# KotoTunings

> A 13-string Japanese Koto tuning and learning application. (iPhone/iPad app by Oliver Grimm.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kototunings/id380669286 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Oliver Grimm](https://appshunter.io/developer/380669289)
- Category: Music, Education
- Price: $8.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 36 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2010-07-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-11
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kototunings/id380669286/reviews.md

## What is KotoTunings?

KotoTunings is a simple yet powerful app for the 13-stringed Japanese Koto. It offers a collection of 26 traditional tunings, faithfully recorded to capture the Koto's beautiful sound. Whether you're tuning your instrument by ear, exploring scales, or just playing around with tunings, KotoTunings is designed to be easy to use.

Key Features:

1. Authentic Sound: Our app delivers the true essence of the Koto with carefully recorded tunings that stay faithful to tradition.

2. User-Friendly Design: KotoTunings is designed for simplicity, allowing you to play and experiment effortlessly, whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner.

3. Versatile Playing: You can pluck strings with ivory picks or touch on the right hand side of the screen for pizzicato.

4. Interactive Pitch Display: See the pitch for each string on the left side of the screen. Tap to hear a triangle wave with the corresponding frequency.

5. String Representation: In the center, you'll find an easy-to-follow representation of the 13 strings. Each string produces a plucked sound at its pitch.

6. Learn Easily: On the right side, you'll see the string numbers in Japanese characters. Tap them to produce plucked sounds.

KotoTunings is your gateway to the world of the Japanese Koto. Explore its melodies, study tunings, and enhance your musical skills with this app. Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious, KotoTunings brings the beauty of the Koto to your fingertips.

Download KotoTunings now and discover the world of the Japanese Koto at your own pace.

## Key features

- 26 traditional Koto tunings
- Authentic Koto sound recordings
- User-friendly interface
- Interactive pitch display
- String representation with plucked sound
- Japanese character string numbers

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kototunings/id380669286/reviews.md

### 5/5 — 勉強になる

*2020-05-15*

古典の調子がどのくらいあってどんな音階かお稽古では習う事が無い。調弦を総合的に学びたいお箏経験者の教材としてお勧め。

### 3/5 — 音質よく、様々な調子に対応

*2013-09-29*

調弦にはとてもよいかと思います。
押し手に対応していただければ、曲を覚えるツールとして活用できると思います。

### 4/5 — 素敵アプリ

*2013-06-20*

ちょっとした時にiPhoneで調弦出来たら楽〜( ´ ▽ ` )と思い購入。
今の所全部は使ってませんが、各お調子を覚えていない自分にとっては、耳でササッと合わせられるので重宝しています。
調弦アプリです、これで演奏したいなぁと考えている方は、方向性が違います。
でも確かに、鍵盤アプリみたいにアプリである程度筝の演奏が出来たら楽しいな、と思います‼

### 5/5 — とてもいいです！

*2013-05-25*

本格的に琴をやっていました。琴を弾くアプリではなく調弦のためのアプリです。なので、押し手とかツキとかはできませんが、それでいいです。

### 3/5 — 押手

*2013-04-09*

音がキレイですね！
ドレミ調弦もあると嬉しいです。
押手はどうやったら良いのでしょうか。

### 3/5 — おねがいします！

*2011-12-23*

使い方がよくわかりません(>_<)

あと、一弦一弦別々に調弦が変えられたらうれしいです‼どうかよろしくおねがいします(>_<)

### 3/5 — Easily fixed

*2010-08-28, version 0*

Essentially this sounds lovely and the variable tunings are great. But the app is incredibly basic and rather clumsy at dealing with note offs. The sound is chopped too quickly, this should happen over a few ms to stop the clicking, this is worst on the iPad sustain notes, which also should have a volume balance. Terrific instrument and there's potential in the app, however it always gets me angry when developers release virtually identical apps, see red koto, instead of developing the one I bought, it feels a bit naughty.  That looses another star for me. Can sound delightful but needs a polish!

### 5/5 — Great app

*2010-07-28, version 0*

Great sound - no frills - lovely tunings

### 5/5 — Kototunings

*2010-07-18, version 0*

This app is extremely simple to use and the quality of the sounds is excellent.
The range of different tunings is very interesting (notes are indicated in Japanese and Western style).
It can be used as a reference by people who are learning to play the instrument as well as those who already play it and want to experiment with different ways to tune it.
As the quality of the sound is very good one can use it also to play sequences. I have done just that and fed the output into a looper with very pleasing results.
Shame that the iPhone's screen isn't pressure sensitive, so string bending isn't possible.
All in all a great tool both for learning, playing and having fun.

## Frequently asked questions about KotoTunings

### What tunings does KotoTunings offer?

KotoTunings provides a collection of 26 traditional tunings for the 13-string Japanese Koto, all faithfully recorded to capture the instrument's authentic sound.

### Is KotoTunings suitable for beginners?

Yes, KotoTunings is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned players to explore and experiment with tunings effortlessly.

### How does KotoTunings display pitch information?

The app features an interactive pitch display on the left side of the screen, showing the pitch for each string. Tapping a string will play a triangle wave with its corresponding frequency.

### Can I play the Koto virtually with KotoTunings?

Yes, you can pluck strings with ivory picks or touch the right side of the screen for pizzicato. The app also represents the 13 strings in the center, producing a plucked sound at each string's pitch.

### What devices is KotoTunings available on?

KotoTunings is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod, offering a versatile platform for users to access its features.

### How often is KotoTunings updated?

The latest version of KotoTunings is 2.2, and it was last updated on September 28, 2023, indicating regular maintenance and potential improvements.

### What is the price of KotoTunings?

KotoTunings is a paid application, available for $8.99, offering a comprehensive set of features for Koto enthusiasts.

### Does KotoTunings have ads?

No, KotoTunings is ad-free, allowing users to engage with the app without any interruptions from advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2 — 2023-09-28

added support for Adaptive Type

### 2.1 — 2017-10-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- updated for iOS 11

### 2.0 — 2017-05-01

- KotoTunings now plays back audio even with the ringer/silent switch set to silent.
- new tuning function: touching the notes on the left side of the screen produces a sustained triangle wave. this can be useful for tuning the instrument in noisier environments.
- the picked sound is now played back when touching the string number on the right side of the screen.
- many bug fixes and small improvements.

### 1.7.2 — 2016-06-07

- Added C# root note setting (Kamimu).
  (The root note can now be switched between D, G and C#. C# based, the first string is one octave lower)

- Fixed a bug with audio routing when disconnecting headphones.

### 1.7 — 2014-11-04

- updated for iOS 8

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## More apps by Oliver Grimm

- [Red Koto](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/red-koto/id387575031)

All apps by Oliver Grimm: https://appshunter.io/developer/380669289

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-11.*