Violin Tuner tunes your violin to G D A E with your microphone. The needle shows how many cents each string is off, and clicking a string plays its note so you can tune by ear as well. You can set A to 440, 442 or any value from 432 to 444 Hz to match your orchestra or piano. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
How to tune your violin
- The tuner opens set to Violin (G D A E).
- Click Start tuning and allow the microphone.
- Start with the A string. Bow or pluck it and watch the needle.
- Too low: tighten with the fine tuner. Too high: loosen it. Stop when the needle is green.
- Tune D, G and E the same way, then check A once more.
Violin strings and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th, lowest | G3 | 196.0 Hz |
| 3rd | D4 | 293.7 Hz |
| 2nd | A4 | 440.0 Hz |
| 1st, highest | E5 | 659.3 Hz |
Bowing or plucking
Plucking (pizzicato) is quick and gives a clean note to read, but it fades fast. A long, even bow stroke gives a steady tone that holds the needle still, and it is how you will hear the string when you play. Many teachers suggest plucking for a first rough tuning and a gentle bow for the fine check. Bow only one string at a time so the tuner hears a single note.
Pegs and fine tuners
- Fine tuners on the tailpiece are for small changes of a few cents. Turn clockwise to raise the pitch.
- Pegs are for big changes, such as a new string. Turn slowly and push the peg in as you turn so it does not slip back.
- When a fine tuner runs out, turn it back to the middle and make the correction with the peg instead.
- Check the bridge. After a lot of tuning, the top of the bridge can lean towards the fingerboard. Straighten it carefully, or ask your teacher.
A at 440 or 442 Hz
Most music is tuned to A = 440 Hz. Many orchestras in Europe tune a little higher, at 442 or 443 Hz, and some baroque groups and recordings use other values. Set A4 reference to match your ensemble or the piano you play with, and every string target moves with it.
Viola and cello
The same tuner handles Viola (C G D A) and Cello (C G D A), one octave lower. Choose them in the instrument list.
Practise
Work on intonation and rhythm with the Metronome, and slow down a recording of a piece you are learning with Change Audio Speed.