How to string a vihuela
A mariachi vihuela has five nylon strings tuned A3 D4 G4 B3 E4, from the 5th string to the 1st. The A, D and G are an octave above the same strings on a guitar, so the 3rd string, G4, is the highest note on the instrument and the thinnest string in the set. That reentrant order is the one thing to get right when you restring.
Mexican vihuela tuning, string by string
From the 5th string to the 1st, at A 440 Hz. The 3rd string, G4, is the highest note.
| String | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | A3 | 220.00 |
| 4 | D4 | 293.66 |
| 3 | G4 | 392.00 |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 |
How to use it
- Read the steps once, then tick each one as you finish it.
- When every box is ticked, the page scrolls to the vihuela tuner. Allow the microphone and pluck each open string.
- Tune slowly: the thin 3rd string reaches G4 sooner than you expect. Start over clears the checklist.
Help and explanations
Vihuela sets such as La Bella's VM300 come plain-ended, with no ball end or loop, so each string is tied at the bridge like a classical guitar string. Tick the steps as you go; your progress stays on this device, and the tuner at the end checks all five strings.
Which string goes where
Stores list the La Bella VM300 gauges as .032, .040, .028, .040 and .042 without saying which is which. Reading them from the 1st string to the 5th gives: 1st E4 .032, 2nd B3 .040, 3rd G4 .028, 4th D4 .040 and 5th A3 .042. That mapping is our deduction from the tuning, not the maker's chart, but it fits: the .028 is the only gauge thin enough for G4, and the two .040 strings serve the B and the D.
If your set is labelled by string number, follow the label. If it isn't, lay the strings out by gauge before you take the old ones off.
One string at a time
Change one string at a time. The vihuela's top and bridge are small, and keeping the other strings at pitch leaves the bridge and saddle in place and gives you a reference for the wrap direction on the tuners. Nylon stretches for days, so expect to retune several times during the first few days.
Tips
- Keep a spare 3rd string: the .028 G4 is the thinnest string in the set and, at 20″, pulls about 14 lb (6.4 kg), second only to the 4th string.
- If the frets play out of tune with the new strings, compare with the vihuela fret calculator and the intonation checker.
- Slacken before you cut: a nylon string cut under tension can still whip and mark the top.
Frequently asked questions
How many strings does a vihuela have?
The Mexican vihuela has 5 nylon strings, tuned A3 D4 G4 B3 E4 from the 5th to the 1st.
What are the notes of the vihuela strings?
From the 5th string to the 1st: A3 220 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz, G4 392 Hz, B3 246.94 Hz and E4 329.63 Hz, at A 440 Hz.
What is the vihuela string order?
Like the top five guitar strings, but the A, D and G are an octave higher. The 3rd string (G4) is the highest and thinnest, about .028 in a La Bella VM300 set.
How do I tie vihuela strings at the bridge?
As on a classical guitar: through the bridge hole with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) spare, back under itself, then 2 or 3 wraps so the last one is trapped against the back of the bridge.
Can I use guitar strings on a vihuela?
Only in an emergency. A, D and G are an octave above the guitar, so the guitar's wound strings won't reach pitch; use a vihuela set.