Mandolin tuning: Standard — G D A E (same as violin)
A mandolin is tuned G D A E — identical pitches to a violin — but in four pairs (courses) of doubled strings. Tune both strings of each pair to the same note so they ring cleanly together.
G3D4A4E5
How to tune a mandolin
- Allow mic access and play one string of the G pair — match G3.
- Tune its partner to the same pitch, then move through the D, A and E pairs.
- Doubled strings beat against each other when slightly off — tune until the wobble disappears.