5-string violin tuner
A standard low-C five-string violin is tuned C3–G3–D4–A4–E5. The added C string sits below the usual four violin strings, extending the range into viola territory.
Open-string notes and frequencies
5-string violin: Low C · C3 G3 D4 A4 E5. Equal-tempered frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; the live targets follow the selected A reference.
| String / course | Sounding note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 5 | C3 | 130.81 |
| String 4 | G3 | 196.00 |
| String 3 | D4 | 293.66 |
| String 2 | A4 | 440.00 |
| String 1 | E5 | 659.26 |
How to use it
- Confirm a low-C five-string layout and choose the A reference used by the ensemble.
- Tap A4 to hear the reference, then bow that open string with no vibrato.
- Tune D4, G3 and low C3, checking the octave of each.
- Check the upper E5 with a light, steady bow stroke.
- Listen to adjacent fifths and recheck the strings after the first complete pass.
Help and explanations
Luthier D. Rickert documents this CGDAE arrangement. It applies to the five-string setup shown here whether acoustic or electric; unusual high-string extensions and octave instruments require their own chart rather than these targets.
Adding C does not move the other four strings
The low C3 target is about 130.81 Hz at A440. G3, D4, A4 and E5 remain the standard violin notes. A four-string tuner therefore misses the extra C rather than making the entire instrument a fifth lower. The five buttons here cover the actual five open strings.
A viola usually stops at A4, while this violin also has the upper E5. The combined pitch range is useful when moving between viola and violin parts, but the tuning does not choose a reading clef or transpose printed music for you. Check the score separately.
Bow the low C cleanly
A compact violin body and an extra low string can make C respond differently from the familiar G string. Use a controlled stroke and avoid accidentally bowing its neighbour. If the display catches a higher harmonic, compare the reference tone before deciding that the string itself is an octave too low.
Friction pegs make larger changes; fine tuners handle small corrections where fitted. Recheck that the bridge remains correctly seated during string changes, and do not use excessive pressure to make an unstable reading turn green.
A440 is a starting reference, not a requirement for every ensemble. Selecting another agreed A changes the live targets together. The displayed table uses equal-tempered frequencies; checking neighbouring fifths by ear can reveal the small differences that matter in ensemble tuning. Other five-string scordaturas should come from the piece or teacher, with strings appropriate to the requested pitches.
Tips
- Tune low C3 as an open note, not as a stopped C on the G string.
- Keep vibrato out of the tuning measurement.
- Recheck E5 after changing the other strings or the A reference.
Frequently asked questions
What is standard five-string violin tuning?
C3 G3 D4 A4 E5, with an extra low C beneath standard violin tuning.
Does adding C change GDAE?
No. The original four violin strings keep their notes and registers.
Is this also a five-string viola tuner?
It fits a viola whose five open strings are CGDAE. Confirm its actual setup first.
Can an electric violin use the microphone?
A solid-body electric instrument may need audible amplification for an acoustic microphone reading.
Can I use a higher orchestra reference?
Set the A reference agreed with the ensemble. All five live targets follow that reference.