According to the classification method of E. Hornbostel and Sachs, the Dan Bau belongs to the string family and the pluck branch.

Normally, the open string, when the rod/handle is not bent, is usually tuned at C (C3 – 130.81Hz - C at the third octave on the piano). 

In accordance with musical genres or at the request of the author as well as the work, the Dan Bau can be tuned differently. For example, in some Vietnamese traditional musical pieces, the Dan Bau is tuned to D4 (the middle D on the piano), sometimes at  B3-flat (B flat below the middle C on the piano), or to A3 (A below the middle C on the piano).