Like a guitar, each violin string has a fixed open-string note. The Online Tuner doesn't need a special violin preset: chromatic mode tunes it just as well.
Standard tuning
From the lowest string: G D A E. As pitches that's G3 (196 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440 Hz) and E5 (659.25 Hz). You tune with the pegs at the scroll and the small fine tuners on the tailpiece.
Tuning in chromatic mode
- Open the tuner and choose Chromatic.
- Turn on the mic and play one string in a quiet room (bow slowly, or pluck it lightly).
- Check the note name: the G string should read G3, the D string D4, and so on.
- Turn the peg or fine tuner until the bar reaches the center (0 cents) and turns green.
- After all four strings, check them again. Tightening one string slightly changes the others.
Pegs or fine tuners?
Use the peg when a string is far off, and the fine tuner on the tailpiece when it's almost there and needs a tiny nudge. Fine tuners have a narrow range, so they can't fix a string that's way out.
When it won't lock on
- Play only one string clearly. When several ring, the note name jumps around. Lightly touch the other strings to stop sympathetic ringing.
- The E string fades quickly and can be hard to catch. Bow it with long strokes while you watch the display.
- New strings and very dry or humid days make strings slip. Check before every practice.
- If your ensemble doesn't tune to A4 = 440 Hz, change the reference pitch in the tuner (420–460 Hz).
- If you're not sure which note is right, play the tuner's reference tone first and compare by ear.
Viola and cello work the same way
Use chromatic mode with each instrument's open-string notes: viola C3 G3 D4 A4, cello C2 G2 D3 A3.
Why no violin preset?
Presets show string numbers for common fretted instruments. On a violin you mostly need the four open-string note names, which chromatic mode shows directly, so in practice there's little difference.
A minute or two of tuning before practice also trains your ear. Start by checking every string with the tuner, then progress to tuning only the A string with the tuner and the rest by ear. After tuning, practice with the Online Metronome, or record a melody and turn it into notes with Audio to MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Is chromatic mode enough without a violin preset?
Yes. Chromatic mode shows every note name, so you can tune G3, D4, A4 and E5 exactly the same way.
Should I use the pegs or the fine tuners?
Use the pegs when a string is far off, and the fine tuners on the tailpiece for small final adjustments.
Can I tune a viola or cello with the same tool?
Yes. Use chromatic mode and tune to each instrument’s open-string notes.
Can I tune to something other than 440 Hz?
Yes. You can set A4 anywhere from 420 to 460 Hz in the tuner.
Can I pluck instead of bowing?
Yes, a clear pluck is detected too, but a bowed note is usually picked up more steadily.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 4, 2026
- Wikipedia, Violin — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violin
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.