Viola tuning
Viola Standard (C G D A) Tuning
A perfect fifth below the violin; reads alto clef.
String pitches & frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | MIDI | Interval to next | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz | 48 | perfect fifth | |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | 55 | perfect fifth | |
| 2 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | 62 | perfect fifth | |
| 1 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | 69 | — |
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 C3, G3, D4, A4.
- 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?
C3 (130.81 Hz), G3 (196.00 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440.00 Hz).
How do I tune a viola 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.