Online Mandolin Tuner
Calibrated for paired double-course string tuning. Fine-tuned to eliminate acoustic phase beating and ensure flawless fifths.
Standard target notes and reference frequencies for each course. Select a course to lock pitch detection.
How to Tune a Mandolin
A mandolin has 8 strings grouped into 4 pairs (called courses). Each pair is tuned to the exact same pitch in fifths (G - D - A - E), just like a violin. Tuning is simple once you isolate one string at a time.
Tuning 8 Strings in Pairs (Unison Tuning)
The secret to tuning a mandolin without getting confused is to mute one string of the pair while tuning the other:
- Rest a finger or your pick lightly against the second string so it stays quiet.
- Pluck the first string and tune it until the tuner needle turns green.
- Now mute the first string, pluck the second string, and tune it to match.
- Pluck both strings together: they should ring as one single clear note with no wavy pulsating sound.
When two strings in a pair are even slightly out of tune with each other, they create a noticeable "wah-wah" volume wobble (acoustic beat). When they are perfectly in tune, that wobble disappears completely and the mandolin rings loud and clear.
Standard Mandolin Notes & Frequencies
Standard mandolin tuning from lowest (thickest pair) to highest (thinnest pair):
| Course | Strings | Note Name | Standard Frequency | Typical Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Pair (Lowest) | Strings 7 & 8 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | .040 in (Wound) |
| 3rd Pair | Strings 5 & 6 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | .026 in (Wound) |
| 2nd Pair | Strings 3 & 4 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | .015 in (Steel) |
| 1st Pair (Highest) | Strings 1 & 2 | E5 | 659.25 Hz | .011 in (Steel) |
Taking Care of a Floating Mandolin Bridge
Mandolin bridges are not glued down; they are held in place solely by string downward pressure.
- Change strings one pair at a time: Never take all 8 strings off at once, or your bridge will fall off and lose its spot. Replace the G strings, tune them up, then move to D, A, and E.
- Checking 12th fret intonation: Pluck the 12th fret harmonic and compare it to the fretted note at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is sharp, the bridge needs to slide back a tiny bit toward the tailpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mandolins use paired unison strings that must match each other exactly. Even a tiny 2-cent difference between two paired strings creates an audible beat or wobble. When tuning one string, rest a finger gently against its partner so only one string rings into the mic.
Tuning from lowest to highest (G, D, A, E) is generally best. Because mandolin strings carry heavy downward pressure on a floating bridge, give the lower strings a quick second pass after tuning the high strings, as the soundboard settles under tension.