Tuning the Qin

Relative vs Absolute Tuning

Let’s consider standard tuning of C2 D2 F2 G2 A2 C3 D3.


Absolute tuning would be if you tuned your instrument to exactly what standard tuning specifies, so the first string is C2, second is D2, third is F2, and so on.


Relative tuning would be if your instrument was tuned such that the distance between the strings are the same as the indicated tuning but the notes may be different. So, in standard tuning, the distance between the first and second string is a whole step (C2 → C#2 → D2), between the second and third strings is one and a half steps (D2 → D#2 → E2 → F2), third to fourth string is a whole step (F2 → F#2 → G2), fourth to fifth string is a whole step (G2 → G#2 → A2), fifth to sixth is one and a half steps (A2 → A#2 → B2 → C3), and sixth to seventh string is a whole step (C3 → C#3 → D3). This means, I could have my instrument tuned a half step flat, so B1 C#2 E2 F#2 G#2 B2 C#3, and the song will still sound okay because the distance between the strings are a whole step, one and a half step, whole step, whole step, one and a half step, and a whole step, which is the same as the distance between the strings in the standard tuning of C2 D2 F2 G2 A2 C3 D3.


There are many who will tune the fifth string to A=440Hz, as per western modern standard pitch. As most people play the qin solo, it generally doesn’t matter if your qin is tuned to A=440Hz or to another frequency, and it doesn’t matter if the instrument is tuned absolutely or relatively.

Tuning with a Tuner

Simply pluck the string with your right hand (play an open string), the tuner will tell you what note is being played, and by comparing that note to the desired note you either tighten or loosen the string. To tighten, rotate the pegs clockwise, to loosen, rotate the pegs counter-clockwise.


If you are just starting out, I would recommend you tune using a tuner and tune the instrument to standard tuning.


If you do not have a physical tuner handy, there are multiple tuning apps available in the app store on Androids and iPhones.

Tuning with Harmonics

This method of tuning relies on your ability to identify when the same note is played on two different strings, I will refer to the same harmonic note that is played on two different strings as a harmonic pair. The concept behind this tuning method is if you take one string as the reference note, then you can utilize a harmonic pair to use the reference string to tune the next string, and then you utilize the newly tuned string and a harmonic pair to tune the following string, and so on. If your reference string is not tuned to the correct note for the specified tuning, then this will result in an instrument that is tuned relatively, if the reference string is tuned to the correct note for the specified tuning, then this will result in absolute tuning. 


Harmonic pairs will vary depending on the tuning, a harmonic pair that exists for standard tuning may not exist for Ruí Bīn tuning. Below, I will list harmonic pairs for standard tuning utilizing the 7th, 5th, and 4th harmonics. 

Color Coded Harmonic Pairs:

Red: 1st string 4th hui = 3rd string 5th hui

Yellow: 2nd string 4th hui = 4th string 5th hui

Purple: 3rd string 5th hui = 6th string 7th hui 

Blue: 4th string 5th hui = 7th string 7th hui

Orange: 4th string 4th hui = 6th string 5th hui

Green: 5th string 4th hui = 7th string 5th hui

Depending on which string you opt as your reference, you would then use a harmonic pair to use that string to tune the next, and then select another harmonic pair to use the newly tuned string to tune the following string, and so on until all your strings are tuned.


For example, if I select the fifth string as my reference:


If I were to select the first string as my reference: