Stringed instrument tunings

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

Contents - Instrument:

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
See also
References
Notes

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.

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
Ahenk	12 strings 6 courses	Standard/Common: A3 A3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5•G5 G5 Alternates: May also use various oud tunings		Turkey
Ajayu	12 strings 5 courses	Standard/Common: A A•E E•A A•C# C# C#•F# F# F# Alternate: C C•G G•C C•E E E•A A A		Chile	A very recent instrument, invented in 2007
Akkordolia	4 strings 4 courses	F2 A2 C3 F3	Taishogoto, Bulbul-tarang, Benju	Germany & Austria / Japan / India / Pakistan	There are also a number of drone strings, the number and tuning of which vary widely.
Akonting	3 courses 3 strings	Common: D3 G3 F4 C3 F3 E4	Ekonting, Bunchundo, Econtin, Konting	Senegal	Often strung with fishing line. A rare 4-string version also exists.
Amzad	1 string 1 course	No standard tuning; tuned to any convenient note.	Imzad	Niger, Mali, Algeria	Horse hair string.
Archlute	27 strings 14 courses	F1 F2•G1 G2•A1 A2•B1 B2•C2 C3•D2 D3•E2 E3•F2 F3•G2 G2•C2 C2•F3 F3•A3 A3•D4 D4•G4	Arciliuto, Erzlaute.	Europe	Number of courses could vary from 11-14, and the number of strings from 21-27.	12-course, 23-string archlute:
Armonico	7 strings 6 courses	E3•A3•D4•G4 G4•B3•E4		Cuba
Arpeggione	6 strings 6 courses	E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4		Vienna, Austria	Rare. Tuning is same as guitar.
Autoharp	36 strings 36 courses	F2 G2 C3 D3 E3 F3 F#3 G3 A3 A#3 B3 C4 C#4 D4 D#4 E4 F4 F#4 G4 G#4 A4 A#4 B4 C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 A#5 B5 C6	Chord zither	USA	Instruments with additional bass strings exist (from 37 - 48 totalstrings), but are very rare.

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: Guitar: 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: Folk: C4 E4 G4 Russian guitar: G3 B3 D4	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, Philippine	14 strings 6 courses	F#2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3 A3•D4 D4 D4•G4 G4 G4		Philippines	One octave higher than the Philippine 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	Same as used for the cello.
Banjo, Cello	5 strings 5 courses	G3 D2 G2 B2 D3	banjo cello	US	One octave lower than 5-string Bluegrass Banjo.
Banjo, Contrabass	3 strings 3 courses	Standard/Common: E1 A1 D2 Alternates: D1 G1 C2 D1 A1 D2 C1 G1 C2		US	Essentially in the same range as the bass banjo, but with a much larger resonator. These instruments are very rare, and tuning is not standardized.	^[5] ^[6]
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: Irish (all fifths): G2 D3 A3 E4	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 )				( 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, Cavaquinho, Machete de braga	Madeira, Portugal	Standard AKA "Banjo tuning" (octave higher than the plectrum banjo)
Bugarija	5 strings 4 courses	G2•B2•D3•G3 G3 or F# F# A D D	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
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, Manchete, Machimbo	Portugal
Cello	4 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: C2 G2 D3 A3 Alternates: "5th Suite" tuning: C2 G2 D3 G3	Violoncello	Europe	Many scordatura tunings have been employed by various composers for individual pieces, for example: "Zoltán Kodály" tuning: B1 F#2 D3 A3
Celovic	4 strings 4 courses	E2 A2 D3 G3	Celo, Csello, Cselo	Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia
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.
Chanzy	3 strings 3 courses	Standard/Common: F2 C3 F3 Alternates: D2 A2 D3 C2 G2 C3	Chanzi, Tyanzi	Tuva, Russia
Chapey	3 strings 2 courses	F3 F3 • B3	Chapei, Chapei Dong Veng	Cambodia
Chapman Stick	10 strings 10 courses	E3 A2 D2 G1 C1 F#2 B2 E3 A3 D4	Stick, The Stick, Classic Stick	United States	There are many alternate tunings, which vary from individual to individual
Chapman Stick, Grand Stick	12 strings 12 courses	B3 E3 A2 D2 G1 C1 C#2 F#2 B2 E3 A3 D4	Stick, The Stick, Grand Stick	United States	There are many alternates, which vary from individual to individual
Charango	10 strings 5 courses	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.
Charango, Hatun	7 or 8 strings 6 or 7 courses	(A3) • D4 • G4 • C5 • E5 E4 • A4 • E5	Grand Charango, Hatun Charango, Peruvian Charango	Peru	A recent addition to the charango family.
Charangón	10 strings 5 courses	Standard/Common: 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", one octave lower than the charango. Very similar in appearance to the ronroco, but slightly larger.
Charango, Ranka	11 strings 5 courses	G4 G4•C5 C5•E5 E4•A4 A4•E5 E5 E6•D4 D4•A4 A4•G5 G4•C5 C5•G5 G5 G6	Patasi Charango, Ranqha Charango	Cochabamba, Bolivia
Chillador	10 strings 5 courses	Standard/Common: G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E3•A3 A3•E4 E4 Alternates: Same as charango		Andean mountains	Essentilally a flat-backed charango
Chitarra battente	10 strings 5 courses	A3 A3•D4 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E4 E4		Italy
Chonguri	4 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: D2 F2 D3 A2 Alternate:[*] F3 A3 F4 C4		Georgia	[*]There are many tuning variations. Note that both examples here are re-entrant.
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 )				( See Seis Cinco )
Cittern	10 strings 5 courses	Standard/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 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 Alto	10 strings 5 courses	F#4 F#3•B3 B4•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5	Alto Cuatro	Puerto Rico	Rare.^[7]
Cuatro Antiguo	8 strings 4 courses	A3 A3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5		Puerto Rico	An 4 string/4 course version exists, tuned the same
Cuatro Bajo	10 strings 5 courses	E3 E2•A3 A2•D3 D3•G3 G3•C4 C4	Bass Cuatro	Puerto Rico	Rare.^[8]
Cuatro Cubano	8 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: G4 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•A4 A4 Alternates: G4 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•G4 G4 A4 A3•D4 D4•F#4 F#4•B4 B4	Cuban Cuatro, Tres-Cuatro	Cuba
Cuatro, Puerto Rican	10 strings 5 courses	B3 B2•E4 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4	Cuatro Tradicional, Cuatro Tenor, Cuatro Puertorriqueno, Cuatro Aviolinado, Cuatro Moderno, Tenor Cuatro	Puerto Rico	The Tenor Cuatro is the standard instrument of the Puerto Rican Cuatro Family.^[9] Cuatro Aviolinado means 'violin-shaped cuatro'; Cuatro Moderno is to distinguish from the Cuatro Antiguo
Cuatro, Venezuelan	4 strings 4 courses	A3•D4•F#4•B3	Cuatro Venezolano	Venezuela	Standard AKA "D6 tuning"
Cuatro Soprano	10 strings 5 courses	C#5 C#4•F#4 F#5•B4 B4•E5 E5•A5 A5	Soprano Cuatro	Puerto Rico	Rare.^[10]
Cuk	3 strings 3 courses	G4 • B3 • E3	Kroncong Cuk, Nylon kroncong guitar	Indonesia
Cümbüş	12 strings 6 courses	Standard/Common: A2 A2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4 Alternates: Alternative Standard: D2 D2•E2 E2•A2 A2•D3 D3•G3 G3•C4 C4 Egypt/Arab: D2 D2•G2 G2•A2 A2•D3 D3•G3 G3•C4 C4 Turkish/Armenian: E2 E2•A2 A2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4 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
Đàn đáy	3 strings 3 courses	G3•C4•F4	Vo de cam, Đàn đáy	Vietnam
Đàn nguyệt	2 strings 2 courses"	[ * ]	Nguyệt cầm, Đàn kìm	Vietnam	* There is no fixed tuning: one string is tuned to a convenient vocal pitch, the other is tuned a 4th, a 5th or (rarely) an octave above that.
Dihu	2 strings 2 courses	* G2 D3 D3 A3	Dadihu, Dahu, Ziaodihu, Zhongdihu	China	A larger version of the Erhu. Either tuning may be considered standard.
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
Ektara	1 string 1 course	No standard; string is tuned to any convenient pitch.	Ektar, Iktar, Gopichand, Gobijeu	India
Epinette Des Vosges	6 strings [] 6 courses*	Common: G C G		France	Typically three fretted strings; three drones, but the number of drones may vary widely. Similar in concept to the Apalacian Dulcimer
Erhu	2 strings 2 courses	D4 A4	Nanhu	China

F

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes	Picture
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 Swedish tunings: Trollstämning, or Näckastämning

G

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes
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.
Gehu	4 strings 4 courses	C2 G2 D3 A3	Erhu-cello,	China	Same tunings as cello
Gekkin	4 strings 4 courses	A3 D4 D4 D5	Japanese Yueqin	Japan
Geyerleier	8 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: E3 E2•B3 B2•E3 E3•B3 B3 Alternate: D3 D2•A3 A2•D3 D3•A3 A3		Hamburg, Germany
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	Tuned a 4th or a 5th higher than the standard guitar.
Guitar	6 strings 6 courses	Standard: E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 Common Alternates: Drop D: D2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 Open D: D2 A2 D3 F#3 A3 D4 Open G: D2 G2 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	Arch-top, Axe, Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, Flat-top, Guit-box, Guit-fiddle, Nylon String Guitar, 6-string Guitar, Spanish 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.^[11]
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 D1 G1 C2 F2 B0 E1 A1 D2 A0 D1 G1 C2	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 A0 D1 G1 C2 F2	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 E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3	Bass, electric bass, 6-string bass, Contrabass Guitar		Essentially a 4-string bass with either added high and low strings.
Guitar, bass (8-string)	8 strings 4 courses	E2 E1•A2 A1•D3 D2•G3 G2	Eight-string bass guitar, 8-string bass	US	Essentially a 4-string bass with each string doubled at the upper octave.
Guitar, octave	6 strings 6 courses	E3•A3•D4•G4•B4•E5	Piccolo Guitar, Soprano Guitar	Germany	One octave higher than the standard guitar.
Guitarra De Golpe	5 strings 5 courses	Standard/Common: D3•G3•C4•E3•A3 Alternates: Tecalitan: D3•G3•B4•E3•A3 Urbana: G3•C4•E4•A3•D4 Urbana alt.: G3•C4•E3•A3•D4	Guitarra Colorada, Quinta De Golpe, Mariachera	Mexico
Guitarrenlaute	6 strings 6 courses	Standard/Common: E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4 Alternates are the same as the Guitar	Guitarren laute, Guitar-lute, Lute-guitar	Germany	Basically this is a lute-shaped guitar; a guitar neck on a lute body.
Guitarro	6 strings 6 courses	B4 F#4 D5 A5 E5	Guitarrico, Spanish Tiple	Spain
Guitarrón	6 strings 6 courses	A1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A2	Guitarrón de Toloche	Mexico
Guitarron Argentino	6 strings 6courses	B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3		Argentina	A 6-string scoustic bass guitar.
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).
Guitar, tenor	4 strings 4 courses	C3 • G3 • D4 • A4		US	Same tuning as tenor banjo, mandola.
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
Halszither	9 strings 5 courses	G2 • D3 D3 • G3 G3 • B3 B3 • D4 D4	Krienser Halszither	Switzerland
Hardingfele	4 strings 4 courses plus 4-5 resonating strings	Standard/Common: A3 D4 A4 E5 res. strings: (B3) D4 E4 F#4 A4 Common alternates: Kolagutstille: A3 C4 A4 E5 res.: (A3) D4 E4 G4 A4 Seljekvatstille: A3 D4 F#4 E5 res.: (B3) D4 E4 F#4 A4 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 musical temperament other than 12-tone equal temperament (common on modern pianos).
Harzither	8 strings 4 courses	GG • CC • EE • GG	Bergzither	Germany
Huapanguera	8 strings 5 courses	G2 •D3 D4•G3 G3•B3 B3•E3		Mexico
Huobosi	4 strings 4 courses	E2 A2 D3 G3	Hubo, Sugudu	China
Hurdy Gurdy	5 or 6 strings 5 courses	Traditional: (G4)G4 C4 G3 C3 C2 Alternates: 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
Ichigenkin	1 string 1 course	no standard [*]		Japan	[*] string is tuned to any note convenient for the vocalist
Igil	2 strings 2 courses	(E • B)	Ikili	Tuva, Mongolia	Pitch varies depending what other instruments the Igil is playing with, but the two strings are always tuned a 5th apart.
Irish bouzouki	8 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: G3 G2•D4 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4 Alternates: 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
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.
Jarana Jarocha Requinto	4 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: G2•A2•D2•G3 Alternates: C2•D2•G2•C3 C2•D2•G3•C3 A2•D3•G3•C3	Jarocha Requinto, Requinto Jarocha, Guitarra De Son	Mexico
Jarana Leona	4 strings 4 courses	G2•A2•D3•G3		Mexico
Jouhikko	3 strings 3 courses	D A E	Jouhikannel	Finland	Absolute pitch is not fixed on this instrument

K

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes
Kabosy	6 strings 4 courses	G • G • B B • D D		Madagascar
Kacapi	6 strings 3 courses	A#• B •C# •F• F#		Indonesia	Uses a gamelan pelog scale. Tuning is approximated to western notation.
Khonkhota	8 strings 5 courses [*]	G4 G3•C4•D4 D3•A3•D4 D4	Qonqhota, Ponputu, Mokholos, Machus	South America	Strings/courses are usually 8/5 but 7/5, 9/5, 10/5 or 11/5 variations exist.
Kithara Sarda	6 strings 6 courses	B2 E2 A2 D3 F3 B3		Sardinia, Italy.
Kobza	8 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: GG • DD • GG • CC Alternate: DD • AA • DD • GG	Kobuz, Kobsa	Moldavia, Romania, Hungary
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 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.
Kwitra	8 strings 4 courses	GG • EE • AA • DD	Kuitra, Kouitra, Quwaytara	Algeria

L

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes	Picture
Laouto	8 strings 4 courses	Standard/Common: C2 C3•G2 G3•D2 D3•A3 A3 Alternate: Cretan: G2 G3•D2 D3•A2 A3•E3 E3	Laghouto	Greece	Standard aka "Mainland"
Laúd, Philippine		( See Octavina )				(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
Laud, Cuban	12 strings 6 courses	D3 D3•F#3 F#3•B3 B3•E4 E4•A4 A4•D5 D5	Laud Cubano	Cuba
Lili'u	6 strings 4 courses	G3 • C3 C4 • E4 • A4 A4	Li'liu, Taropatch, Tenor Ukulele	Hawaii	C6 tuning Tenor Ukulele tuning with courses 1 and 3 doubled.
Lili'u	8 strings 4 courses	G3 G4 • C3 C4 • E4 E4 • A4 A4	Li'liu, Taropatch, Tenor Ukulele	Hawaii	Double-strung tenor ukulele.
Liuqin	4 strings 4 courses	G3 • D4 • G4 • D5	liuyeqin, willow leaf instrument	China
Liuto cantabile	10 strings 5 courses	C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4	Liuto moderno	Naples, Italy	Some courses are occasionally single-strung
Luc huyen cam	5 strings 5 courses	Standard/Common: C3 • F3 • C4 • G4 • C5 Alternate: Hu ai Cam: G2 • D3 • G3 • B4 • D5 (aka "slide guitar tuning")	Đàn Ghita, Ghita, Phím Lõm, Vietnamese guitar	Vietnam	Originally a 4- or 5-string instrument; today often nearly identical to a 6-string western guitar, except for having a scalloped fingerboard and one less string. (See below.)
Luc huyen cam	6 strings 6 courses	Standard/Common: E2 • A2 • D3 • G3 • 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 aka "aculturated tuning" Day Sai Gon aka "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.)
Lyra	3 strings 3 courses	D3 • A3 • E5		Crete, Greece

M

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes
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.
Mandocello	8 strings 4 courses	C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3	mandolincello, mandoloncello		Standard tuning is 1 octave below the mandola.
Mandola	8 strings 4 courses	C3 C3•G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4	Tenor mandola (Europe)		A 5th below mandolin tuning.
Mandolin	8 strings 4 courses	G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5	Mando		Standard instrument of the mandolin family.
Mandolinetto	8 strings 4 courses	G3 G3•D4 D4•A4 A4•E5 E5		USA and Canada	A guitar-shaped mandolin, or mandolin neck on ukulele body.
Mandolin (Octave)	8 strings 4 courses	G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4	Tenor Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Octave mandola (Europe)		Pitched 1 octave below the mandolin.
Mandolin (Piccolo)	8 strings 4 courses	C4 C4•G4 G4•D5 D5•A5 A5	Brilliant tone mandolin		Tuned a 4th above the mandolin; 1 octave above the mandola.
Mandriola	12 strings 4 courses	G3 G3 G3•D4 D4 D4•A4 A4 A4•E5 E5 E5	Tricordia	Europe	Tricordia is also a similar instrument tuned differently; both instruments are known by both names. (see Trichordia)
Manguerito	7 strings 5 courses	D4•G4•B4 B3•E4•B4 B4		La Paz, Bolivia
Mejorana	5 strings 5 courses	"Por veinticinco": D4•A4•A3•B3•E4 "Por seis": D4•G4•G3•B3•E4	Mejorana, Rumbo	Panama	Either tuning may be considered "standard."

N

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes
Nevoud	11 strings 6 courses	C#2•F#2 F#2•B2 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3•D4 D4	Nevud, New Oud	Turkey
Nigenkin	2 strings 2 courses	No standard [*]		Japan	[*] Strings are tuned in unison, to any pitch convenient for vocalist.
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
Octavina	14 strings 6 courses	F#1•B1 B1•E2 E2•A2 A2 A2•D3 D3 D3•G3 G3 G3	Philippine Laúd	Philippines	One octave lower than the Philippine Bandurria
Octobass	3 strings 3 courses	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.
Octofone	8 strings 4 courses	* C2 C2•G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3 G2 G2•D3 D3•A3 A3•E4 E4 D2 D2•G2 G2•B2 B2•E3 E3		USA	Any of the tunings may be considered "standard".
Oud	11 strings 6 courses	Standard/Common: C2 F2 A2 D3 G3 C4 Alt. Arabic: F4 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#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
Panduri	3 strings 3 courses	Standard/Common: G3 • A3 • C4 Alternate: E3 • B3 • A4		Georgia (Asia)
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.^[12] Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic.	Upright Piano: Grand Piano:
Piano, Imperial Grand	249 strings[] 97 courses*	C0 C#0 D0 D#0 E0 F0 F#0 G0 G#0 A0 A#0 B0 [...] *C#7 D7 D#7 E7 F7 F#7 G7 G#7 A7 A#7 B7 C8	Imperial Grand, 290, Bösendorfer	Austria	* About 2/3 of courses are triple strung; some lower courses are double strung; the remaining bases are single strung. All multi-strung courses are tuned to unisons. Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic. These extended-range pianos are very expensive and uncommon.
Pipa	4 strings 4 courses	A2 D3 E3 A3	Pi p'a	China
Portuguese guitar	12 strings 6 courses	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
Rajao	6 strings 5 courses	D4•G4•C4•E4•A4 (A4)	Rajão	Portugal	Sometimes the top course is not doubled, so there are only 5 strings
Ramkie	4 strings 4 courses	C3 F3 A3 C4	Afri-can, Kitaar	South Africa	Typically these are homemade, and therefore quite variable.
Rebab	2 strings 2 courses	D3 A3		Java	Tuning given is approximate: does not follow western equal temperament
Requinto	6 strings 6 courses	A2 D3 G3 C4 E4 A4	Requinto guitar	Mexico	4th above the standard guitar
Ronroco	10 strings 5 courses	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 performers.

S

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes
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.
Sarangi, Nepalese	4 strings 4 courses	G4•C5•C5•G5		Nepal
Sargija	6 strings 3 courses	C3 C3 • G3 G3 • D3 D3	Sharkia, Sharki, Shargija	Albania
Seis Cinco	6 strings 5 courses	E3•A4 A3•D3•F#4•B4	Seis Cinco	North-western Venezuela
Setar	4 strings 3 courses	C3 C4 • G3 • C4		Iran
Shamisen	3 strings 3 courses	Standard/Common: D G D Alternates: San sagari: D G C Ni agari: D A D	Samisen, Sangen	Japan	Standard = "Honchoshi" tuning
Sitar	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 Lili'u )				( See Lili'u )
Tembor	5 strings 3 courses	A A•D•G G		China
Terzin Kitarra	6 strings 6 courses	G#2 B2 E3 A3 C#4 E4		Malta
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 de Menorca	5 strings 5 courses	D4•G4•C5•E5•A5		Menorca, Spain
Tiple, Puerto Rican	5 strings 5 courses	E3 • A3 • D4 • G4 C5	Tiple Doliente	Puerto Rico
Tiple Requinto	12 strings 4 courses	Standard/Traditional: C4 C4 C4 • E4 E4 E4 • A4 A4 A4 • D4 D4 D4 Alternate: 'Guitar'/Modern G6: D4 D4 D4 • G4 G4 G4 • B4 B4 B4 • E4 E4 E4	Tiple Requinto Colombiano	Colombia	Triple strung: smaller than Tiple Colombiano, and central lower octave strings are replaced with unisons.
Trembulo	6 strings 4 courses	B3•E3•A4 A4•D4 D4	Fusao, Fusao Trembulo, Fusion Trembulo	Portugal
Trembulo	8 strings 4 courses	* A4 A3•D4 D3•B4 B3•E4 E3 D4 D3•G4 G3•E4 E3•A4 A3 A4 A4•D4 D3•B4 B3•E4 E4		Portugal	Any of the tunings may be considered "standard".
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.
Tricordia	12 strings 4 courses	G2 G3 G3 • D3 D4 D4 • A3 A4 A4 • E4 E5 E5	Mandriola	Mexico	Although tuned differently from the mandriola, both instruments are known by both names
Tzouras	6 strings 3 courses	D3 D4 • A3 A3 • D4 D4	6 strings/3 courses	Tzouras	Greece

U

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

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 Amarantina	10 strings 5 courses	D3 D2•A3 A2•B3 B2•E3 E3•A3 A3	Viola Aramante, Viola de dois coracois	Amarante, Portugal
Viola Beiroa	12 strings 7 courses	D3•D3•A3 A2•D3 D2•G3 G2•B3 B3•D3 D3		Portugal
Viola Braguesa	10 strings 5 courses	C4 C3•G4 G3•A4 A3•D4 D4•G4 G4	Viola Da Braga	Portugal
Viola caipira	10 strings 5 courses	A3 A2 • D4 D2 • F#4 F#3 • A3 A3 • D4 D4	Viola de dez cordes, Viola sertaneja	Brazil
Viola Campaniça	10 strings 5 courses	C3 C2 • F3 F2 • C3 C3 • E3 E3 • G3 G3	Viola de Beja	Portugal
Viola da Gamba		See Viol, Tenor				See Viol, Tenor
Viola Da Terra	12 strings 5 courses	A4 A4 A3•D4 D4 D3•G3 G3•B3 B3•D4 D4		Azores (Portugal)
Viola De Arame	9 strings 5 courses	G3 G2•D3 D2•G3 G3•B3•D3 D3	Viola de Madeira	Madeira, Portugal
Viola de cocho	5 strings 5 courses	G3 • D3 • E3 • A3 • D4		Mato Grosso, South-western Brazil
Violao De Sete Cordas	7 strings 7 courses	Standard/Common: C2•E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4 Alternate: B2•E2•A2•D3•G3•B3•E4		Brazil
Viola Sertaneja	10 strings 5 courses	[] A3 A2•D4 D2•F#4 F#3•B3•A3 A3* A3•D4•G4 G4•B3•B3 B3 B3•E4 E4 E4	Viola Nordestina	Brazil	Two different arrangements are employed for the courses: 2-2-2-2-2 (1st tuning) or 1-1-2-3-3 (2nd tuning)
Viola Terceira	15 strings 6 courses	E3 E3 E2•A3 A3 A2•D3 D3 D2•G3 G2•B3 B3•E3 E3	Viola Da Terceira, Viola Terceirense	Azores (Portugal)
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	Standard/Common: G2 D3 A3 E4 Alternate: F2 C3 G3 D4	Tenor violin, baritone violin, violotta	US	Standard is one octave below the violin; 4th below the viola. Rare.

W

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin	Notes	Picture
Walaycho	10 strings 5 courses	Bolivian (F6): 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: C3•G3 G3•C4 C4•E4 E4•G4 G4 Alternate: Open G major: G2•D3 D3•G3 G3•B3 B3•D4 D4	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, harp piano, keyed harp	Austria	Only lowest and highest octaves are shown; tuning of the intervening notes is chromatic. Rare.

Y

Instrument	Strings & Courses	Tuning(s)	Alternative Names	Origin
Yayli Tambur	6 strings 3 courses	D2 D2•A2 A2•D3 D3	Yayli Tanbur	Turkey
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
Zheng	18 strings 18 courses	Common: C2 D2 E2 G2 A2 C3 D4 E4 G4 A4 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5	Guzheng, Gu Zheng, Pinyin	China	Tuning is not absolute, and is not limited by Western equal temperament. Zhengs also come with varying numbers of strings, typically from 16-26; the pentatonic tuning is extended to accommodate these extra (high and low) strings.
Zhonghu	2 strings 2 courses	G3 D4 A3 E4		China	Either tuning may be considered "standard".
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
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

↑ Marcuse, Sibyl; Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary; W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
↑ Randel, Don Michael, Ed.; The New Harvard Dictionary of Music; Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press (1986). p. 211.
↑ Backus, John; The Acoustical Foundations of Music; New York: W. W. Norton & Company (1975).
↑ Ibid. p. 60-61.
↑ http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmcpvhDYxr1qb1o6yo1_400.jpg
↑ http://api.ning.com/files/rKOLpnVd66P9W54bZUwf8KBJlcpNm4aYsDHWu847NEtLkctOqUmQ8hIL27uPmVDwaiJPsWe9jtLliYuroZRVYrDfkj74E0yc/bassbanjo3001.JPG
↑ http://www.cuatro-pr.org/node/70
↑ Ibid.
↑ Ibid.
↑ Ibid.
↑ See for Example: Hanson, Mark; The Complete Book of Alternate Tunings; West Linn, Oregon: Accent of Music. (1995)
↑ Smith, Eric; Piano Care & Restoration; Blue Ridge Summit, Penn.: TAB Books, Inc. (1981). p. 60.

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

Guitar tunings

General

Standard DADGAD Nashville

Open (Slide and slack-key guitar)

Tuning	Repetitive	Overtones	Other (often most popular)

Open A Open B Open C Open D Open E Open F Open G	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	A-A-E-A-C♯-E B-B-F♯-B-D♯-F♯ C-C-G-C-E-G D-D-A-D-F♯-A E-E-B-E-G♯-B F-F-C-F-A-C G-G-D-G-B-D	E-A-C♯-E-A-E B-F♯-B-F♯-B-D♯ C-G-C-G-C-E D-A-D-F♯-A-D E-B-E-G♯-B-E C-F-C-F-A-F D-G-D-G-B-D

Downtuned

E♭ D D♭ C B B♭

Dropped

Drop D Double drop D Drop C Drop B Drop A

Regular (semitones)

Unison (0) Minor thirds (3) Major thirds (4) All fourths (5) Augmented fourths (6) New standard (7⁴, 3) All fifths (7)

Repetitive (open pitches)

Trivial (1) Augmented fourths (2) Major thirds (3) English open-C (3) Russian open-G (3) Minor thirds (4)

Miscellaneous

Terz Bass guitar Steel guitar (C6, E9) Other instruments Musical tuning William Sethares

List * Category

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