Dombra tuner online
Pluck a string and the tuner recognises the pitch and shows how far it sits from the target. When the needle rests in the centre, the string is in tune.
How to tune a dombra
The dombra has two strings. In the standard tuning the lower string is tuned to G3 (196 Hz) and the upper to D3 (146.83 Hz). Switch on the microphone, pluck a string and turn the peg slowly until the needle settles in the green band at the centre. Turn the peg toward you to raise the pitch, away to lower it.
Standard and reverse tuning
The standard tuning (G3/D3) is by far the most common and most kuis are written for it. In the reverse tuning (G3/C3) the upper string drops to C — some Kurmangazy kuis and older pieces are played this way. Each piece shows the tuning it needs on its page in the app.
Why the microphone matters
Tuning by ear is a skill: beginners are often off by a semitone or more, and practising on an out-of-tune instrument trains the ear to the wrong pitches. The microphone measures the actual frequency and reports the error in hertz, so nothing is left to guesswork.
Frequently asked questions
What notes is a dombra tuned to?
In the standard tuning the lower (thicker) string is tuned to G3 at 196 Hz and the upper string to D3 at 146.83 Hz, a perfect fourth apart. In the reverse tuning the upper string drops to C3 at 130.81 Hz.
Can I tune a dombra without a microphone?
Yes, though less precisely. The app plays a reference tone for each string, so you can match it by ear. The microphone only adds a numeric readout to confirm you are exactly in tune.
Why does my string not hold its tuning?
A new string stretches for the first few days and drifts flat — that is normal, retune often. A string that keeps slipping usually means the peg is not seated firmly; push it gently inward as you turn. Temperature and humidity swings detune the instrument too.
How often should I retune?
Check the tuning every time you pick up the instrument, and again after the first few minutes of playing, once the strings have settled.
Is the tuner free?
Yes, completely free and without an account. The browser asks for microphone permission, and the audio never leaves your device — all processing happens locally.