Free Charango Tuner Online: Standard Peruvian & Bolivian Tuning
Tune your charango online with our free microphone tuner. Supports standard G-C-E-A-E tuning for Andean music. Works on mobile and desktop. No app download required.
Free Online Charango Tuner (Microphone)
Tune your charango accurately with our free chromatic tuner. The charango's unique re-entrant tuning and double-course strings require precision—our tuner detects the exact pitch and shows you how to adjust.
Chromatic Tuner
Tune any instrument with real-time pitch detection
Tips for accurate tuning:
- Play one string at a time, let it ring clearly
- Tune in a quiet environment for best results
- The needle should be centered (green) when in tune
- Flat (♭) means too low, sharp (♯) means too high
How to Use This Tuner
- Enable Microphone: Click "Start" and allow browser microphone permission.
- Pluck One Course: Tune one string at a time (both strings in a course should match).
- Read the Display: The detected note and cents deviation appear on screen.
- Adjust to Center: Turn tuning pegs until the indicator shows green (0 cents).
Tip
Double Courses: Each course on the charango has two strings. Tune each string of the pair to the exact same pitch (in unison) or to the specified octave for courses 3 and 4.
Standard Charango Tuning (G-C-E-A-E)
The charango has 10 strings arranged in 5 double courses. The standard Andean tuning is G4-C5-E5-A4-E5 (from lowest course to highest):
| Course | Notes | Frequencies | String Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (Lowest position) | G4 - G4 | 392.00 Hz - 392.00 Hz | Unison pair |
| 4 | C5 - C4 | 523.25 Hz - 261.63 Hz | Octave pair |
| 3 | E5 - E4 | 659.26 Hz - 329.63 Hz | Octave pair |
| 2 | A4 - A4 | 440.00 Hz - 440.00 Hz | Unison pair |
| 1 (Highest position) | E5 - E5 | 659.26 Hz - 659.26 Hz | Unison pair |
Understanding Re-Entrant Tuning
Unlike guitar where strings progress from low to high, the charango uses re-entrant tuning:
- The lowest-pitched string is not on the outside edge
- Courses jump around in pitch
- This creates the charango's bright, sparkling sound
The actual pitch order from low to high: C4 → E4 → G4 → A4 → C5 → E5
Alternative Charango Tunings
Bolivian Temple Tuning (E-A-E-C-E)
Some Bolivian traditions use a variation:
| Course | Notes | Frequencies |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | E4 - E4 | 329.63 Hz |
| 4 | A4 - A3 | 440.00 Hz - 220.00 Hz |
| 3 | E5 - E4 | 659.26 Hz - 329.63 Hz |
| 2 | C5 - C5 | 523.25 Hz |
| 1 | E5 - E5 | 659.26 Hz |
Diablo Tuning (for specific songs)
Used for traditional pieces requiring darker sound:
- Tune the entire instrument down 1-2 semitones
- Maintains relative intervals but creates different resonance
Argentine Tuning
Some Argentine charango players use tunings closer to the ronroco (larger cousin):
| Course | Notes |
|---|---|
| 5 | G3 - G3 |
| 4 | C4 - C4 |
| 3 | E4 - E4 |
| 2 | A3 - A3 |
| 1 | E4 - E4 |
How to Tune the Charango Step-by-Step
Step 1: Tune the A Course (Course 2)
Start with A4 = 440 Hz as your reference pitch. Both strings in this course should be identical (unison).
Step 2: Tune the Octave Courses
The charango's characteristic sound comes from octave pairs:
Course 3 (E):
- Higher string: E5 = 659.26 Hz
- Lower string: E4 = 329.63 Hz (one octave down)
Course 4 (C):
- Higher string: C5 = 523.25 Hz
- Lower string: C4 = 261.63 Hz (one octave down)
Step 3: Tune the Unison Courses
Course 5 (G): Both strings at G4 = 392.00 Hz Course 1 (E): Both strings at E5 = 659.26 Hz
Step 4: Fine-Tune by Ear
Play a chord (Em or Am) and listen for any beating or dissonance. Micro-adjust until chords ring cleanly.
Charango Family Instruments
| Instrument | Size | Tuning | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walaycho | Smallest | Higher than charango | Soprano |
| Charango | Standard | G-C-E-A-E | Alto |
| Ronroco | Larger | Same intervals, lower octave | Tenor |
| Charangón | Largest | Same intervals, lowest | Baritone |
The ronroco is particularly popular—it uses the same fingering patterns as charango but sounds an octave lower, with a warmer, mellower tone.
Common Tuning Problems
Octave Strings Sound "Beating"
When the octave pairs (courses 3 and 4) are slightly out of tune, you hear a wavering sound:
- Tune the higher string first with the tuner
- Then tune the lower string (octave down) by ear until the beating stops
- Use our Tone Generator to create reference pitches
Strings Go Out of Tune Quickly
- Nylon strings: New strings need several days to stretch
- Temperature sensitivity: Allow instrument to acclimate
- Humidity: The small wooden body is very responsive to humidity changes
- Friction pegs: Traditional pegs may need repositioning; push in while turning
Tuner Shows Wrong Octave
The charango's high-frequency range can confuse some tuners:
- E4 (329 Hz) vs E5 (659 Hz)—verify you're tuning to the correct octave
- Use the frequency reference chart above to confirm
Charango String Types
| Material | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Warm, traditional sound, requires stretching | Traditional Andean music |
| Fluorocarbon | Brighter, more stable, longer life | Modern playing, travel |
| Nylgut | Synthetic gut, warm with better stability | Balance of traditional/modern |
Specialty strings from Aquila, Pyramid, and Luthier are designed for charango tensions.
The Charango in Andean Music
The charango originated in the Andes mountains of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. It evolved from the Spanish vihuela brought by conquistadors but took on a uniquely Andean character.
Traditional Ensembles
- Conjunto: Charango + quena (flute) + bombo (drum) + zampoña (pan pipes)
- Estudiantina: Multiple charangos playing in harmony
Famous Charango Players
- Jaime Torres (Argentina) - Virtuoso who popularized charango worldwide
- Ernesto Cavour (Bolivia) - Master of traditional Bolivian styles
- Gustavo Santaolalla (Argentina) - Film composer (Brokeback Mountain, Babel)
- Los Kjarkas (Bolivia) - Legendary Andean folk group
Musical Styles
| Genre | Rhythm | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Huayño | 2/4 | Fast, danceable, joyful |
| Bailecito | 3/4 | Waltz-like, elegant |
| Cueca | 6/8 | Chilean national dance |
| Carnavalito | 2/4 | Festive, celebratory |
FAQ
How many strings does a charango have?
The charango has 10 strings arranged in 5 double courses (pairs). This is similar to a mandolin or 12-string guitar, where pairs of strings vibrate together.
Is charango hard to tune?
The octave courses (3 and 4) require extra attention since you're tuning two different pitches per course. Once you understand the system, it becomes routine. A chromatic tuner makes it straightforward.
Can I use ukulele strings on a charango?
Not recommended. The charango has a shorter scale length (37-40 cm) and different tensions than ukulele. Use dedicated charango strings for proper intonation and playability.
What's the difference between charango and ronroco?
Both use the same tuning pattern, but:
- Charango: Smaller body (~38 cm), higher pitch, brighter sound
- Ronroco: Larger body (~60 cm), one octave lower, warmer/mellower
How do I play chords with octave strings?
Strum normally—the octave strings create a 12-string guitar effect where the high and low octaves blend together. This produces the charango's characteristic shimmer.
Is charango similar to ukulele?
The size is similar, but:
- Charango: 10 strings (5 courses), re-entrant/octave tuning, nylon strings
- Ukulele: 4 strings, re-entrant tuning, nylon strings
The fingering and feel are quite different. Charango has a brighter, more complex tone.
Related Tools
- Ukulele Tuner – GCEA tuning
- Mandolin Tuner – GDAE tuning
- Guitar Tuner – 6-string standard
- Instrument Tuning Guide – Master reference
- Tone Generator – Create custom reference pitches
- Frequency Chart – See note frequencies across instruments