Charango Scales — Standard

5-string tuning: G-C-E-A-E — The voice of the Andes — bright, doubled strings with reentrant tuning

About Standard Tuning on Charango

The charango is a small Andean string instrument with five courses of doubled strings, tuned G-C-E-A-E. Its reentrant tuning — with the 4th course (A) lower than the outer courses — combined with its tiny body and nylon strings produces a distinctive bright, shimmering tone that evokes the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes.

Originally crafted from armadillo shells in Bolivia and Peru, the modern charango is the soul of Andean folk music. Its ten strings (five doubled courses) create a natural chorus effect, and the reentrant tuning produces a compact voicing range where strummed chords have an almost harp-like quality. Groups like Los Kjarkas and Inti-Illimani brought the charango to international audiences, while virtuosos like Jaime Torres and Ernesto Cavour pushed its technical boundaries. The charango is essential in huayño, bailecito, and carnavalito rhythms.

Andean FolkHuayñoNueva CanciónLatin American FolkWorld Music

Notable artists: Los Kjarkas, Jaime Torres, Ernesto Cavour, Inti-Illimani, Gustavo Santaolalla

Best for: Andean folk music, South American ensemble playing, and any composition seeking a bright, shimmering Andean texture

Browse 1104 charango scales in Standard tuning. Click any scale below to view the interactive fretboard diagram.

C

C#

D

D#

E

F

F#

G

G#

A

A#

B

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