Cuatro Venezolano Scales — Standard

4-string tuning: A-D-F#-B — The rhythmic heart of Venezuelan music with a unique reentrant tuning

About Standard Tuning on Cuatro Venezolano

The Cuatro Venezolano is a four-string instrument tuned A-D-F#-B with a reentrant tuning — the 4th string (B) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#), breaking the ascending pitch order. This reentrant voicing gives the Cuatro its signature bright, harp-like strumming sound that drives the rhythm in joropo, vals venezolano, and other Venezuelan folk genres.

The Cuatro is the national instrument of Venezuela, as fundamental to Venezuelan music as the guitar is to flamenco. Its distinctive rasgueo (strumming) technique produces a rhythmic drive that is instantly recognizable. Unlike guitar, the Cuatro is primarily a rhythmic instrument — its reentrant tuning creates a compact voicing range that blends beautifully with harp and maracas in traditional ensembles. Players like Cheo Hurtado and Hernán Gamboa have elevated the Cuatro to a solo concert instrument.

JoropoVals VenezolanoMúsica LlaneraLatin FolkVenezuelan Pop

Notable artists: Cheo Hurtado, Hernán Gamboa, Simón Díaz, C4 Trío, Jorge Glem

Best for: Venezuelan folk music, joropo rhythm, Latin ensemble playing, and any style that needs bright rhythmic strumming

Browse 1104 cuatro venezolano 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

Explore Cuatro Venezolano Scales in Other Tunings

    ← All Cuatro Venezolano tuning options

    More in Cuatro Venezolano — Standard Tuning

    Related Articles