Online Violin Tuner
Press Start, allow the microphone and play a string, bowed or plucked. G D A E is set with A = 440 Hz; change A4 for an orchestra at 442.
Press Start and allow the microphone.
Tap a string to hear its note and tune to it by ear.
Violin string notes and frequencies
A violin is tuned in fifths: G3, D4, A4 and E5, from the thickest string to the thinnest. Tune the A string first, to 440 Hz (or 442 Hz if your orchestra uses it), then D, G and E. Use the pegs for large changes and the fine tuners for the last few cents.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 3rd | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
| 2nd | A4 | 440.00 Hz |
| 1st | E5 | 659.26 Hz |
Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; change A4 in the tuner and the table follows.
Violin tuning: G D A E
Each violin string is a perfect fifth above the one below it. Violinists tune the A first, from an oboe, a piano or a tuner, and then check each neighbouring pair: two strings bowed together sound smooth, without beating, when the fifth is clean.
Concert pitch varies. Most of the world tunes A to 440 Hz, many European orchestras use 442 or 443 Hz, and baroque ensembles often play at 415 Hz. Set the A4 field to the pitch you play at (415–466 Hz) and every string moves with it; the table shows the frequencies for the A4 you choose.
The viola uses the same fifths a fifth lower, C G D A, and the cello is the viola's tuning an octave lower. Both are in the instrument menu.
How to tune a violin
- Press Start tuning and allow the microphone. If you play with others, set A4 to their pitch first.
- Play the A string, bowed lightly or plucked. Turn its fine tuner (or the peg, pushing it in as you turn) until the tuner says In tune.
- Tune the D, then the G, then the E string the same way. Auto mode follows whichever string you play.
- Bow neighbouring strings together to hear each fifth, then play every string once more on the tuner: changing one string's tension pulls the others slightly.
Pegs, fine tuners and slipping pegs
Use the pegs only when a string is more than a semitone off, and turn them a little at a time while pushing the peg into the pegbox so it holds. The fine tuners on the tailpiece are for the last few cents. A peg that slips or sticks usually needs peg compound. If a string has slipped far below its note, bring it up slowly; a sudden jump in tension can snap the E string.
Violin tuner: frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the violin strings?
G3, D4, A4 and E5, from the thickest string. At A4 = 440 Hz they are 196, 293.7, 440 and 659.3 Hz.
Should I tune my violin to 440 or 442 Hz?
Tune to whatever the group you play with uses. 440 Hz is the international standard; many European orchestras use 442 Hz. On your own, 440 Hz is the usual choice. Type the value into the A4 field.
Should I bow or pluck when tuning?
Either works. A light, steady bow stroke gives the tuner a stable note to read; plucking is quicker, but the note fades, so read the needle while it still rings.
Why won't my violin stay in tune?
New strings stretch for a few days, and the wood and strings react to humidity and temperature. Check the tuning each time you take the violin out, and again once it has warmed up in the room.
Can I tune a viola or a fiddle with this tuner?
Yes. A fiddle is tuned like a violin, G D A E; for cross-tunings such as A E A E, choose Chromatic in the instrument menu. For a viola choose Viola (C G D A).
Is anything recorded?
No. The sound from the microphone is analysed in your browser while the tuner runs. Nothing is recorded, stored or sent.
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