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Cello tuning

A cello is tuned C G D A, from the lowest string to the highest: C2 G2 D3 A3. Each string is a fifth above the one below it, an octave below a viola. Tap a string to hear it.

Tap a string to hear its note, then tune yours to match.

How the cello is tuned

The cello’s open C, two octaves below middle C at 65.41 Hz, is its lowest note. Its A string is tuned to 220 Hz, an octave below the orchestra’s A440.

Tune the A first, then the D, G and C in fifths from it. Many cellos have a fine tuner on the A string, or on all four, for small turns.

Cello string notes

Each open string in standard tuning, from the 1st to the 4th, with the frequency a tuner looks for.

Cello tuning: each string’s note and frequency, with A4 at 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequency
1stA3220 Hz
2ndD3146.83 Hz
3rdG298 Hz
4thC265.41 Hz

Every other note’s frequency is on the note frequency chart.

How to tune a cello by ear

Tune one string to a tuner or its button above, and the others follow from it.

  1. Tune the 1st string, A, to A3 (220 Hz), against a tuner or the A string’s button above.
  2. Bow the D and A strings together and tune the D until the fifth between them sounds smooth, with no beating.
  3. Bow the G and D strings together and tune the G the same way.
  4. Bow the C and G strings together and tune the C the same way.

A string tuned up to its note holds its pitch better, so to lower one, go a little below the note and come back up to it.

To tune with your mic instead, use the cello tuner.

Questions about cello tuning

What are the notes of the cello strings?

C G D A, from the 4th string, the lowest, to the 1st: C2 G2 D3 A3.

What is the lowest note on a cello?

The open C string, C2, at 65.41 Hz, two octaves below middle C.

Why is the cello’s A 220 Hz and not 440?

Its A string is an octave below the violin’s and viola’s A4. The orchestra tunes to A440 and the cello matches it an octave down.

More instrument tunings

Guitar tuning

E A D G B E

Standard, drop D, open G, DADGAD and ten more, each to hear.

Ukulele tuning

G C E A

Standard, low G, baritone and D tuning, with the high G explained.

Bass guitar tuning

E A D G

4-string, 5-string, 6-string and drop D, from the low B up.

Banjo tuning

G D G B D

Open G for bluegrass, then double C, open D, G modal and tenor.

Mandolin tuning

G D A E

G D A E in four pairs, like a violin, plus mandola and octave.

Violin tuning

G D A E

Four strings in fifths from the A at 440 Hz, plus cross tunings.

Viola tuning

C G D A

A violin’s G, D and A with a low C in place of the E.

Every instrument’s standard tuning, side by side, is on the tunings page.

Play along in C major

Open the free editor with a beat in C major playing, tune up and play your cello along with it, then add a melody or your voice, part by part. No account needed to start.

Start a beatAll tunings

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