Violin tuner – Open G (GDGB)
G-D-G-B · 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 Violin is to Open G (GDGB) tuning (G-D-G-B). 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 (GDGB) tuning
Compared with Standard (GDAE), Open G (GDGB) moves 2 strings. Every change is downward, the largest by 5 semitones, so the instrument sits at lower tension than in Standard (GDAE).2 strings stay exactly where they were.
| String | Standard (GDAE) | Open G (GDGB) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | A4 | G4 | down 2 semitones |
| 4 | E5 | B4 | down 5 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound G-D-G-B – from G3 at the bottom to B4 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 4 semitones. Step by step across the neck the intervals are a fifth, a fourth, a major third, and that is what decides how chord shapes fall under the hand.
Strummed open, with nothing fretted, the strings spell G. That is what makes a tuning like this useful for slide playing and drones – a full chord is one straight barre away at any fret.
History
Where the Open G (GDGB) tuning comes from
G-D-G-B is a scordatura that makes an open G chord. Scordatura was popular in the 17th century – Heinrich Biber's Rosary Sonatas (around 1676) use a different tuning for almost every sonata – and survives in folk fiddling.
Other Violin tunings
Standard
How do I tune my Violin to Open G (GDGB)?
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-B).
Which notes are used in Open G (GDGB) tuning?
Open G (GDGB) tuning for Violin uses the notes G-D-G-B, 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.