Online cuatro llanero tuner

Cuatro llanero string notes

Frequencies are calculated with the reference A at 440 Hz. If your group tunes to a different reference, such as 442 Hz, adjust it with the − and + buttons next to “A = 440 Hz” and the tuner shifts every note.

The cuatro has four single nylon strings. The 1st, B3, sounds a fifth below the 2nd (F♯4) and just a whole step above the 4th (A3). That's why cuatro chords are so closely voiced and its strumming sounds so compact.

Open, the four strings form a B minor seventh chord (B, D, F♯, A): a gentle strum is a good way to check that everything ended up in place.

Other cuatro tunings

This tuner is set to temple natural. For the other two, use the chromatic tuner and look for the notes in the table.

The cuatro in joropo

In a llanero ensemble, the cuatro accompanies the harp (or the bandola llanera) and the maracas with a crisp, fast strum that holds the harmony and rhythm together. If you want to work on the joropo pulse, practice with the joropo metronome.

How to tune your cuatro llanero with this tuner

1. Tap Enable microphone and accept the browser's permission request. The sound is analyzed on your device: it isn't recorded or sent anywhere.
2. Leave the tuner on Auto so it recognizes which string you're playing, or tap a note to lock it (tap it again to go back to Auto).
3. Play a single open string with medium force and let it ring.
4. If the needle is to the left, the note is flat: tune up. If it's to the right, tune down. Anywhere between −5 and +5 cents counts as in tune.
5. Once a string stays in tune for a moment, its button gets a green check mark. Keep going until every string has one.
6. Use the speaker icon under each note to hear the reference and train your ear.
7. Go over every string again at the end: the tension of some strings shifts the others slightly.

Tips for tuning your cuatro llanero

• The 1st string (B) is lower than the 2nd: don't tune it up looking for a high B, or you may snap it.
• Nylon strings stretch a lot: with new strings, tune several times each session.
• If your cuatro travels between the hot lowlands and the cold highlands, wait a few minutes before tuning: nylon reacts quickly to temperature.
• Tune by plucking each string with your finger, rather than strumming: the tuner needs to hear a single note.

Common tuning problems

• The needle jumps between notes: play a single string, a little more softly, and wait for the sound to settle. The first instant of every note always sounds slightly sharp.
• It doesn't pick up the low strings: phone microphones struggle with low frequencies. Hold your phone closer to the instrument or play the harmonic at the middle of the string (12th fret): the tuner recognizes it as the same string and tells you it sounds an octave higher.
• The open strings are in tune, but what you play sounds off: check that no string is in the wrong octave and that your strings aren't old. If it still sounds wrong, ask your teacher or a luthier to check the instrument's intonation.
• It goes out of tune right away: new strings keep stretching for several days, and changes in temperature and humidity shift the tuning. Tune in the same place where you're going to play.
• The browser doesn't ask for the microphone: check the site permissions in your browser settings and make sure no other app is using the microphone.

Frequently asked questions