Violin Tuning Chart
2 tunings for the violin, all measured against standard GDAE, with the target note and the exact frequency in hertz for every string.
| Tuning | Notation | Category | Notes | Frequencies (Hz) | Strings changed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | GDAE | standard | G3 D4 A4 E5 | 196.00 · 293.66 · 440.00 · 659.26 | reference |
| Cross tuning AEAE | AEAE | open | A3 E4 A4 E5 | 220.00 · 329.63 · 440.00 · 659.26 | 2 of 4 |
The last column is the number of strings that move relative to standard tuning, which is the fastest way to judge how disruptive a tuning is to reach and to undo.
What each violin tuning is for
Standard (GDAE)
The reference tuning for a violin: four strings, each a perfect fifth above the one below. Tuning in fifths spans nearly two and a half octaves across only four strings, which is what lets a violinist reach a wide range from one hand position. The A string is the orchestral reference pitch, which is why it is tuned first.
Common in classical, folk, fiddle traditions. Tune to Standard
Cross tuning AEAE (AEAE)
Raise the G string a whole step to A3 and the D string a whole step to E4. The A and E strings stay at standard pitch. With two pairs of strings an octave apart, bowing across strings produces a continuous drone under the melody without any extra fingering. That drone is the defining sound of old-time fiddling, and it is the reason the technique exists at all.
Common in old-time fiddle, Appalachian traditional. Tune to Cross tuning AEAE
Use the data
These tunings are part of the open TuneStand dataset: /api/tunings.json, CC BY 4.0, no key required. See the dataset page for the schema and licence terms.
More tuning references
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: .