Mandolin Tuner Online: Free GDAE Tuning (Microphone)
Tune your mandolin instantly with our free online tuner. Supports standard GDAE tuning for all 8 strings. Microphone-based pitch detection.
Keep your mandolin singing sweetly with our free Online Mandolin Tuner. Designed to handle the unique challenge of tuning 8 strings in pairs, it provides precise feedback for standard GDAE tuning.
Mandolin Tuner
Tune your mandolin with precision
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
Standard Mandolin Tuning (GDAE)
The mandolin has 8 strings arranged in 4 courses (pairs). The two strings in each course are tuned to the exact same pitch (unison).
| Course | Note | Frequency | String Pair |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Highest) | E5 | 659.26 Hz | Thinnest pair |
| 2nd | A4 | 440.00 Hz | - |
| 3rd | D4 | 293.66 Hz | - |
| 4th (Lowest) | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Thickest pair |
How to Tune a Mandolin
Tuning a mandolin takes patience because you have to tune each note twice!
- Mute One String: When tuning a course (e.g., the A strings), mute one of them with your finger or pick while tuning the other.
- Tune to the Meter: Get the first string perfectly in the green.
- Match the Second: Tune the second string in the pair.
- Check for "Beats": Play both strings together. If you hear a wobbling "wah-wah-wah" sound, they are slightly out of tune with each other. Adjust one slightly until the wobbling stops and they sound like a single, clear note.
Common Issues
Why does it sound out of tune when I play chords?
If your open strings are perfect but chords sound bad, your intonation might be off.
- Check: Compare the open string harmonic at the 12th fret to the fretted 12th fret note. They should be identical.
- Fix: If they differ, your bridge needs to be moved slightly.
Strings are stiff/hard to turn?
Mandolin has high tension. Ensure you are turning the correct peg! Follow the string visually from the nut to the post to be sure.
Related Tools
- Violin Tuner – Same GDAE tuning, different instrument.
- Hz to Note – Check frequencies.
- Metronome – Practice your chopping rhythm.