Violin tuner – Viola (CGDA)
C-G-D-A · Alternative
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 Viola (CGDA) tuning (C-G-D-A). 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 Viola (CGDA) tuning
Compared with Standard (GDAE), Viola (CGDA) moves 4 strings. Every change is downward, the largest by 7 semitones, so the instrument sits at lower tension than in Standard (GDAE).
| String | Standard (GDAE) | Viola (CGDA) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G3 | C3 | down 7 semitones |
| 2 | D4 | G3 | down 7 semitones |
| 3 | A4 | D4 | down 7 semitones |
| 4 | E5 | A4 | down 7 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound C-G-D-A – from C3 at the bottom to A4 at the top, a span of 1 octave and 9 semitones. Step by step across the neck the intervals are a fifth, a fifth, a fifth, and that is what decides how chord shapes fall under the hand.
History
Where the Viola (CGDA) tuning comes from
C-G-D-A is the viola's tuning, a fifth below the violin. Some violinists use it on a violin with special strings to play viola parts.
Other Violin tunings
Standard
How do I tune my Violin to Viola (CGDA)?
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 (C-G-D-A).
Which notes are used in Viola (CGDA) tuning?
Viola (CGDA) tuning for Violin uses the notes C-G-D-A, 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.