Cello tuner: C G D A
Free online tuner, set to C G D A — press Start tuner and play a string
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The cello is tuned C2 G2 D3 A3, the same four notes as the viola an octave lower, in perfect fifths. Tune the A string first, then the D, G and C below it; the fine tuners on the tailpiece handle small changes, and the pegs only large ones.
Press Start tuner above, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner is already set to cello, so in Auto mode it picks the nearest string and shows how many cents sharp or flat it is; switch to Manual to aim at one string. Bring each string up to the note from below, which helps it hold.
The strings: C G D A
Thickest string first, with the frequency at the standard A = 440 Hz. Each note opens the tuning drone on that pitch, for tuning by ear.
Check it by ear
Once one string is right, each neighbouring string can be checked against it — the beating between the two notes slows and stops when they agree.
- The 4th string (C2) and the 3rd string (G2) are a perfect fifth apart.
- The 3rd string (G2) and the 2nd string (D3) are a perfect fifth apart.
- The 2nd string (D3) and the 1st string (A3) are a perfect fifth apart.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the notes of cello tuning?
- From the thickest string to the thinnest: C2 (4th), G2 (3rd), D3 (2nd), A3 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is C2 65.41 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, A3 220.00 Hz.
- Can I use a chromatic tuner for cello tuning?
- Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at C G D A in turn. This tuner has a cello preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.