Puerto rican cuatro tuner online
The Puerto Rican cuatro preset is B2+B3, E3+E4, A3+A3, D4+D4 and G4+G4, from the lowest course to the highest. The first two courses are octaves; the other three are unisons.
String notes and frequencies
Puerto Rican cuatro tuning, standard (B E A D G) (10 strings in 5 courses): B2+B3 E3+E4 A3 D4 G4, from 123.47 Hz to 392.00 Hz, with A4 = 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Pair 5 | B2 + B3 | 123.47 + 246.94 |
| Pair 4 | E3 + E4 | 164.81 + 329.63 |
| Pair 3 | A3 | 220.00 |
| Pair 2 | D4 | 293.66 |
| Pair 1 | G4 | 392.00 |
How to use it
- Check the instrument and tuning in the list.
- Set A440 or the reference agreed by your ensemble.
- Allow the microphone and pick one open string in a quiet space.
- Make small adjustments and read the steady part of the sound.
- Check every string again, then compare octave or unison partners.
Help and explanations
The modern ten-string cuatro is associated with Puerto Rican música jíbara. Its five courses rise in fourths when following their lower notes. It is a different instrument from the four-string Venezuelan cuatro, whose tuning and string order should not be borrowed here.
Treat the thin bass partner as a different octave
Damp one string in a course before measuring the other. In the B course, the heavier string targets B2 while its lighter partner targets B3; repeat that distinction for E3 and E4. A tuner that shows the same letter for both has not necessarily checked the correct octaves. On the upper three courses, both partners should instead match the same octave.
Work from one course to the next, tracing each string to its peg before adjusting. After all ten strings have been checked, play the pairs together and listen for a clean octave or unison. Revisit the bass courses after the tension changes elsewhere. The preset gives open-string references; normal fretted playing still needs a properly set-up instrument and a relaxed left hand.
Tips
- Count five courses, even though there are ten individual strings.
- Read the octave number separately for each B and E partner.
- Do not lower a thin octave partner merely to make its number match the bass string.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Puerto Rican cuatro tuned?
Its five courses are B, E, A, D and G. In this preset the B and E courses use octaves, with unisons above them.
Why does a cuatro have ten strings?
The modern Puerto Rican instrument has five paired courses. The name does not describe its current string count.
Which courses are tuned in octaves?
The B course is B2+B3 and the E course is E3+E4. A3, D4 and G4 have unison partners.
Is Venezuelan cuatro tuning the same?
No. The Venezuelan cuatro has four strings and a different reentrant arrangement.
How can I tune without the paired string interfering?
Rest a finger on one partner and pluck the other. Measure both separately before listening to the complete course.