Make the base pitch
Before starting to play KOTO, the instrument must be tuned. To begin with, 13 bridges (called ZI) should be placed under each string. the bridges are then adjusted until the strings make the correct sound of the base pitch. The most popular base pitches in KOTO music are as follows, each string having its own name, and starting from the lower side, ICHI(1), NI(2), SAN(3), SHI(4), GO(5), ROKU(6), SHICHI(7), HACHI(8), KU(9), ZYU(10), TO(11), I(12), KIN(13). Five strings are equal to one octave. The #s are somewhat lower than in the western music system. Please listen to my KOTO and tune your own by ear!
The KOTO will also allow you to make your own pitch, for example, like the piano tuning or dodecaphony or whatever you want. That will be much more interesting for you!!