Violin Tuner at 442 Hz
Many orchestras tune the A to 442 Hz, slightly above the 440 standard. This page opens the violin tuner already on that reference: the four strings, G D A E, sit about 8 cents higher than at standard pitch, and the tuner works out by itself which string you played.
String notes and frequencies
Violin tuning, standard (4 strings): G3 D4 A4 E5, from 196.89 Hz to 662.25 Hz, with A4 = 442 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 4 | G3 | 196.89 |
| String 3 | D4 | 295.00 |
| String 2 | A4 | 442.00 |
| String 1 | E5 | 662.25 |
How to use it
- Tap Turn on microphone and check that Reference A shows 442 Hz.
- Start with the A, the 2nd string. Use the peg only if you are far off; near the target, use the fine tuner.
- Tune D, G and E the same way. Each string gets a ✓ once it stays in the green for a second.
- Bow two neighbouring strings together: a tuned fifth sounds steady, with no beating.
Help and explanations
It is the way to arrive at rehearsal already tuned like the group. It works for 4/4, 3/4 and 1/2 size violins, which share the same notes.
442 Hz in the orchestra
The reference belongs to the group: confirm the A with the conductor or with the fixed-pitch instrument used at rehearsal. The difference between 440 and 442 Hz is about 7.85 cents. Practising at another reference doesn't change the names of the strings, but you need to retune before playing together.
Who tunes to 442
442 Hz is common across continental Europe, in many conservatories and youth orchestras, and in some professional ensembles in the Americas and Asia; a few groups go to 443. Most pianos in concert halls are tuned to match the house orchestra, so if you play with a piano, ask what it was tuned to. For the standard 440 reference, the regular violin tuner is one tap away.
Tips
- The E, the thinnest string, drifts fastest; check it before every piece.
- Come up to the note rather than down to it: the string holds better.
- To go back to standard, choose 440 Hz; the choice is saved on the device and applies to the other tuners.
Frequently asked questions
What are the violin notes at 442 Hz?
The same: G, D, A and E. Only the reference changes: the A vibrates at 442 Hz instead of 440, and the other strings follow.
Does every orchestra tune to 442?
No. Many use 442; others 440, 441 or 443. Ask the conductor; the menu has all of those values.
What is the fine tuner for?
For the last few cents. It sits on the tailpiece and moves the string very little, which keeps the E from snapping.
Does it work for viola and cello?
Yes. Open the viola tuner or the cello tuner and choose 442 Hz under Reference A; the value you pick in the menu is saved for next time.
How much changes from 440 to 442 Hz?
The reference rises by about 7.85 cents, and all four strings follow that proportion. The names G, D, A and E stay the same.