Mandolin tuner – Open G (GDGD)
G-G-D-D-G-G-D-D · Open
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 Mandolin is to Open G (GDGD) tuning (G-G-D-D-G-G-D-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 Open G (GDGD) tuning
Compared with Standard (GDAE), Open G (GDGD) moves 4 strings. Every change is downward, the largest by 2 semitones, so the instrument sits at lower tension than in Standard (GDAE).4 strings stay exactly where they were.
| String | Standard (GDAE) | Open G (GDGD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | A4 | G4 | down 2 semitones |
| 6 | A4 | G4 | down 2 semitones |
| 7 | E5 | D5 | down 2 semitones |
| 8 | E5 | D5 | down 2 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound G-G-D-D-G-G-D-D – from G3 at the bottom to D5 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 7 semitones.
Strummed open, the strings spell G5 – root and fifth with no third, so the tuning stays neutral between major and minor. See G5 shapes in this tuning →
History
Where the Open G (GDGD) tuning comes from
G-D-G-D is an open tuning borrowed from old-time fiddling. It is used for drones and modal tunes.
Other Mandolin tunings
Standard
Chords for this tuning
How do I tune my Mandolin to Open G (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-G-D-D-G-G-D-D).
Which notes are used in Open G (GDGD) tuning?
Open G (GDGD) tuning for Mandolin uses the notes G-G-D-D-G-G-D-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.