First step: The tuning for the Cuatro!
The tuning method is typical to that of any other musical instrument. It is a matter of having a tone of reference (typically a tuning fork is used with A) and start with the top string. Have a look at the instructional video below by Cuatrista Darwin Medina on how to learn and use the most popular tuning for the Cuatro.
Most common tuning for the Cuatro
Herewith also a demonstration and tuning session by Adrian Toro…for this one please remember to turn on your Subtitles:
How to Tune the Cuatro
The tuning needs to be as follows:
1st String: A
2nd String: D
3rd String: F#
4th String: B
The next step tuning the 3rd string needs to sound like the 2nd string on the 4th fret. This is the famous F#. And the last step is to tune the 4th string by using the 1st string on the 2nd fret being B.
Once the top string is tuned being A, then the second string can be tuned by playing the A string on the 5th fret which is D. The second string should be tuned so that it is aligned with the D string.
How to verify the tuning for the Cuatro
The tuning should sound like (a traditional reference) Cam-Bur-Pin-Ton. Very traditional and sounds just like a tuned Cuatro. At this point you may have noticed that unlike conventional instruments like a guitar, the thickness of the strings does not follow a descending pattern. The thinnest and highest string is the 3rd string being F# and the last string is essentially as low as the first one. Don’t worry, it is supposed to be like this! This allows for the sounds to be in sync whether you are strumming upwards or downwards. Give it a try by strumming up and down and you will see what we mean!
if you don’t feel sure on how to read the cuatro fretboard, be sure to review again our methodology lesson, specifically the part on presentatikn
