Virtual mandolin in G D A E
This virtual mandolin has four paired courses tuned G3–D4–A4–E5, from low to high. Tap a fret to hear a note, choose a chord to see a voicing, or switch to Scales to explore a pattern. The paired-string sound is synthesized on your device rather than sampled from a commercial mandolin.
How to use it
- Tap or click a fret. The light area before the nut represents an open course.
- Choose a common chord or use Root and Type to build another. The four numbers show frets from the G course to the E course: 0 means open and × means muted.
- Use the downstroke and upstroke buttons to hear the selected voicing, or drag across the open-string area.
- In Scales, choose a root and scale. Playback follows one octave up and down, while the marks show scale notes across the fretboard.
- On a computer, the rows 1 2 3…, Q W E…, A S D… and Z X C… play the E, A, D and G courses. The first key in each row plays the open course.
Help and explanations
Standard mandolin tuning uses fifths and the same reference pitches as the violin. The Weber measurement chart lists E A D G from high to low. The four numbers used for chord shapes here read in the opposite direction, beginning with the low G course.
Reading 0023 and 0230
The G major shape 0023 plays G3, D4, B4 and G5. The C major shape 0230 plays G3, E4, C5 and E5: a C chord with G in the bass. A voicing can be an inversion and still contain every note of its chord.
These numbers indicate frets, not fingers. The tool provides one possible shape; players may use other positions for a melody, smoother voice leading or a more comfortable hand position.
Four courses, eight strings
The two strings in each course share the same nominal pitch. This synthesis adds a four-cent difference between the voices to create a slight beating effect. It is a virtual timbre choice, rather than tuning advice for a real instrument.
Use the fretboard to locate semitones and intervals. Pick response, finger pressure and tremolo belong to physical playing technique. You can repeat notes here, but the simulator does not assess that technique.
Continue on your own instrument
The separate mandolin tuner listens to your real instrument through the microphone. To work on regular repetitions, open the metronome in another tab and start slowly. The string-action guide can help you understand measurements before discussing a setup with a repairer.
Tips
- Find the same pitch on different courses to learn the fretboard.
- Practise switching between G, C and D before raising the tempo.
- On a phone, try fullscreen and landscape orientation for more space between frets.
Frequently asked questions
Does the virtual mandolin need microphone access?
No. The browser generates the sound when you play. The tuner for a real mandolin is a separate tool.
Is this the same tuning as the virtual cavaquinho?
No. This mandolin uses G D A E in fifths with paired strings. The Brazilian cavaquinho in this tool family uses D G B D.
Can I play more than one note at once?
Yes. The fretboard accepts multiple touches, and the strum buttons play the selected chord shape.
Can I record or export audio here?
This tool focuses on fretboard notes, chords and scales. Lalatone’s virtual piano provides performance recording and MIDI or WAV export.