Online berimbau tuner
Measure your berimbau and choose your roda’s reference. Free-pitch mode shows the note played; capture calibrates the reference to the manually selected target.
One school’s example, no universal standard
UNICAMP research documents different tunings between schools. Its Mestre Topete example uses A on open gunga, C on stopped médio and D on stopped viola; this is not a universal rule.
| Part / gesture | Pitch class |
|---|---|
| Gunga — open note | A |
| Médio — stopped note | C |
| Viola — stopped note | D |
How to use it
- Enable the microphone and allow access in your browser. Audio is analysed on your device.
- Begin in free-pitch mode, play only the gunga and check the octave. Select the target manually, then capture the reference chosen by your mestre.
- Play one isolated note and let the attack settle. Compare its pitch, frequency and cents with the selected target.
- Compare médio and viola separately. Select their pitches manually according to your roda, without turning the source’s example into a general rule.
Help and explanations
UNICAMP research documents different tunings between schools. Its Mestre Topete example uses A on open gunga, C on stopped médio and D on stopped viola; this is not a universal rule.
A reference chosen by the roda
Tuning, stone position and rhythmic arrangements belong to each school’s tradition. Compare the same gesture: open with open, or stopped with stopped.
Reading the A, C, D example
The table shows documented pitch classes, without claiming measured octaves or universal frequencies. Free-pitch mode starts with A2 as an adjustable example target; match the pitch to your roda.
Tips
- Use a quiet room and place the instrument near the microphone without touching it.
- Agree on a reference with the other players; changing concert A changes every target.
- The attack and caxixi can complicate detection. Let the string ring and check that the displayed note belongs to the sound you intend to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one universal berimbau tuning?
No. The source documents different relationships between gunga, médio and viola. Follow your mestre and your roda’s tradition.
Why does the example show A, C and D?
These pitch classes were documented for Mestre Topete. The tool does not prescribe these choices or particular octaves to other schools.
What happens when I capture a note?
In free-pitch mode, the reference is calibrated to the manually selected target. Check the note and octave before capture, then choose the other targets.
Do I need an app or an audio upload?
No. This tool runs in your browser and measures sound locally without uploading a recording.