Free Cello Tuner Online (Microphone): Standard CGDA Tuning
Tune your cello online with our free microphone-based tuner. Standard C-G-D-A tuning optimized for low frequencies. Works on mobile and desktop. No app required.
Free Online Cello Tuner (Microphone)
Tune your cello accurately with our free chromatic tuner optimized for low-frequency detection. No app download required—simply enable microphone access, bow a string, and tune to the green indicator.
Chromatic Tuner
Tune any instrument with real-time pitch detection
Tips for accurate tuning:
- Play one string at a time, let it ring clearly
- Tune in a quiet environment for best results
- The needle should be centered (green) when in tune
- Flat (♭) means too low, sharp (♯) means too high
Tip
Low Frequency Tip: Cello strings produce very low frequencies (down to 65 Hz). For best results, bow firmly with a steady stroke and position your cello near the microphone. Plucking (pizzicato) also works well for tuning.
How to Use This Tuner
- Enable Microphone: Click "Start" and allow browser microphone permission.
- Bow or Pluck: Play one string at a time with a clear, sustained tone.
- Read the Display: The detected note name and cents deviation will appear.
- Adjust to Center: Turn fine tuners or pegs until the indicator shows green (0 cents).
Standard Cello Tuning (C-G-D-A)
The cello is tuned in perfect fifths, one octave below the viola and two octaves below the violin's top strings. From the thickest string (C) to the thinnest (A):
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | Piano Key | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (Thickest) | C2 | 65.41 Hz | 2 octaves below middle C | P5 up to G |
| 3 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | G below middle C | P5 up to D |
| 2 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | D below middle C | P5 up to A |
| 1 (Thinnest) | A3 | 220.00 Hz | A below middle C | - |
The Cello Family Comparison
| Instrument | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | G3 (196 Hz) | D4 (294 Hz) | A4 (440 Hz) | E5 (659 Hz) |
| Viola | C3 (131 Hz) | G3 (196 Hz) | D4 (294 Hz) | A4 (440 Hz) |
| Cello | C2 (65 Hz) | G2 (98 Hz) | D3 (147 Hz) | A3 (220 Hz) |
| Double Bass | E1 (41 Hz) | A1 (55 Hz) | D2 (73 Hz) | G2 (98 Hz) |
The cello occupies the tenor and baritone range, providing the harmonic foundation in chamber music while also being a powerful solo instrument.
How to Tune a Cello Step-by-Step
Step 1: Tune the A String First
Start with A3 = 220 Hz (one octave below concert A). This is your reference pitch. Use our tuner, a tuning fork, piano, or another tuned instrument.
Step 2: Tune by Perfect Fifths
The traditional method used by professionals:
- Bow the tuned A string and the D string together
- Listen for a "pure" fifth interval—no wavering or beating
- Adjust D until the fifth rings cleanly
- Continue: tune G against D, then C against G
Step 3: Verify with the Tuner
After tuning by ear, check each string individually with the chromatic tuner. This catches any accumulated errors from the fifth-tuning process.
Step 4: Play a C Major Scale to Check
A quick scale or arpeggio reveals if the overall tuning feels right. Trust your ear alongside the electronic tuner.
Fine Tuners vs Pegs
| Tool | Use Case | Adjustment Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Tuners | Small pitch corrections (< 30 cents) | ± ~1/4 semitone |
| Pegs | Large adjustments, new strings | Full range |
Warning
Peg Technique: When turning pegs, push firmly into the peg box while turning. This seats the peg properly and prevents slipping. If a peg slips repeatedly, apply peg compound (peg drops or Hill paste).
Most cellists use fine tuners on all four strings for convenience. Advanced players sometimes use only an A-string fine tuner (like violinists) for reduced tailpiece weight.
Troubleshooting Cello Tuning Problems
The C String Won't Register on the Tuner
Low frequencies (65 Hz) can be challenging for some microphones:
- Get closer: Position the cello's f-holes near the microphone
- Bow firmly: A strong bow stroke produces clearer fundamental frequency
- Try harmonics: Play the octave harmonic at the midpoint of the C string (130 Hz, easier to detect)
- Use headphones: Eliminates feedback and background noise
Strings Go Flat Quickly
- New strings: Steel and synthetic strings need 2-3 days to stretch. Gut strings may take a week.
- Temperature drop: Cold weather contracts strings. Let your cello warm up in the room before tuning.
- Slipping pegs: Apply peg compound or have a luthier adjust the peg fit.
Strings Go Sharp After a While
- Temperature rise: Warm conditions expand the wood, shortening string length slightly
- Fine tuners at limit: Reset fine tuners to the middle and adjust with pegs
Uneven Tone Quality ("Wolf Tones")
Wolf tones—a wavering, growling sound—commonly occur around E3 to G3 on cellos. This is a resonance interaction between the string and the body.
Solutions:
- Wolf eliminator: A small brass weight placed on the afterlength (between bridge and tailpiece)
- String choice: Different brands may reduce the wolf
- Playing technique: Slight bow pressure or speed adjustment can minimize wolf notes
Alternate Cello Tunings (Scordatura)
While C-G-D-A is standard for nearly all repertoire, some compositions require alternate tunings:
| Tuning Name | Configuration | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | C2 - G2 - D3 - A3 | All standard repertoire |
| C → B (drop) | B1 - G2 - D3 - A3 | Brahms Cello Sonata No. 1 (some editions) |
| Baroque Pitch | C2 - G2 - D3 - A3 at A=415 Hz | Historical performance practice |
| Solo Tuning | Strings tuned ~1/2 step higher | Baroque solo concertos (brighter resonance) |
Cello Frequency Range
The cello covers an impressive range:
| Register | Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest | Open C (C2) | 65.41 Hz |
| Thumb Position | C5 and above | 523+ Hz |
| Highest (Extended) | A5 or higher | 880+ Hz |
This nearly four-octave range makes the cello one of the most versatile orchestral instruments.
Concert Pitch and Historical Tuning
Modern concert pitch is A4 = 440 Hz, which means A3 (cello's A string) = 220 Hz (one octave lower).
Historical pitch standards varied:
- Baroque (1700s): A = 415 Hz (about a semitone lower)
- Classical (1800s): A = 430-435 Hz
- Modern: A = 440 Hz (ISO standard since 1955)
- Some orchestras: A = 442-443 Hz (slightly brighter)
Our tuner uses A = 440 Hz. For custom reference pitches, use our Tone Generator.
Cello String Recommendations
String choice dramatically affects tone, response, and tuning stability:
| String Type | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Core | Bright, focused, stable pitch | Jargar, Larsen, Helicore |
| Synthetic Core | Warm, complex, gut-like response | Dominant, Evah Pirazzi, Versum |
| Gut Core | Rich, nuanced, requires more tuning | Passione, Oliv, plain gut |
| Tungsten/Silver Wound | Enhanced low-end for C and G | Spirocore Tungsten, Magnacore |
Many cellists mix brands—for example, a Larsen A with Spirocore tungsten C and G.
FAQ
How often should I tune my cello?
Tune every time you play. Check tuning after significant temperature or humidity changes, and between pieces during practice or performance.
Why is my cello A string tuned to 220 Hz instead of 440 Hz?
Your cello A string is A3, which is one octave below concert A (A4 = 440 Hz). In equal temperament, each octave is exactly half/double the frequency: A3 = 220 Hz, A4 = 440 Hz, A5 = 880 Hz.
Can I use a guitar tuner for cello?
Basic guitar tuners may not detect the cello's low C2 (65 Hz). Our chromatic tuner is designed for the full frequency range. If using a clip-on tuner, choose one rated for bass guitar or cello specifically.
How long do cello strings last?
- Professional players: 2-4 months
- Students: 4-6 months
- Casual players: 6-12 months
Replace strings when they sound dull, have visible wear, or won't hold tuning.
Is cello tuning the same as viola tuning?
Yes—both use C-G-D-A in perfect fifths. The cello sounds exactly one octave lower than the viola.
Related Tools
- Viola Tuner – Same CGDA tuning, one octave higher
- Violin Tuner – GDAE tuning for violin
- Bass Tuner – EADG tuning for bass guitar
- Instrument Tuning Guide – Master reference for all strings
- Subwoofer Test – Test your speakers' low-frequency response
- Tone Generator – Generate custom reference tones