Ways to tune?

[Bryan]

Are there any other ways to tune the guzheng instead of the normal way?

[Vi An]

Hello Bryan,

Hope you are doing well?

Could you be more specific about other "ways to tune" the guzheng?

Do you mean "other tunings" for example instead of the standard tuning of "D-major pentatonic" (d, e, f#, a, b).

Or do you mean other "tuning methods" besides using the moveable bridges or tuning rench?

[Bryan]

The other tuning, the D-major pentatonic. Haha so happy, im goin to a convention hall to perform, haha.

[Vi An]

*Hahahaaa*~so happy for you! Perform well and knock their socks off..

Another tuning is the G major (d, e, g, a, b)

C major (c, d, e, g, a)

Japanese D minor pentatonic (d, Eb, g, a, Bb) where Eb=e(flat) or d#(d sharp);
Bb is b(flat) or a# (a sharp).

Ofcourse there are many other tunings out there plus I have discovered a few for myself aswell while experimenting around.

The D pentatonic is most versitile I found.
The G pentatonic is very lively while the C is pretty basic and sharp sounding. Japanese D minor pentatonic or (hirajoshi) tuning is very reflective and mysterious, yet I found it can be rather rhythmic too -- I play much quicker on this tuning when I want to. It is also a very minimalistic tuning and you can be extremely expressive with it.

Best always,

Vi An.

[Bryan]

wow thx n.n

[Bryan]

But is there any way i can tune properly without breakin the strings?

[Vi An]

Heya Bryan,

How are ya?

You are busy posting lots -- good for you and thanks for your questions!

Well okay -- tuning with out breaking strings is something you learn over time *hahaha* as I have had to. The first 5 years of my performing years I have waisted too many strings. *Sigh* --_--

Move the bridges, shift them as much as you can without bumping into the other bridges. The more you utilize the bridges instead of the machine heads (in the box) with your wrench -- the better off you are for saving strings!

For example if you are tuning from a D-major scale to a C-major:

Here is the layout of the strings using A (green string as your reference point).

~ A
~ B This string needs to go up one step to a note of C, so slide the bridge up toward the right hand side of the guzheng and pluck the string gently as you go. Your tuning device should be turned on at this time to show you when you have reached the C note correctly. Once you have moved it as far as it can go without hitting the bridge after it and you got the note C correctly -- you are awesome. However if the note is still not achieved then you will have to adjust the tension on the string up a little bit by using your tuning wrench inside the tuning box. Turn the crank slowly and carefully, basically turn a little to tighten, then pluck the string lightly -- and notice the screen on the tuning device and repeat if you need. People break strings because they simply just CRANK the wrench until the string snaps! NO!
~ D
~ E
~ F# This string needs to be tuned up a half step only to a G note. Again, because G comes after F# and because G is a higher note in this progression -- this string needs more tension so simply slide the bridge up as far as it can go (toward the right) without bumping right into the next bridge. While plucking the string and watching the screen on your electronic tuning device.
~ a


NOTE: The spacing between each bridge varies from guzheng to guzheng. I think there is a standard for this but I haven't found that it works for me. I have had to discover that on my own over time.. Basically, if you have a good inch space between each bridge you are fine, if your bridges are further away then that to begin with then you are in trouble!! If they are that far away you should not have any reason to use the tuning wrench at all..

So discover away and use lots of care and caution. You are dealing with thousands upon thousands of pounds of tension per square inch. I always cringe and shutter when a string snaps. Thank goodness the strings down fly out when they snap due to the amount of silk/nylon wrapping around the steel part. But still! Always use caution!


Play on,

Vi An.

PS: WOW I am so grateful to the sspel sheck feature on this thingy or my spewing would be terribal!

[carol]

Since I set my strings really tight for better performance, I always have to take down the bridge before turning the tuning wrench to avoid breaking the strings.

[Vi An]

Is it harder to bend notes if the strings are really tight?

[Bryan]

Yeah, tink so. Wow carol ur really smart n.n *jots down advice*

[carol]

Hi Bryan. No, I'm not smart!!! I actually learn this from my kayagum teacher. You know kayagum uses silk strings, right? So, if I try to tighten a string without taking down the bridge, the string will definetely break.

Before that, I can't remember how many strings I have broken when turning the tuning wrench. I used to buy my guzheng strings from Clarion Music that cost $5 each!!!


Yes, it's harder to bend the strings, but easier to pluck.

[Bryan]

Lol im having the same problem ><

[carol]

check this one out:

www.wuge.net/zhengpu_lianhuayao.htm

Sheet music for "Lotus Song". The tuning is at the bottom of this sheet music.
The tuning is really intricated. I figure there are 7 majors in it.

[Bryan]

ii tried the g-major but it sounds weird

[Bryan]

ii'm lewkin for a sweet sound especially duinrg yu chou chang wan...can you help me plz n.n