How to tune a violin
- Violin is already selected. If your orchestra or teacher tunes to another A, such as 442 Hz, type it in the A4 box. Press Start and allow the microphone.
- Bow or pluck one open string and let it sound. The tuner shows which string it hears and how many cents sharp or flat it is.
- Adjust with the fine tuner or the peg until the needle is centred and it says In tune.
Tuning a violin step by step
Tune the A string first, since it’s the reference for the others and for the rest of an orchestra. Then tune D, G and E. Bow each open string with a steady, medium stroke near the middle of the bow; a light, scratchy stroke makes the reading jump. Check all four again at the end, as changing one string’s tension shifts the bridge and the others a little.
If a string is far off, click its letter so the tuner listens only for that note and plays it for you. Bring the string close by ear, then fine-tune with the needle.
Violin string frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (lowest) | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 3rd | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
| 2nd | A4 | 440.00 Hz |
| 1st (highest) | E5 | 659.26 Hz |
Many orchestras tune slightly higher, often to A = 442 Hz. Type the pitch in the A4 box and every string and reference tone follows it. For a steady practice beat, use the metronome.