Free online guzheng tuner for the common 21-string D tuning (D2–D6), checking pitch, frequency and cents string by string. Real-time microphone detection; audio is processed locally in your browser.
How to tune: Guzheng
- Pick a tuning above (if unsure, keep the first, standard one).
- Press “Start tuning” and allow the microphone in the browser prompt.
- Play one string at a time close to the mic and wait for a steady reading.
- Needle left (flat): tighten. Needle right (sharp): loosen. The green zone means in tune.
A 21-string guzheng is usually tuned to D, running from the lowest 21st string D2 up to the 1st string D6 and repeating the pentatonic scale (D-E-F sharp-A-B). Turn the tuning wrench slowly while plucking: left of centre means raise the pitch, right means lower it. Work from the low register upward and recheck strings you have already tuned as you go.
Guzheng frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 21 | D2 | 73.42 |
| String 20 | E2 | 82.41 |
| String 19 | F♯2 | 92.50 |
| String 18 | A2 | 110.00 |
| String 17 | B2 | 123.47 |
| String 16 | D3 | 146.83 |
| String 15 | E3 | 164.81 |
| String 14 | F♯3 | 185.00 |
| String 13 | A3 | 220.00 |
| String 12 | B3 | 246.94 |
| String 11 | D4 | 293.66 |
| String 10 | E4 | 329.63 |
| String 9 | F♯4 | 369.99 |
| String 8 | A4 | 440.00 |
| String 7 | B4 | 493.88 |
| String 6 | D5 | 587.33 |
| String 5 | E5 | 659.26 |
| String 4 | F♯5 | 739.99 |
| String 3 | A5 | 880.00 |
| String 2 | B5 | 987.77 |
| String 1 | D6 | 1,174.66 |
Guzheng tuning tips
A guzheng has many strings under high tension, so adjusting one moves the bridges and soundboard and slightly shifts its neighbours. After a full pass, go back and check the whole instrument again. Plucking with picks gives a clearer tone than fingers; keep the plucking point consistent, just right of the bridge. The low register (strings 21–15) needs a longer sustain, while the high register (strings 5–1) decays quickly, so pluck a few times for a stable reading. Different schools and pieces use other tunings such as G or A; this tool follows the most common D tuning, so follow your teacher or the score if your piece calls for something else.
This preset is an equal-temperament approximation. Guqin and guzheng tuning can vary by school, repertoire and player; follow your teacher or professional player when required.
Is microphone audio uploaded?
No. Web Audio analyzes sound in real time on your device. This page does not record, upload or store microphone audio.
Frequently asked questions
What is the string order for D tuning on a guzheng?
The 21-string D tuning repeats the pentatonic scale D-E-F sharp-A-B, from the 21st string D2 up to the 1st string D6 — four octaves plus one note.
Why check the tuning again after a full pass?
With so many strings under tension, the bridges and soundboard shift as you work, so strings tuned early may have drifted slightly. A second pass is more accurate.
My piece is not in D. What then?
This tool follows the most common D tuning. For G, A or other tunings, follow your teacher or the score, or use Choose note to calibrate note by note.
Should I pluck with picks or fingers?
Picks give a clearer tone and steadier overtones, which makes the reading more stable.
