Violin Tuner. Tune to G D A E in Your Browser.
Like the Meter? The Mac app uses the same YIN engine — but reads your USB interface at full sample rate, runs sub-50 ms via Core Audio, lives in your menu bar, and adds 15 instrument presets, 8 historical temperaments, and capo.On Your iPhone Right Now? ChromTuner: Guitar Tuner runs this same YIN engine natively on iOS — with haptic in-tune feedback and the free tier covers chromatic, Standard E, and Drop D.
String Reference
G D A E, String by String.
The violin is tuned in perfect fifths, from the G below middle C up to the E string. Orchestras tune to the A, so that's the string to start with. Tap a note to hear it.
| String | Note | Frequency | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | |
| 3 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | |
| 2 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | |
| 1 | E5 | 659.26 Hz |
Equal temperament, A4 = 440 Hz. Strings are listed in the same order as the tuner's string row.
Step by Step
Tuning a Violin, String by String.
Use the fine tuners for small corrections and the pegs only when a string is well out. Keep an eye on the bridge as you go: tightening strings can pull it forward.
- 01
Tune the A String First
Bring the A to A4 (440 Hz). It's the reference the rest of the instrument is tuned from.
- 02
Then the D and G
Tune the D to D4 (293.66 Hz) and the G to G3 (196 Hz). Bow each together with the string above it: a true fifth sounds calm, with no beating.
- 03
Finish With the E
Tune the E to E5 (659.26 Hz). It's the thinnest string, so use its fine tuner — a turn of the peg can move it too far, or break it.
- 04
Using a Peg: Push as You Turn
If a string needs the peg, turn slightly past the note and press the peg into the pegbox as you bring it back, so it holds against the tension.
FAQ
Violin Questions.
Which string to start with, pegs versus fine tuners, and orchestra pitch.
Which String Should I Tune First?
The A. Orchestras tune to an A from the oboe and tune the other strings from it in fifths. With a tuner you can go in any order, but starting at the A is a good habit to keep.Pegs or Fine Tuners?
Fine tuners for anything within a few cents; the pegs when a string is clearly flat or sharp, or after changing strings. Many violins only have a fine tuner on the E string, so the other three are tuned with the pegs.My Orchestra Tunes to A = 442 Hz. Can I Use This Tuner?
This online tuner is fixed at A4 = 440 Hz. Strings tuned for A = 442 read about 8 cents sharp here, so aim for +8 instead of 0. ChromTuner for Mac, and ChromTuner Pro on iPhone, let you set A4 anywhere from 349 to 500 Hz.
ChromTuner Apps
Orchestra Pitch on Your iPhone.
ChromTuner for iPhone runs the same detection engine natively, with haptic feedback when a string locks in. Pro adds a violin preset, A4 calibration from 349 to 500 Hz for orchestra pitch, and the Peterson-style strobe. The app itself is free to download.
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