This is a chart of stringed instrument tunings. Instruments are listed alphabetically by their most commonly known name.
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 (i.e. paired or tripled strings) are shown with courses separated by bullet characters (â¢).
Pitch: Unless otherwise noted, contemporary western standard pitch (A<sub>4</sub> = 440 Hz) and 12-tone equal temperament are assumed.
Octaves are given in scientific pitch notation, with Middle C written as "C<sub>4</sub>". (The 'A' above Middle C would then be written as "A<sub>4</sub>"; the next higher octave begins on "C<sub>5</sub>"; the next lower octave on "C<sub>3</sub>"; etc.)
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".