How to Tune the Violin

The violin has four strings which are tuned in fifths. The scientific pitch of the strings from lowest to highest is: G3, D4, A4, and E5.

The violin is tuned in perfect fifths - each string is tuned an interval of a perfect fifth from the string (or strings) next to it. The strings of the violin are tightened or loosened to produce the right note by the pegs and the fine tuners. Some violins only have fine tuners on the E string, whereas others have fine tuners on all 4 strings. If you buy a violin with only one fine tuner, you do have the option of getting the other three fine tuners installed into the tailpiece by a luthier. As their name suggests, the fine tuners are used for tuning the string if the string is off-pitch by a small interval of no more than half a tone or so. When the string is out of tune by half a tone or more, then the pegs are used to tune the note initially, with the fine tuner being used afterwards to make sure the note is exactly in tune. Beginners are usually advised not to tune with the pegs unless absolutely necessary, in order to avoid unnecessary string breakages. If you are beginning to tune from the peg, it is a good idea to tune with a scientific tuner to make sure you are not over-tightening the string, however with most low-end scientific tuners you will still have to be wary of tuning an octave too high or too low. Only move the peg about a few millimeters at a time - you will be surprised at how significantly such a small turn can affect the pitch of the string!

• Tuning the Violin
• Tuning using a Piano
• Relative Tuning
• Tuning with Electronic Violin Tuners
• Alternate Tunings for the Violin
• Common tuning Problems
• Quick-Reference Tuning Tips

Tuning the Violin

When tuning any instrument, you should always tune from below the note, up. This prevents string breakages and systematizes the process of tuning, so you eventually become more familiar with the sound of a perfect, in-tune string. When tuning your violin, you should also always tune using the fine tuners when possible (if you have them - most learner violins should have fine tuners). When a fine tuner has been wound right down to the end of the screw, loosen the fine tuner all the way to the end of the screw before carefully tightening the tuning peg. This way, you prevent the string from being over-tightened.

When you are tuning your violin, play the note continuously with your bow and listen carefully to the string as it tightens towards the desired pitch. Remember, you may need to stop to tune halfway through a practice, especially if you are using new strings as they tend to stretch and may need tightening from the peg multiple times per practice session for the first few days.

It is advisable to start by tuning the A string first, followed by the D, G then E strings. When you start to become more familiar with the sound of the notes of the different strings, you can try tuning the strings against each other - this is known as relative tuning (see 'Relative Tuning' section).

If you want to know more about the physics of tuning any instrument, head over to The Science of Tuning Musical Instruments.

Tuning using a Piano

Tuning your violin using a Piano or Keyboard is a relatively simple task. The picture above shows the piano keys that correspond with the strings on the violin. Make sure you use the 'Middle C' on the picture as a reference point so you don't try to tune your violin an octave too low, or too high. Play the note on the piano and match the correct string to the note. Remember to use the fine tuners on your violin to tune if the string is out by less than half a tone. Use the pedals on the piano so the note you play is able to sound freely, and so that you can have both hands available to tune the violin.

Relative Tuning

Relative tuning is a method of tuning the violin to itself and is a skill that requires a lot of practice and time. In the beginning, some people find it easier to hear the true pitch of the note by closing their eyes and tilting their left ear towards the F holes. You can try this too while you tune your violin. If you have seen an orchestra play live, you may have seen the orchestra pass around the A. The A string is played by the concertmaster (lead violinist) to make sure all members and sections of the orchestra are tuned properly. As a violinist, you use the A that is 'passed' to you to tune your other strings. To do this, you first make sure the A string is in tune, then play the A and D strings together, listening for the perfect fifth interval to ring in tune. Then play the D and G strings together, followed finally by the A and E. In order to tune like this you must have a good knowledge or what the strings sound like, and what a perfect fifth sounds like too. Perfect fifths tend to sound very resonant, so you may be able to tune this way if you listen carefully to the ringing sound, or by looking at how the strings vibrate when you play them together. Start listening for these notes when you tune as a beginner as it is a great skill to be able to internalize a set note and understand the exact perfect frequency of the note by ear.

Tuning with Electronic Violin Tuners

Check out our Tuning with Electronic Violin Tuners article to learn about how to use electronic tuners.

Alternate Tunings for the Violin

Generally, alternate tunings for the violin are not commonly used by violinists. However, fiddle and country violinists employ a range of alternate tunings to suit the style of music that they are playing. Some country musicians like to tune their violin in fourths rather than fifths, while others may cross-tune the violin to suit the style of music they are playing. There are a number of different cross-tunings for the violin. The most common cross-tuning for the violin is when the G string is tuned to an A, and the D string to E, so that the violin strings from lowest to highest are tuned A-E-A-E. The A-E-A-E is tuning is most commonly used for songs in A major. Violinists playing in D major may also cross-tune the violin to the tuning (again from lowest to highest) A-D-A-E, where the G-string is raised one tone higher. There are a number of other alternate tunings for the violin that are less popular, most of which are used only in American folk/fiddle music.

If you are a beginner, you should always start learning the violin with standard tuning as standardized tuning gives you a better feel for the instrument and is easier to learn.

Common tuning Problems

The most common problem when tuning is pegs that slip out of place. To fix this problem try unwinding the peg a round or two and then tighten the peg again, pressing the peg reasonably hard into the peg box while turning the peg. Hopefully the peg will stick, and your violin will stay in tune!

If you have wound the fine tuners down to the nub and they cannot screw down any further, you can fix this by first winding the fine tuner back as far as it will go without falling out. Then, tighten the string at the peg, no more than a few millimeters at a time, until the pitch is just under the right note you need. Then you can continue to tune the string at the fine tuner. This method of resetting the fine tuners will prevent the string from breaking or wearing out due to excess tightening. If you find that you over-turn the peg and the string then sounds higher than it is supposed to, you can unwind the peg slightly to fix this as you will not be able to use the unwound fine tuner to tune down.

If you still have difficulty with slipping pegs or if you find that your fine tuners are hard to turn then have a look at our Violin Maintenance Guide to read about what you can do to fix these problems.

Quick-Reference Tuning Tips

Tuning a violin is easy if you follow these simple tips:

• Top Tip: Remember to always tune from below the note to prevent strings from breaking.

• Use the fine tuners as much as possible to prevent string breakages. When they become wound down to the nub, loosen them right the way up, use the peg to tighten the string to just below the note, and use the fine tuners to tune the note up the rest of the way. Don't over tighten the string at the peg as you will not be able to tune down with the loose fine tuners.

• Tune the A string first, followed by D, G then E strings. This is how orchestral violinists tune their violins. It does help to get into a good tuning routine.

• If you are using a tuner then try humming the right note from the tuner first, before you tune, so you know exactly what note you are looking for. If you can't reach the note with your voice, then just visualize humming it, this has much the same effect.

• If you are having technical problems (such as pegs slipping) check out our article on How to Maintain the Violin.

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