How to tune Dan Bau
Tuning Dan Bau
The only string of Dan Bau is normally tuned to the C just
below the middle C (when the string is casually plucked as in a guitar, it will
generate the note C just below the middle C).
Tuning Machine Head
On a standard tuned Dan Bau, the player can generate the lowest note as
the G just below the middle C (the lowest G on a guitar) and the highest note as
the G
two octaves and a half above the middle C. This would give Dan Bau a total
range of 3 octaves. The player generates the notes by plucking the string
with the right hand while touching the string at 7 specific locations (note
locations) and manipulating the spout with the left hand.
Note Locations
While an accomplished player can play any western song with a standard
tuned Dan Bau, a beginner may only be comfortable playing western songs in
certain keys (up to 2 #'s and 5 b's in the key signature).
For other keys, a beginner may want to re-tune the only string to the
appropriate note to make playing easier:
| Key of Song |
Tune Fundamental Note to |
| A major, F# minor (3 # in key) |
A |
| E major, C# minor (4 # in key) |
E |
| B major, Ab minor (5 # or 7 b in key) |
B |
| F# major, Eb minor (6 # or 6 b in key) |
F# |
Dan Bau uses same string as electric guitar string with
thickness in the range of .012 inch to .017 inch or .30mm to .40mm.
|
|