 E4 G4 A4 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5Guzheng, Gu Zheng, PinyinChinaTuning 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.

Zhonghu2 strings2 courses
  • G3 D4
  • A3 E4
ChinaEither tuning may be considered "standard".
Zhongruan4 strings4 coursesStandard/Common:G2 D3 G3 D4

Alternates:

  • G2 D3 A3 E4 (Mandolin)
  • A2 E3 A3 E4
Tenor Ruan, ruanjian, ruanqinChinalit. "medium Ruan";

This is the standard/most common instrument of the five-member ruan family.

Zither, Alpine5 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 ZitherAustria, Germany, elsewhere.Standard Tuning AKA "Munich"

[*]

  • 5 fretted melody strings
  • 12 unfretted accompaniment strings
  • 12 unfretted bass strings
  • 13 unfretted contrabass strings
Zither, Concert5 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 ZitherAmerica, 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, GuitarVariesVaried 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 ZitherAustria, 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
FRETTEDUNFRETTED
STRINGMelodyAccompanimentBassesCountrabasses
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142
PITCHMunichA4A4D4G3C3b}}4b}}3F4C4G3D4A3E4B3#}}3#}}4#}}3b}}3b}}2F3C3G2D3A2E3B2#}}2#}}3#}}2F2E2b}}2D2#}}2C2B1b}}1A1#}}1G1#}}1F1
VienneseA4D4G3G3C3Ab4b}}4b}}3F4C4G4D4A3E4B3#}}4#}}4#}}3b}}2b}}2F2C3G2D2A2E2B2#}}2#}}2#}}2C2B1b}}1A1#}}G1#}}1F1
Notes:BasicConcertAlpine

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. ^Ekkel, Bibs; Complete Balalaika Book; Mel Bay: Pacific. Mo., 1997. pp.xiv, 92.
6. ^Man Playing Contrabass Banjo
7. ^Contrabass Banjo
8. ^The two Puerto Rican cuatro traditions
9. ^Ibid.
10. ^Ibid.
11. ^Ibid.
12. ^Rockwell Sorts Out the Differences
13. ^See for Example: Hanson, Mark; The Complete Book of Alternate Tunings; West Linn, Oregon: Accent of Music. (1995)
14. ^Smith, Eric; Piano Care & Restoration; Blue Ridge Summit, Penn.: TAB Books, Inc. (1981). p. 60.
15. ^Waldzither Tuning

See also

  • Bass Guitar Tunings
  • Guitar Tunings
  • Plucked string instrument list
  • Scale (string instruments)
  • Scordatura
  • Violin Tuning

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}}

External links

  • Atlas of Plucked Instruments
  • A Case Study of the Zheng Concerto
  • Chapman Stick Tunings
  • Hurdy-gurdy Tuning
  • [https://ccrma.stanford.edu/groups/gagaku/strings/koto.html Koto Tunings]
  • Zither Tuning
{{Guitar tunings|state=collapsed}}

3 : String instruments|Musical tuning|Guitar tunings
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