Nyckelharpa tuner
A standard Swedish three-row chromatic nyckelharpa uses C3–G3–C4–A4 for its four playing strings. This page also offers C3–G3–D4–A4, raising the upper C string a whole step.
Open-string notes and frequencies
Nyckelharpa: Three-row · C3 G3 C4 A4. Equal-tempered frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; the live targets follow the selected A reference.
| String / course | Sounding note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Low C | C3 | 130.81 |
| G | G3 | 196.00 |
| C / D | C4 | 261.63 |
| A | A4 | 440.00 |
American Nyckelharpa Association — Tuning the playing strings
How to use it
- Choose CGCA or the CGDA arrangement agreed with your teacher and the instrument’s setup.
- Hold the harpa at its playing angle so unused keys and tangents fall clear.
- Check that no key is pressed, then tap the target for the open A string.
- Bow one playing string gently and use its fine tuner for the final adjustment.
- Repeat for upper C or D, G and low C, then tune resonance strings from their own placement chart.
Help and explanations
The American Nyckelharpa Association documents both choices. The low C3 is the drone in the standard three-row layout. The resonance strings have separate targets and are not included in these four playing-string buttons.
A released key can still touch a string
An unwanted tangent contact makes an open-string check misleading. The Association advises holding some instruments at an angle so gravity pulls keys away. If the note changes when you move the instrument, look for accidental key pressure or contact before altering the tuning peg.
The large wooden pegs establish approximate pitch. The smaller screws on the tailpiece make the precise adjustments. A hard-to-turn wooden peg should not be forced with pliers. Once the string is near its intended note, use the fine tuner and keep the bow stroke steady enough to read the sustained pitch.
Playing strings and resonance strings are different jobs
CGDA changes only the C4 playing string to D4 in these presets; the low drone remains C3. That alternative can relate more conveniently to some other string instruments, but it is a setup decision. Verify the fitted string and available key arrangement before changing it.
The sympathetic strings usually form a separately arranged resonance set. Do not infer their physical order from a simple ascending chromatic scale. The Association publishes placement guidance, and different harpas can use different configurations. Use a separate chromatic reading for each documented target, then check the ringing response of the finished instrument.
Four-row, tenor and other nyckelharpas can have different registers and strings. Identify the model before using this three-row chart; a correct reading on these four targets does not validate every nyckelharpa design.
Tips
- Keep your left hand clear of the keybox while measuring open strings.
- A bow stroke on two strings gives the detector competing notes.
- Recheck the low C drone after adjustments to the other playing strings.
Frequently asked questions
What is standard three-row nyckelharpa tuning?
C3 G3 C4 A4 for the four playing strings, from low to high.
What changes in CGDA?
The upper C4 playing string becomes D4. C3, G3 and A4 remain the same.
Are resonance strings included?
No. These presets count the four playing strings; use a separate placement chart for the resonance set.
Why must I release every key?
A tangent touching the string changes its vibrating length and gives a stopped note instead of the open-string pitch.
Can I use this for a tenor harpa?
Check that model’s own register and tuning. This page specifically describes the standard Swedish three-row instrument.