How to Tune a Violin Online
Violin is tuned in perfect fifths: G3 (196 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440 Hz), E5 (659.25 Hz). The A is the reference string: orchestras tune to the oboe's A, then each violinist tunes their other strings by ear from there.
Bow each string steadily: short, choppy bowing produces unstable pitch that confuses the tuner. A long, slow bow stroke gives the cleanest reading.
Pegs vs Fine Tuners
Most violins have both pegs and fine tuners. Pegs make large adjustments (changing a string, after restringing). Fine tuners at the tailpiece make tiny adjustments for everyday tuning.
If a string is way out of tune, use the peg to get close, then use the fine tuner to centre exactly. Pegs require careful turning: a tiny rotation produces a big pitch change.
Tuning in Fifths by Ear
After tuning A, advanced players check the other strings by playing two strings together at once (the open A and D, for example). The interval should sound perfectly consonant: no beating or wavering. This is how orchestral players tune quickly between movements.
For beginners, use our tuner for each string individually. Once you can identify perfect fifths by ear, the bowing-together method is faster.
Common Violin Tuning Problems
Pegs slip: humidity or wear. Apply peg compound (peg dope) to the peg shaft. If pegs still slip, take to a luthier for refit.
E string snaps: very common: the E string is thinnest. Use a peg with E-string fine tuner, and don't over-tighten.
When to Restring
Modern strings (Dominant, Evah Pirazzi, etc.) last 6-12 months for daily players. Steel E strings should be changed every 3-4 months. Signs you need new strings: dull tone, harmonics not ringing, false fundamentals when tuning.