Stringed instrument tunings


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

Terminology

A course may consist of one or more strings.
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:
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 are shown with courses separated by bullet characters.
Pitch: Unless otherwise noted, contemporary western standard pitch and 12-tone equal temperament are assumed.
Octaves are given in scientific pitch notation, with Middle C written as "C4".
Because stringed instruments are easily re-tuned, the concept of a "standard tuning" is somewhat flexible. Some instruments:
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

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

Zither Tuning Chart