Lowest and thickest string.
Online Pipa Tuner
Use standard A–D–E–A tuning as a clear starting point for the four pipa strings, from the lowest wrapped string to the highest string.
Open the chromatic tuner →STANDARD TUNING
A2 · D3 · E3 · A3
Play one string at a time and let the note settle before making a small adjustment.
A fourth above the lowest string.
One whole tone above D3.
Highest string, one octave above A2.
TUNING METHOD
Get a cleaner, more reliable reading.
- Step 1Begin with the lowest A2 string and work upward so the instrument settles gradually.
- Step 2Pluck near the middle of the string with a clean single attack, then read the sustained pitch.
- Step 3Recheck every string after tuning the highest A3 because changes in tension affect the others.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Pipa tuning questions
What is standard pipa tuning?
A common modern pipa tuning from low to high is A2, D3, E3 and A3.
Why should I recheck earlier strings?
Changing one string alters tension across the instrument, so previously tuned strings may drift slightly.
Can I use this tuner for another pipa tuning?
Yes. The tuner is chromatic and detects all twelve notes, so it also works when a score or teacher requests a different tuning.