Dotara tuning: Pa Sa Sa Ma with movable Sa
This Bengali four-string dotara uses the relative pattern Pa Sa Sa Ma. With Sa at C4, its sounding targets are G3 C4 C4 F4. The two middle strings share Sa; Ma is a fourth above it.
Open notes and frequencies
Dotara tuning: Pa Sa Sa Ma with movable Sa: Sounding targets · Standard G3 C4 C4 F4 · A4 = 440 Hz.
| String / course | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | G3 | 196.00 |
| 3 | C4 | 261.63 |
| 2 | C4 | 261.63 |
| 1 | F4 | 349.23 |
How to use it
- Choose the tuning, target or note convention described below. Set the reference A to match your ensemble before comparing pitches.
- Press Turn on microphone and allow microphone access. Work in a quiet place and sound one note at a time.
- Let the attack pass and compare a steady note, its octave and cents. Make a small adjustment, then repeat the measurement.
- Check the full instrument again after adjustments. Stop the microphone when you finish; reference tones and the guide remain available.
Help and explanations
Tuning and register
Sa belongs to the song and singer, so choose another Sa in the tuning list when needed. The examples preserve the same intervals rather than claiming that every dotara is in C. The upper target here is F4 at Sa = C4, not F5: an ambiguous octave in historical notation should not make you tighten a steel string an octave too high. Check string gauges and the maker’s intended register. This is the Bengali dotara, distinct from the Persian or Central Asian dotar/dutar.
Getting a steady reading
Place the microphone close enough to hear a clear tone, without touching the instrument. Stop reference playback before listening through the microphone. A room echo, another player or a strong overtone can make the detected octave jump. Repeat a short, steady sound and compare by ear before making another adjustment.
Tips
- Match the note letter and the octave, not only the needle position.
- Use the pitch and stringing intended for your model; a chart for another size can imply a different register.
- Return to the same reference A when playing with other musicians.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install an app?
No. The tuner works in a current browser with microphone permission. The audio is analyzed on your device and is not recorded or uploaded.
What does zero cents mean?
It means the measured pitch matches the selected reference. For a tradition with different intervals, use the intended cents offset and confirm the musical relationship by ear.
Why does the note or octave change?
The microphone can pick up an overtone or another sounding string. Isolate the note, reduce background sound and wait for a stable reading before changing the instrument.