Free online string tuner covering violin G-D-A-E, viola C-G-D-A, cello C-G-D-A (an octave lower) and double bass E-A-D-G. Real-time pitch and cents detection; audio stays in your browser.
How to tune: Violin
- Press “Start tuning” and allow the microphone in the browser prompt.
- Play one string at a time close to the mic and wait for a steady reading.
- Needle left (flat): tighten. Needle right (sharp): loosen. The green zone means in tune.
The four strings run G3, D4, A4, E5 from low to high; start on the 4th string (G) and work up. Use the fine tuners for small corrections and the pegs only when the pitch is far off. Turn a peg slowly while pushing in gently so the string does not snap tight all at once. Tune one string at a time, because changing one string slightly affects the tension of the others.
Violin frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 4 | G3 | 196.00 |
| String 3 | D4 | 293.66 |
| String 2 | A4 | 440.00 |
| String 1 | E5 | 659.26 |
Violin tuning tips
A violin is bright and overtone-rich, and a long bowed open string gives a steadier reading than pizzicato. Bow one string at a time with even speed and moderate pressure; pressing too hard pushes the pitch up. The E string is the thinnest and most likely to break, so add tension slowly. If the fine tuners can no longer bring a string into tune, the pegs or fine tuners need attention.
Is microphone audio uploaded?
No. Web Audio analyzes sound in real time on your device. This page does not record, upload or store microphone audio.
Frequently asked questions
Is pizzicato or bowing more accurate for tuning?
Both work. A long bowed open string gives more stable overtones and a steadier reading; pizzicato decays quickly and is handy for a fast rough pass.
Which string should I tune first?
Start with the 4th string G and work up G-D-A-E. After each string, recheck the previous one, because tension changes interact.
I am worried about breaking a string. What helps?
The E string is thinnest and most fragile. Make small changes with the fine tuner, and when you must use a peg, add tension slowly and listen as you turn.
Do new strings take long to settle?
New strings and freshly restrung instruments do drift for the first few days. Tune before each practice session and they should settle within about a week.
