8 strings · 4 unison courses
Tune all eight mandolin strings to GDAE
Tune both physical strings in every mandolin course: G3/G3, D4/D4, A4/A4 and E5/E5, from the lowest pair to the highest.
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Tuning target±5 cents
G3·G3·D4·D4·A4·A4·E5·E5
FlatIn tuneSharp
Know the target
Four courses, eight independent strings
A mandolin's paired strings share the same pitch, but each string has its own post and can drift separately. The tuner therefore exposes two selectable members in each course and Auto mode visits all eight targets.
Tune one member while muting its partner, then compare the pair together. Correct unison tuning should sound focused rather than producing a slow beating pulse between the two strings.
Four clear steps
How to tune accurately
- 1Select the first member of the G3 course and mute its partner.
- 2Center and confirm the first string, then repeat for the second G3 string.
- 3Continue through both D4, A4 and E5 members.
- 4Sound each completed pair together and recheck any audible beating.
Reference: A4 = 440 Hz
Notes and frequencies
| Physical string | Target | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1, main member | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| Course 1, unison member | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| Course 2, main member | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
| Course 2, unison member | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
| Course 3, main member | A4 | 440.00 Hz |
| Course 3, unison member | A4 | 440.00 Hz |
| Course 4, main member | E5 | 659.26 Hz |
| Course 4, unison member | E5 | 659.26 Hz |
Changing the tuner calibration recalculates every target from A4 = 415–450 Hz. The values above use the common 440 Hz reference.
All supported tunings
The instructions and frequency table above describe this page's tuning. These links open other supported setups directly in the live tuner. A separate guide appears only where one has been written.
Standard tuning
G3 · G3 · D4 · D4 · A4 · A4 · E5 · E5
Cajun
F3 · F3 · C4 · C4 · G4 · G4 · D5 · D5
GDAD / Gee-Dad
G3 · G3 · D4 · D4 · A4 · A4 · D5 · D5
Cross G / Sawmill
G3 · G3 · D4 · D4 · G4 · G4 · D5 · D5
High Bass
A3 · A3 · D4 · D4 · A4 · A4 · E5 · E5
Check string gauge
Cross A
A3 · A3 · E4 · E4 · A4 · A4 · E5 · E5
Check string gauge
Open G
G3 · G3 · D4 · D4 · G4 · G4 · B4 · B4
Open D / Dead Man's
D3 · D3 · D4 · D4 · A4 · A4 · D5 · D5
Low-tension setup
Calico / Open A
A3 · A3 · E4 · E4 · A4 · A4 · C♯5 · C♯5
Check string gauge
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions
Are mandolin string pairs tuned to octaves?
Standard mandolin courses are unison pairs. Both strings in a course use the same note and octave.
Why tune both strings if they have the same note?
Each string has separate tension and a separate tuning peg, so one member can be sharp or flat even when its partner is correct.
Does tuner.love upload my microphone audio?
No. Pitch analysis runs locally in your browser. Microphone audio is not uploaded to a backend and is never replayed through your speakers.
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