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Mandolin tuning

A mandolin is tuned G D A E, from the lowest pair of strings to the highest: G3 D4 A4 E5, the same notes as a violin. Each pair, a course, is two strings tuned to the same note. Tap a string to hear it.

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

How the mandolin is tuned

A mandolin has eight strings in four pairs. Both strings of a pair are tuned to one note and played together, which gives the mandolin its shimmer. Tune each string to the note, then the two against each other until they sound as one.

It shares the violin’s tuning, in fifths, so fiddle tunes sit under the fingers the same way. A fifth is seven frets: the 7th fret of each pair is the next pair’s open note.

Mandolin string notes

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

Mandolin tuning: each string’s note and frequency, with A4 at 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequency
1stE5659.26 Hz
2ndA4440 Hz
3rdD4293.66 Hz
4thG3196 Hz

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

How to tune a mandolin by ear

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

  1. Tune both G strings, the 4th pair, to G3 (196 Hz), against a tuner or the 4th string’s button above.
  2. Play a G string at the 7th fret, D, and tune both D strings to match it.
  3. Play a D string at the 7th fret, A, and tune both A strings to match it.
  4. Play an A string at the 7th fret, E, and tune both E strings to match it.

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 mandolin tuner.

Mandolin tunings

Each tuning’s notes in string order, and when it is used. Pick one above to hear its strings.

Mandolin tunings: the notes of each, in string order, and when it is used
TuningNotesUsed for
StandardG D A EEvery mandolin, in bluegrass, folk, classical and rock.
MandolaC G D AThe mandola, a fifth lower: the notes of a viola.
Octave mandolinG D A EThe octave mandolin and bouzouki in Irish music: an octave lower.

Questions about mandolin tuning

What are the notes of the mandolin strings?

G D A E, from the lowest pair to the highest: G3 D4 A4 E5, two strings to each note.

Is a mandolin tuned like a violin?

Yes, to the same four notes at the same pitch. A violinist’s fingering of a scale carries over, with frets in place of the violin’s positions.

Why does a mandolin have pairs of strings?

Two strings to a note make it louder and let it ring on, and the slight difference between them gives the mandolin its shimmer. Tune each pair to sound as one string.

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.

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.

Cello tuning

C G D A

The viola’s four notes an octave lower, down to C2 at 65 Hz.

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

Play along in G major

Open the free editor with a beat in G major playing, tune up and play your mandolin 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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