Free Viola Tuner Online (Microphone): Standard CGDA Tuning
Tune your viola online with our free microphone-based tuner. Standard C-G-D-A tuning with precise frequency reference. Works on mobile and desktop. No app required.
Free Online Viola Tuner (Microphone)
Tune your viola quickly and accurately with our free chromatic tuner. No app download required—simply allow microphone access, play a string, and adjust until the indicator shows green.
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
How to Use This Tuner
- Enable Microphone: Click "Start" and allow browser microphone permission.
- Play a String: Bow or pluck one string at a time, letting it ring clearly.
- Watch the Display: The detected note and cents deviation appear on screen.
- Tune to Center: Adjust your fine tuners or pegs until the needle centers on green (0 cents).
Tip
Pro Tip: Always tune up to pitch. If a string is sharp, loosen it below the target note, then tighten back up. This prevents slippage and keeps strings stable longer.
Standard Viola Tuning (C-G-D-A)
The viola is tuned in perfect fifths, exactly one fifth lower than a violin. From the thickest string (C) to the thinnest (A):
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | Interval from Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (Thickest) | C3 | 130.81 Hz | Perfect 5th up to G |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Perfect 5th up to D |
| 2 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | Perfect 5th up to A |
| 1 (Thinnest) | A4 | 440.00 Hz | Concert A reference |
Viola vs Violin Tuning Comparison
| Instrument | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | C3 (130.81 Hz) | G3 (196.00 Hz) | D4 (293.66 Hz) | A4 (440.00 Hz) |
| Violin | G3 (196.00 Hz) | D4 (293.66 Hz) | A4 (440.00 Hz) | E5 (659.26 Hz) |
The viola's lowest string (C3) is a perfect fifth below the violin's lowest string (G3), giving it that distinctive warm, rich tone in the alto register.
How to Tune a Viola Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start with A4 (Concert A)
Begin with the A string because 440 Hz is the universal reference pitch. Use our tuner, a tuning fork, or a piano to match A4 = 440 Hz precisely.
Step 2: Tune Down in Fifths
Once A is in tune, use the fifth interval method:
- Play your tuned A string and the D string simultaneously
- Listen for the interval—a perfect fifth should sound pure, with no "wavering" or beating
- Adjust D until the fifth rings cleanly
- Repeat: tune G to D, then C to G
Step 3: Double-Check All Strings
After tuning by fifths, verify each string individually with the chromatic tuner. Environmental factors and string stretching can cause slight drift.
Fine Tuners vs Pegs: When to Use Which
| Adjustment | Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Tuners | Small adjustments (±20 cents) | Daily tuning, quick fixes |
| Pegs | Large adjustments (more than a semitone) | New strings, major retuning, significant drift |
Warning
Peg Caution: When using pegs, push gently inward while turning to ensure the peg seats firmly in the peg box. Pegs that slip are often not seated correctly or need peg compound (rosin/chalk mixture).
Common Viola Tuning Problems
Strings Keep Going Flat
- New strings: Fresh strings need 1-3 days to stretch and stabilize. Tune frequently during the break-in period.
- Temperature/humidity changes: Wood expands and contracts. Allow your viola to acclimate before tuning.
- Slipping pegs: Apply peg compound (peg drops or Hill peg paste) to help pegs grip.
Strings Keep Going Sharp
- Fine tuner tension: If fine tuners are near their limit (fully tightened), reset them to the middle and adjust with pegs.
- Overzealous tuning: Tune slowly and check pitch frequently to avoid overshooting.
Tuner Readings Are Unstable
- Background noise: Find a quiet room or tune closer to the microphone.
- Old strings: Worn strings produce inconsistent overtones that confuse tuners. Replace strings every 3-6 months for serious players.
- Bowing technique: Bow smoothly and avoid the frog or tip extremes when tuning—the middle of the bow produces the clearest tone.
Alternate Viola Tunings
While standard C-G-D-A is used in 99% of situations, some contemporary and experimental music calls for scordatura (alternate tuning):
| Tuning Name | Strings (Low to High) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | C3 - G3 - D4 - A4 | All classical and most music |
| Baroque Pitch | C3 - G3 - D4 - A4 at A=415Hz | Historical performance practice |
| Scordatura | Varies by composition | Extended techniques, film scores |
What is Concert Pitch (A440)?
Concert pitch is the global standard where A4 = 440 Hz. This ensures all instruments in an orchestra or ensemble play the same pitches. Some historical ensembles use A=415 Hz (Baroque pitch) or A=432 Hz, but A=440 is the modern default.
Our tuner is calibrated to A440. If you need a different reference pitch, use our Tone Generator to create a custom reference frequency.
Viola Frequency Range
The viola covers approximately:
- Lowest Note (Open C): C3 = 130.81 Hz
- Highest Note (Practical): ~E6 = 1318 Hz (or higher for advanced players)
This places the viola in the alto range, bridging the gap between the violin (soprano) and cello (tenor/bass).
FAQ
How often should I tune my viola?
Tune every time you play, and check tuning between movements or pieces during practice. Professional orchestral players tune before every rehearsal and concert, and between pieces.
Can I tune a viola without a tuner?
Yes. Use a piano, tuning fork (A=440), or another tuned instrument as a reference for the A string, then tune the remaining strings by perfect fifths.
Why does my viola sound "wolfy" on certain notes?
Wolf tones (a wavering, unstable sound) occur when the vibration of the string matches the resonant frequency of the viola body. This is common on notes around D4-F4 on many violas. Solutions include wolf eliminators (small weights attached to the string afterlength) or trying different strings.
Is viola tuning the same as cello tuning?
Yes! The viola and cello share the same C-G-D-A tuning, but the cello sounds one octave lower:
- Viola C3 = 130.81 Hz
- Cello C2 = 65.41 Hz
What strings should I use for my viola?
String choice depends on your instrument and playing style:
- Steel core (Helicore, Jargar): Bright, stable, good for beginners
- Synthetic core (Dominant, Evah Pirazzi): Warm, complex, popular with professionals
- Gut core (Passione, Oliv): Rich, nuanced, preferred for Baroque and solo work
Related Tools
- Violin Tuner – Tune your violin with GDAE reference
- Cello Tuner – Same CGDA tuning, one octave lower
- Instrument Tuning Guide – Master reference for all string instruments
- Tone Generator – Create custom reference pitches
- Metronome – Practice with steady tempo