The "Chorus" Effect
Because mandolins have paired strings, if they are even slightly off from each other, you will hear a "wobble" or beating sound. Use a pick to mute the adjacent string while tuning one at a time.
Same as Violin?
Yes! Standard mandolin tuning (GDAE) is exactly the same as a violin (fiddle). If you play both, you can use the same ear-training reference points.Check out our Violin Tuner →
Popular Mandolin Tunings
Standard (GDAE)
The most versatile tuning, used for Bluegrass, Classical, and Jazz. The intervals are perfect fifths: G3, D4, A4, E5.
Irish / Celtic (GDAD)
By dropping the high E string down to D, you get a modal sound that allows for open-string drones in the keys of D and G, which are very common in Irish traditional music.
Open G (GDGD)
Used for slide mandolin or specific Old-Time styles. It creates a G chord when strummed open.
High Bass / Cross (ADAE)
The "Get Up John" tuning. The bottom strings are raised effectively, creating a very bright, driving sound. Be careful tuning up—old strings might snap!