Violin Tuner


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Tuning the Violin

Tuning a violin is easy in one way but complicated in another way. The violin is commonly tuned in perfect fifths, which is the easy part, i.e G,D,A,E. For the beginner that might be good enaugh. Following the links in the end of this article will list the common tunings within the violin family.

The complicated part

The tuner is based on the equal temperament scale and that is not always preferred when tuning the violin. Due, to the fact that the violin does not have any frets, gives the possibilty to play in different intonation systems. Depending on the playing context and preferable harmony professional players adjust tuning and finger position to fine tune notes. For the beginner you will do fine with equal temperement in most situation but experimenting with the tunings according to the table below is really good.

If you are a professional violinist it is recommended to download the smartphone tuner app and then adjust the reference frequency as follows:

String Equal Temperament (Guitar/Piano) Open Fifths (Pythagorean)
E Aref = 440 Aref = 440.5
A Aref = 440 Aref = 440
D Aref = 440 Aref = 439.5
G Aref = 440 Aref = 439

You can also use the tuner straight away and adjust as follows:

String Compromise Equal Temperament (Guitar/Piano) Open Fifths (Pythagorean)
E +1cents 0cent +2cent
A 0 cents 0 cents 0 cents
D -1 cent 0 cents -2cents
G -2 cents 0 cents -4cents

The Violin Family

Violin

The tuner is fully chromatic but if you need a reference of a specific tuning when tuning by ear or if you want to tune any other instrument follow the steps in how to setup the guitar tuner for other instruments