Tune the Strings

Fiddle Tuner

Tune your fiddle with your microphone, in standard tuning or any of the common old-time and Celtic cross tunings. Tap a string to hear its note.

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Press Start and allow the microphone. Audio stays on your device.

Fiddle string notes

Standard (G D A E)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
G3196.00 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
E5659.26 Hz
Cross A (A E A E)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
A3220.00 Hz
E4329.63 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
E5659.26 Hz
A modal / Sawmill (A D A E)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
A3220.00 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
E5659.26 Hz
Cross G (G D G D)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
G3196.00 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
G4392.00 Hz
D5587.33 Hz
Calico (A E A C♯)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
A3220.00 Hz
E4329.63 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
C#5554.37 Hz
Dead Man's / DDAD (D D A D)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
D3146.83 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
D5587.33 Hz

Listed in the same order as the string buttons in the tuner.

How to tune a fiddle with this tuner

  1. Choose your tuning. Standard is G D A E; cross tunings are used for particular old-time, bluegrass and Celtic tunes.
  2. Press Start tuner, allow the microphone and pluck or lightly bow one string at a time.
  3. Tune the A string first (it stays at A in every tuning listed here except Cross G), then the others.
  4. Use the fine tuners for small changes. For big changes such as raising G to A, use the peg and go slowly.
  5. Recheck everything: retuning one string changes the pull on the bridge and the others drift.

Fiddle tuning tips

Raising strings

Cross A raises the G string a whole step and the D a fifth (from D to E). That adds tension; tune up gently and check the bridge stays upright.

Lowering strings

DDAD and GDGD lower or swap strings, which can make them buzz or go floppy. Tune down a little past the note and come back up so it holds.

Session pitch

At a session, tune to the other players (or whoever has the least adjustable instrument) rather than to 440 if they disagree.

Fiddle vs violin

A fiddle and a violin are the same instrument; the name refers to the style of music. Standard tuning is identical — see the violin tuner for more on pegs and fine tuners.

Tune by ear with reference notes

No microphone? Press any string button above to play its note for three seconds, then adjust the string until the two sounds stop "beating" (wobbling) against each other. Headphones or decent speakers make low notes much easier to hear.

FAQ

What is standard fiddle tuning?

G3 (196 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440 Hz) and E5 (659.26 Hz) — the same as a violin.

What is cross tuning on a fiddle?

Retuning one or more strings so the open strings match the key of a tune, which gives drones and ringing double stops. AEAE (cross A) and ADAE are the most common.

Which tunes use AEAE?

Many old-time tunes in A, such as "Black Mountain Rag", "Cluck Old Hen" and "Glory in the Meeting House", are often played in cross A.

Is it bad for the fiddle to change tunings?

No, as long as you change tension gradually and check the bridge. Strings may take a few minutes to settle after a big change.

Other tuners