do not have a standard tuning but rather a 'common' tuning that is used more frequently than others (e.g., banjo lap steel guitar).have more than one tuning considered 'standard' (e.g.have a designated standard tuning (e.g., violin guitar).(The 'A' above Middle C would then be written as 'A 4' the next higher octave begins on 'C 5' the next lower octave on 'C 3' etc.) īecause stringed instruments are easily re-tuned, the concept of a 'standard tuning' is somewhat flexible. Octaves are given in scientific pitch notation, with Middle C written as 'C 4'. Pitch: Unless otherwise noted, contemporary western standard pitch (A 4 = 440 Hz) and 12-tone equal temperament are assumed. paired or tripled strings) are shown with courses separated by bullet characters ( Single-string courses are separated by spaces multiple-string courses (i.e. Strings within a course are also given from left to right, facing the front of the instrument, with it standing vertically. 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).mountain dulcimer) will be noted with the highest sounding courses on the left and the lowest to the right. Instruments strung in the reverse direction (e.g.Instruments using reentrant tuning (e.g., the charango) may have a high string before a low string.On a majority of instruments, this places the notes from low to high pitch. Ĭourses are listed reading from left to right facing the front of the instrument, with the instrument standing vertically. A course may consist of one or more strings.

Cello standard tuning