Viola Tuner
Free online viola tuner with 6 tuning presets. Tune your viola using your microphone with accurate pitch detection.
Viola Tunings
Choose from 6 popular viola tunings. Each tuning page includes a pre-configured tuner and information about when to use it.
How to Tune a Viola
Tuning your viola is essential for producing beautiful music. The standard viola tuning is C-G-D-A (from the lowest string to the highest). The strings are tuned in perfect fifths, which is the interval that defines the string family's characteristic sound. The viola is pitched a perfect fifth below the violin, giving it a rich, warm alto voice.
Begin by tuning the A string to A4 (440 Hz), which is the standard concert pitch. Then tune the D string a perfect fifth below A, followed by the G string a perfect fifth below D, and finally the C string a perfect fifth below G. Fine tuners on the tailpiece allow for small adjustments, while the pegs are used for larger changes.
How to Use This Viola Tuner
- Select your tuning from the dropdown menu (Standard CGDA is selected by default).
- Click the microphone button and allow microphone access when prompted.
- Bow or pluck a single string on your viola. The tuner will automatically detect which string you're playing.
- You can also tap a specific string button to tune that string. The tuner will show how sharp or flat you are from the target note.
- Turn the fine tuner or peg until the indicator is centered and the status shows "In Tune."
- Repeat for each string until your viola is fully in tune.
Understanding Viola Tuning
Standard (CGDA) — The universal tuning for viola, with strings tuned in perfect fifths: C3, G3, D4, A4. This tuning is used in classical, orchestral, chamber music, and virtually all other viola genres. The viola sits a perfect fifth below the violin in pitch.
Open C (CGCG) — An open tuning that produces a C power chord when all strings are bowed open. Used in experimental and contemporary viola music, the paired octaves create strong resonance for drone-based compositions.
Fiddle (GDAE) — Viola tuned to violin intervals, a perfect fifth higher than standard. Used by violists who want to play fiddle tunes at violin pitch or explore the higher register of the instrument.