Sequence of tuning guqin strings using harmonics on the right side of the qin

Sequence of tuning guqin strings using harmonics on the right side of the qin.

This is the sequence I typically go through to tune my guqin strings. Hope this is helpful to you!

A 'harmonic' 泛音 (pinyin: Fan Yin) can be executed on the guqin by lightly touching the string at a point that is aligned to any hui marker (with either the left hand's thumb, left hand's fore finger, or left hand's ring finger) while flicking the string with a finger on the right hand.

Note: qins have seven strings, numbered from the far side of the player, and 13 markers (hui).


IMPORTANT! First you must use an electronic Chromatic tuner (clip it to the bridge of the guqin) and tune the thickest 1st string to B-flat for silk strings (also shown as A-sharp on the electronic tuner), or to C pitch for metal-nylon strings.


Step 1:
A harmonic played on the 5th position of the 3rd string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 4th position of the 1st string.

Step 2:
Since the 3rd string is now tuned, we'd use it to tune the 6th string.
A harmonic played on the 7th position of the 6th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 5th position of the 3th string.

Step 3:
Since the 6th string is now tuned, we'd use it to tune the 4th string.
A harmonic played on the 5th position of the 6th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 4th position of the 4th string.

Step 4:
Since the 4th string is now tuned, we'd use it to verify that it is correctly tuned to the 1st string.
A harmonic played on the 7th position of the 4th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 5th position of the 1st string.

Step 5:
Since the 4th string is already tuned, we'd use it to tune the thinnest 7th string.
A harmonic played on the 7th position of the 7th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 5th position of the 4th string.

Step 6:
Since the thinnest 7th string is now tuned, we'd use it to tune the 5th string.
A harmonic played on the 5th position of the 7th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 4th position of the 5th string.

Step 7:
Since the 5th string is now tuned, we'd use it to tune the 2nd string.
A harmonic played on the 7th position of the 5th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 5th position of the 2nd string.

Step 8:
Since the 2nd string is now tuned, we'd use it to verify that is correctly tuned to the 4th string.
A harmonic played on the 5th position of the 4th string should have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 4th position of the 2nd string.

(Note: A harmonic on the 5th position of the 5th string will NOT have the same sound as a harmonic played on the 4th position of the 3rd string.


Repeat Step 1 to Step 8 until you are satisfied that everything is perfectly in tune on your guqin.


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Video: demonstration of how to tune silk strings on guqin




[Reference: diagram and words were adapted from Mr. John Thompson's webpage at http://www.silkqin.com/08anal/tuning.htm]