Cello tuning
Cello Standard (C G D A) Tuning
An octave below the viola. Bach's fifth suite uses a scordatura with the A string lowered to G.
String pitches & frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | MIDI | Interval to next | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | C2 | 65.41 Hz | 36 | perfect fifth | |
| 3 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | 43 | perfect fifth | |
| 2 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | 50 | perfect fifth | |
| 1 | A3 | 220.00 Hz | 57 | — |
Strings listed from lowest to highest. Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament.
How to tune to Standard (C G D A)
- Open the chromatic tuner (or play each reference tone above).
- Start from the lowest string and tune each one to C2, G2, D3, A3.
- Tune up to each pitch: if you overshoot, drop below and come back up so the string settles.
- Check every string once more — changing the tension of one string slightly pulls the others.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Standard (C G D A) tuning?
C2 (65.41 Hz), G2 (98.00 Hz), D3 (146.83 Hz), A3 (220.00 Hz).
How do I tune a cello to Standard (C G D A)?
Tune each string to the pitches above with a chromatic tuner, starting from the lowest string; then re-check, because changing one string's tension slightly detunes the others.