Zhongruan tuner – A-D-A-D
A-D-A-D · Alternative
This free online tuner listens through your microphone and shows how close each string of your Zhongruan is to A-D-A-D tuning (A-D-A-D). Play a string, watch the needle, and turn the peg until the meter glows green. If you prefer tuning by ear, tap any string card to hear its reference tone.
About A-D-A-D tuning
Compared with Standard (G-D-G-D), A-D-A-D moves 2 strings. Every change is upward, the largest by 2 semitones, so the strings pull tighter than in Standard (G-D-G-D).2 strings stay exactly where they were.
| String | Standard (G-D-G-D) | A-D-A-D | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G2 | A2 | up 2 semitones |
| 3 | G3 | A3 | up 2 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound A-D-A-D – from A2 at the bottom to D4 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 5 semitones. Step by step across the neck the intervals are a fourth, a fifth, a fourth, and that is what decides how chord shapes fall under the hand.
Strummed open, the strings spell D5 – root and fifth with no third, so the tuning stays neutral between major and minor. See D5 shapes in this tuning →
History
Where the A-D-A-D tuning comes from
A-D-A-D is an alternative zhongruan tuning used in some orchestras and for certain pieces.
Other Zhongruan tunings
Standard
Alternative
Chords for this tuning
How do I tune my Zhongruan to A-D-A-D?
Allow microphone access, pluck a string, and the tuner will detect it automatically. The needle shows whether the string is flat or sharp – adjust until the reading is within ±5 cents (A-D-A-D).
Which notes are used in A-D-A-D tuning?
A-D-A-D tuning for Zhongruan uses the notes A-D-A-D, listed from the lowest string to the highest.
Can I tune without a microphone?
Yes. Every string card plays a reference tone – tap it and match your string to the sound by ear.