Mandolin Tuner
Tune a mandolin to standard tuning GDAE with a free mic tuner that shows note, Hz and cents for each of the four courses.
Microphone tuner
Play a string, see exactly how far off it is
- Your browser asks once for the microphone. Choose Allow.
- Audio is analysed on this device. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
- The screen stays awake while the tuner runs.
Space start or stop 1 to 4 pick a string and hear it Esc stop the tone
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| 4th course (G) | G3 | 196.00 |
| 3rd course (D) | D4 | 293.66 |
| 2nd course (A) | A4 | 440.00 |
| 1st course (E) | E5 | 659.26 |
Values use equal temperament with A4 fixed at 440 Hz. Every frequency links to its own reference page. The tuner above rescales them when you calibrate A4.
Standard mandolin tuning is G3, D4, A4 and E5, the same four pitches as a violin. A mandolin has eight strings arranged in four courses of two, with each pair tuned to the same note so they ring together as one.
Tuning each pair of strings
Each course is two strings tuned in unison to the same pitch: G3 at 196 Hz, D4 at 293.66 Hz, A4 at 440 Hz and E5 at 659.26 Hz. Tune one string of a pair first, then bring the second string to match it exactly; if the two strings in a course are even slightly apart, the pair produces an audible beating or chorus effect instead of a clean unison.
Because the mandolin shares its tuning with the violin, violinists often pick up the target notes quickly, though the mandolin's fretted neck and doubled strings make the tuning process itself feel quite different in practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is standard mandolin tuning?
G3, D4, A4, E5, the same four pitches as a violin. Each note is doubled across a pair of strings called a course.
Why does each note have two strings?
Mandolin strings are arranged in four courses of two, each pair tuned to the same pitch, which gives the instrument its characteristic shimmering, doubled tone.
Is mandolin tuning the same as violin tuning?
Yes, the four target pitches, G3, D4, A4, E5, are identical to standard violin tuning, even though the two instruments are played very differently.
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Frequencies on this page are computed at build time from twelve tone equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz, using the twelfth root of two (about 1.059463) per semitone. Nothing is typed in by hand. See the full method and sources. Maintained by FusionStudios. Last reviewed: .