Tune the Strings

Viola Tuner

Tune your viola with your microphone or by ear. The viola is tuned C G D A, a fifth below the violin.

–

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

Viola string notes

Standard (C G D A)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
C3130.81 Hz
G3196.00 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
A4440.00 Hz

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

How to tune a viola with this tuner

  1. Press Start tuner and allow microphone access.
  2. Tune the A string first, then D, G and C.
  3. Use fine tuners for small changes and the pegs only for large ones, coming up to pitch from below.
  4. Recheck all strings once; the bridge and other strings shift slightly as tension changes.

Viola tuning tips

Low C string

The C string is thick and can sound "growly" to a microphone. Pluck it firmly and let it ring for a clearer reading.

Shared strings with violin

The viola's G, D and A are the same notes as the violin's lower three strings, so you can tune to a violinist's A.

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 are the viola string notes?

C3 (130.81 Hz), G3 (196 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz) and A4 (440 Hz), lowest to highest.

Is a viola tuned like a violin?

No. It is tuned a perfect fifth lower: C G D A instead of G D A E. It shares the G, D and A strings with the violin.

Other tuners