Free Online Viola Tuner
Play each viola string into your mic and the tuner instantly shows the closest string, the exact Hz, and whether you are sharp or flat.
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How to Tune Your Viola
- Click Start Tuner and allow microphone access.
- Bow one string at a time with a steady, moderate stroke near the middle of the bow.
- The highlighted card shows the closest string. The cents meter shows how sharp or flat you are.
- Use the peg for large adjustments, the fine tuner for small ones. Tune up to pitch from below.
- When the meter centers on green (within ±5 cents), the string is in tune. Repeat for all 4 strings.
Standard Viola Tuning Reference
| String | Note | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (C) | C3 | 130.81 Hz | Lowest viola string, deep and distinctive |
| 3 (G) | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Warm and resonant mid-low string |
| 2 (D) | D4 | 293.66 Hz | Common melodic string |
| 1 (A) | A4 | 440.00 Hz | Concert A reference pitch |
Viola vs Violin Tuning — What's the Difference?
The viola is tuned a perfect fifth below the violin. The top three strings (G, D, A) are shared, but the viola adds a low C3 on the bottom instead of the violin's high E5 on top. This lower range — and the absence of the bright E string — gives the viola its darker, warmer, more mellow character.
| Instrument | Tuning (low → high) | Range character |
|---|---|---|
| Viola | C3 · G3 · D4 · A4 | Darker, warmer, more mellow |
| Violin | G3 · D4 · A4 · E5 | Brighter, higher, more projecting |
Viola Tuning Tips
Small technique differences make a big impact on tuning accuracy and string longevity.
Start with the A string
A4 (440 Hz) is the universal orchestra reference. Tune it first, then use open-string fifths (A→D→G→C) to set the others by ear or with the tuner.
Always tune up from below
Loosen the string slightly past pitch, then bring it up. Peg friction settles at the right pitch more reliably than tuning down from above.
Use fine tuners for small adjustments
When you are within 10–15 cents, switch to the fine tuner on the tailpiece. Fine tuners give far more control than the pegs for micro-adjustments.
Stretch new strings
After installing new strings, gently pull each string away from the fingerboard and re-tune. Repeat 3–4 times to accelerate the break-in and reduce drift.
Bow near the middle
Heavy bow pressure near the bridge masks the fundamental with noise. Use moderate bow speed near the middle of the bow for the clearest pitch reading.
Re-check after warming up
The instrument expands slightly as it warms to room temperature. Play for 5–10 minutes, then do a final tuning check before practicing or performing.
Viola Tuner FAQ
Standard viola tuning is C3, G3, D4, A4 from the lowest string to the highest. The viola sits a perfect fifth below the violin — its lowest string is a C3, which the violin does not have.
A violin is tuned G3, D4, A4, E5. A viola is tuned C3, G3, D4, A4 — the same top three strings but one fifth lower overall, with a C3 lowest string instead of an E5 on top.
Bowing gives a sustained note the tuner reads most reliably. Plucking (pizzicato) works for a quick rough check. Use a steady bow stroke near the middle of the bow for the most accurate result.
The viola's C string is rich in overtones and the tuner can briefly lock onto a harmonic. Bow firmly and listen for the lowest stable pitch. Plucking lightly reduces harmonic interference.
Use the pegs for large adjustments (more than 20 cents). Push the peg slightly inward while turning to keep it seated. Use the fine tuners on the tailpiece for adjustments under 20 cents.
New strings stretch for 1–2 weeks after installation. Temperature and humidity also shift pitch — a cold viola plays flat until it warms up. Tune before every session and re-check after 10 minutes.
Historically informed Baroque ensembles tune to A=415 Hz, about a half step below modern A=440 Hz. If you play in such an ensemble, tune all strings about a half step lower than standard CGDA.
Yes — the tuner detects any pitch chromatically. A 5-string viola adds a high E5 string, giving C G D A E. Just play each string and read the note name on the display.
Ready to Tune Your Viola?
Click the button below to jump back to the tuner, allow microphone access, and get in tune in under a minute.
Open Viola Tuner