Zither tuner online
Tuning a concert zither means two areas: five fretboard strings for the melody and, depending on the model, 27 to 37 open strings for accompaniment and bass. The most common setup today is the standard tuning, formerly called Munich tuning, with the fretboard strings A4 A4 D4 G3 C3. The Vienna tuning, used mostly for Viennese salon and Schrammel music, has A4 D4 G4 G3 C3, with the helper string G4 in the middle.
String notes and frequencies
Zither tuning, standard Munich tuning (5 strings): C3 G3 D4 A4 A4, from 130.81 Hz to 440.00 Hz, with A4 = 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 5 | C3 | 130.81 |
| String 4 | G3 | 196.00 |
| String 3 | D4 | 293.66 |
| String 2 | A4 | 440.00 |
| String 1 | A4 | 440.00 |
How to use it
- Press Turn on microphone and allow access. Put the phone next to the zither, close to the sound hole.
- Choose Munich or Vienna tuning and the fretboard string. Selecting a string fixes the target; Play sounds it. Auto is in the settings.
- Pluck each fretboard string open and turn the tuning key until the needle is centered.
- For the open strings, open the chromatic tuner and tune string by string from your model's string chart.
Help and explanations
This tuner knows both fretboard tunings. It recognizes the string you pluck, shows how many cents it is off and plays the target tone. Everything runs in the browser; the sound never leaves your device.
Fretboard strings and frequencies
Munich (standard) tuning, from the 1st to the 5th string: A4 440 Hz, A4 440 Hz, D4 293.7 Hz, G3 196.0 Hz, C3 130.8 Hz. Vienna tuning: A4 440 Hz, D4 293.7 Hz, G4 392.0 Hz, G3 196.0 Hz, C3 130.8 Hz. In the standard tuning the open strings follow the circle of fifths and cover the range from F4 down to F1 without gaps; the contrabass strings below are tuned chromatically downwards.
Chord zithers and lap harps
Chord zithers, lap harps and other zithers without a fretboard have no fixed melody strings. Tune them one string at a time with the chromatic tuner, following the note chart under the strings or in the maker's manual.
Tips
- Tune the fretboard strings first, then the open strings: that gives you a reference for checking chords right away.
- Turn the tuning key in small steps; the thin steel strings react very quickly.
- Finish by checking the open strings with basic chords: thanks to the circle of fifths the notes of a chord sit side by side, so any beating stands out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Munich and Vienna tuning?
In Munich (standard) tuning the fretboard strings are A4 A4 D4 G3 C3; in Vienna tuning they are A4 D4 G4 G3 C3. The open strings are arranged differently too: in Vienna tuning six bass strings sit an octave lower.
How many strings does a zither have?
Five fretboard strings and, depending on the model, 27 to 37 open strings, so usually 32 to 42 strings in total.
How do I tune the open strings?
The easiest way is string by string with the chromatic tuner, following your model's string chart. Then check by ear with chords.
Does this work for the alto and bass zither?
No, the alto zither is tuned a fourth lower and the bass zither an octave lower. Use the chromatic tuner with your instrument's notes.
Can I tune a zither with my phone?
Yes, in the browser, with no app. Hold the phone close to the zither and pluck each string on its own.