Tres cubano tuner online
This tres cubano tuner uses the C tuning G3/G4 – C4/C4 – E3/E4, from the 3rd to the 1st course; in D it becomes A3/A4 – D4/D4 – F♯3/F♯4. Both have three double courses: the outer courses are octave pairs and the middle one is a unison, following the layout of the La Bella Cuban tres string set cited on this page.
String notes and frequencies
Tres cubano tuning, in C (G C E) (6 strings in 3 courses): G3+G4 C4 E3+E4, from 164.81 Hz to 392.00 Hz, with A4 = 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Pair 3 | G3 + G4 | 196.00 + 392.00 |
| Pair 2 | C4 | 261.63 |
| Pair 1 | E3 + E4 | 164.81 + 329.63 |
How to use it
- Choose the tuning in the list: C (G C E) or D (A D F♯).
- Keep A = 440 Hz or set the value your band uses under Reference A.
- Tap Turn on microphone, mute one string of a course and play the other open string in a quiet place. Auto recognizes the course.
- Make small adjustments (flat: tighten, sharp: loosen) and wait for the steady part of the sound before reading the cents.
- Go over every string, then compare the unisons and octaves at the end.
Help and explanations
Son guajeos make use of the mixed pitches in each pair. That mix also calls for careful tuning: don't sound both strings at once while measuring. Mute one, check the other, then swap. The name "in C" describes the tuning, not the keys you can play in.
Moving up to D changes all six strings
The D option raises every target a whole tone, not just the middle course: G3 (196.00 Hz) becomes A3 (220.00 Hz), C4 (261.63 Hz) becomes D4 (293.66 Hz) and E3 (164.81 Hz) becomes F♯3 (185.00 Hz), each with its octave string. Make sure your string set and your instrument can take that tuning. If your stringing arranges the octaves differently, confirm its pitches before copying this layout; a shared note name doesn't guarantee the same tension.
Keeping the attack clear
After tuning each string, play each pair to hear its balance and run a guajeo slowly. A string out of tune within a course can sound like a rough pick attack. Don't compensate by changing your attack: measure the isolated string again and check every pair after any big change.
Tips
- Watch the octave of the low E3: it sits below the G3 of the 3rd course even though it belongs to the 1st course.
- Select C or D before starting a full pass.
- Check the stringing layout when you change string brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tres cubano tuning?
In C: G C E, with G3/G4, C4/C4 and E3/E4 from the 3rd to the 1st course. In D: A D F♯, a whole tone higher.
Does the tres have three or six strings?
This setup has six strings in three double courses. Each course is played as one unit, but its strings are tuned separately.
What changes when I tune the tres in D?
Every target note goes up a whole tone from the C tuning. Don't change only the middle pair.
Are all the pairs in octaves?
Not in this reference: G and E (or A and F♯) are in octaves, while C (or D in the other tuning) is a unison.
Why does the needle jump when I play a course?
It may follow either string. Mute one partner to get a clear reading of the other.