| Article Index |
|---|
| Normal Tuning of the Zither |
| Background |
| Fingerboard pitches |
| Accompaniment strings |
| Logic for using the circle of fifths |
| Putting things together |
| Summary |
| All Pages |
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Background
The tuning system of the Zither evolved over time. Earlier systems, ca. 1850 (cf. Brandlmeier), set the accompaniment strings (Freisaiten) according to a chromatic sequence. The tuning of the fingerboard (Griffbrett) strings went through a number of evolutions associated with "schools" of performance. Historical tuning systems will be covered in another article. For now, this article focuses on the most common tuning system in use today.
There is in fact a musically sound logic behind the tuning of the Zither. In German one would say the pitches are arranged on a "Quart-Quint" basis, that is fourths/fifths. This is none other than the familiar circle of fiths.
