Know your strings
A violin has four strings, from lowest to highest: G, D, A, E. They are tuned in perfect fifths. The reference pitch is A = 440 Hz.
- G string — 196 Hz
- D string — 293.66 Hz
- A string — 440 Hz
- E string — 659.25 Hz
Fine tuners vs pegs
Fine tuners are the small screws on the tailpiece. Turn them for tiny adjustments — most beginners tune only with these.
Pegs are for larger adjustments. Push the peg gently into the pegbox as you turn to keep it from slipping. Turn a small amount, then release the string tension and retune with the fine tuner.
Step-by-step
- Sit or stand with the violin on your lap, scroll pointing away.
- Start with the A string. Play the open string and compare to a reference A (a piano, tuning fork, or a tuner app).
- If the pitch is slightly low, turn the fine tuner clockwise. Slightly high, counter-clockwise.
- Move to D, then G, then E. Some players tune E last because it changes most under bow pressure.
- Play each string again. Cross-check by bowing two strings together — a clean perfect fifth has no beating.
Use our free tuner
Our online violin tuner uses your microphone to show pitch in real time, in cents. Green (within ±5 cents) is in tune. Yellow (±15) is close. Everything else needs adjustment.
Common problems
The peg keeps slipping
Push the peg gently into the pegbox while turning. Peg drops can help; a luthier can refit the peg if it slips constantly.
The fine tuner is bottomed out
Loosen the fine tuner most of the way, then use the peg to tune the string close, then finish with the fine tuner.
New strings won't stay in tune
New strings stretch for a few days. Retune before every session; they'll settle within a week.
Reference pitches
A=440 is the modern standard. Some orchestras tune to A=442 or A=443 — use whatever your ensemble uses. For solo practice, stick to 440 so your ear stays consistent.