This free course is the beginner path for the Venezuelan cuatro. You will learn the parts of the instrument, how to tune it to A D F# B, how to mark chords cleanly, your first chords in D major, a little theory that helps your hands, and three pieces you can actually play.
Who it is for: anyone starting from zero on cuatro, and players who want a clear English path through the basics. What you need: a Venezuelan cuatro, a tuner, and quiet time with both hands free. How long: short lessons. Stay in order. The course stays open.
If you already play ukulele, many left-hand shapes will look familiar. Names sit in a different key on cuatro. Keep going through these lessons in D; do not skip ahead to force a uke chart onto the instrument.
Course order
- Beginner lessons for the Cuatro (parts, tuning, marking)
- Cuatro tips for beginners
- Your first major chords (D, then I-IV-V)
- Some basic music theory for players
- Applying the D major key (songs)
How to take this course
Follow the topics in order. Tune before you chase chords. If a string buzzes, fix the finger before you add speed. Sharp pain is a stop sign. Sore fingertips that fade are normal at the start.
In the lessons you will see shapes written like this. The site turns them into fretboard diagrams:
0.0.0.3
That is open D major: one finger, third fret on the B string.
When you need a second look at a shape, open the cuatro chord finder. When you need pitch, use the online cuatro tuner. For spelling and identity questions, start at Cuatro, not Quatro or the FAQ.
Take your time. Master each topic before you rush the next. When the path feels solid, open the song library, continue with later Learn courses, or book a live class with a TuCuatro professor.
