Mandolin tuning
Mandolin Standard (G D A E) Tuning
Four double courses tuned exactly like a violin.
String pitches & frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | MIDI | Interval to next | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | 55 | perfect fifth | |
| 3 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | 62 | perfect fifth | |
| 2 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | 69 | perfect fifth | |
| 1 | E5 | 659.26 Hz | 76 | — |
Courses (string pairs) listed from lowest to highest. Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament.
Fretboard note map
| String | Open | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E |
| 2 | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A |
| 3 | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D |
| 4 | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G |
How to tune to Standard (G D A E)
- Open the chromatic tuner (or play each reference tone above).
- Start from the lowest string and tune each one to G3, D4, A4, E5.
- 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 (G D A E) tuning?
G3 (196.00 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440.00 Hz), E5 (659.26 Hz).
How do I tune a mandolin to Standard (G D A E)?
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.