Fiddle tuner – Sawmill (GDGD)
G-D-G-D · Modal
Press “Start tuner” – the browser will ask for microphone access. Sound is analysed on this device and never uploaded.
This free online tuner listens through your microphone and shows how close each string of your Fiddle is to Sawmill (GDGD) tuning (G-D-G-D). Play a string, watch the needle, and turn the peg until the meter glows green. If you prefer tuning by ear, tap any string card to hear its reference tone.
About Sawmill (GDGD) tuning
Compared with Standard (GDAE), Sawmill (GDGD) moves 2 strings. Every change is downward, the largest by 2 semitones, so the instrument sits at lower tension than in Standard (GDAE).2 strings stay exactly where they were.
| String | Standard (GDAE) | Sawmill (GDGD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | A4 | G4 | down 2 semitones |
| 4 | E5 | D5 | down 2 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound G-D-G-D – from G3 at the bottom to D5 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 7 semitones. Step by step across the neck the intervals are a fifth, a fourth, a fifth, and that is what decides how chord shapes fall under the hand.
Strummed open, the strings spell G5 – root and fifth with no third, so the tuning stays neutral between major and minor.
Sawmill tuning, GDGD, keeps the low G and gives the fiddle a drone on G instead of A. It is used for tunes in G and in the modal keys that old-time playing favours over strict major.
Like the other cross tunings it is chosen per tune. The name it shares with the banjo tuning is not a coincidence – the two instruments retune together to play the same repertoire.
History
Where the Sawmill (GDGD) tuning comes from
G-D-G-D, sawmill tuning, is an old-time tuning used for modal tunes. It is related to the banjo's sawmill tuning.
Other Fiddle tunings
Standard
Alternative
How do I tune my Fiddle to Sawmill (GDGD)?
Allow microphone access, pluck a string, and the tuner will detect it automatically. The needle shows whether the string is flat or sharp – adjust until the reading is within ±5 cents (G-D-G-D).
Which notes are used in Sawmill (GDGD) tuning?
Sawmill (GDGD) tuning for Fiddle uses the notes G-D-G-D, listed from the lowest string to the highest.
Can I tune without a microphone?
Yes. Every string card plays a reference tone – tap it and match your string to the sound by ear.