There’s an easy way to tune your cuatro. You’ll learn it here, by noticing where to put your fingers on the frets and how to get the right sound of each string.
First, you will get by reference the sound of the A string. Here’s a video with a 440Hz as reference:
After you have this reference, you can use this string to tune the other ones, first place your finger on the 5th fret to get the D note:
This note has to be the sound of the next string. Just move your peg until you get this sound on the next string.
After you get the right D note on the second one, then use it as a reference for the third one. Just place your finger on the 4th fret of the second string to get the F# note. You will use this note to tune the 3rd string, make it sound exactly the same:
After this is done, you will have only to tune the 4th and last string. In the Venezuelan cuatro, this string has a particularity: it is tuned one octave lower. So for getting to this sound, you will use your FIRST string as a reference. You will place your finger on the 2nd fret of the first string and this is going to be the B note, the one you’ll use for tuning the last string.
About TuCuatro’s Online Education System
At TuCuatro, our education system goes beyond simple tutorials. We offer a complete online learning site that helps you tune your Cuatro. You can learn this special Venezuelan instrument with easy lessons. Our video lessons, made by expert teachers, show you the basics of tuning, chords and rhythm. You’ll find step-by-step lessons, quizzes and personal feedback that make it simple to tune your Cuatro and keep it sounding great.
TuCuatro’s mission is to build a world‑wide group of people who love folk instruments. When you tune your Cuatro correctly, you lay a good base for learning songs and styles from Latin America. Explore our online site to find courses on Cuatro, Ukulele and other string instruments. We suggest using a trusted A440 reference or digital tuner to make sure your tuning is correct. With TuCuatro you can tune your Cuatro with confidence and start playing music that speaks to your heart.
Learn more about TuCuatro’s online education system by visiting https://tucuatro.com/about-us/. For a deeper understanding of the A440 pitch standard used to tune the Cuatro, refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A440_(pitch_standard).
