Hi, I actually play this instrument myself and I keep it tuned to whichever piano I am near when I play it. I have never had any problems playing any western songs with the thought that "1" is middle C. So the best thing is to strum each string by itself and tune it to the middle G on a piano or guitar with no fingers pressing any of the keys down. Then tune the other two strings that sound exactly like it to that one. And the larger string an octave below it. The 5th string that you can not tune I have removed for all it does is add that strange tonal Asean sound. Does that help? I have played classical (simple arrangements of course) piano solos and violin solo music on it; Japanese songs and western songs of all sorts. I have also played duets with organ, guitar, mandolin and violin and everyone enjoyed it. Have fun. Once you get the tremolo down it can really go! Sorry this is so much later than your original questions but I just 'found' your question by trying to see if taishogoto were sold in the USA but haven't been able to find anything so assume not.