How To Tune A Mandolin: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tune a Mandolin PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Tuning Basics 2 Using an Electronic Tuner 3 Using Alternate Methods and Tunings Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Stephen Beckwith

Last Updated: January 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Stephen Beckwith. Stephen Beckwith is a luthier and owner of Beckwith Strings based in Grafton, MA. Stephen has handcrafted over 100 unique acoustic stringed instruments and offers repair and maintenance services for most stringed instruments. He specializes in crafting guitars and offers customizations to address musicians’ needs. He has been playing guitar since age 9 and continues to perform live music and coordinate monthly jam sessions for musicians in the area. Stephen is a self-taught craftsman and a member of the Guild of American Luthiers. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 418,249 times.

An old joke: If you've been playing mandolin for 30 years, you've spent 15 years tuning and another 15 years playing out of tune. While it's true that it's not the easiest instrument in the world to get in tune, it's a perfectly manageable task with the right guidance. By learning the basics of tuning a stringed instrument, and wrangling your instrument correctly, you'll be playing like Bill Monroe or David Grisman in no time. See Step 1 for more information.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Tuning Basics

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  1. Step 1 Tune it like... 1 Tune it like a violin. A mandolin is traditionally tuned G-D-A-E, from low to high, with each pair of strings tuned to the same tone.[1] In other words, the instrument is tuned G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E, taking into consideration each individual string. When you're holding the mandolin correctly, the highest string pair (E) should be the closest to the floor.
    • If you play guitar, it can also be helpful to think of it as the lowest four guitar strings (E-A-D-G), but in reverse. That can also help you get familiar with the fingerings when you're first getting started on the instrument.
  2. Step 2 Locate the correct tuners for each string. 2 Locate the correct tuners for each string. On most mandolins, the tuners for both G strings and both D strings will be on the side of the headstock closest to you, while the tuners for both A strings and E strings will be on the side of the headstock closest to the floor, in order.[2]
    • As you tune, you generally want to tune in that clockwise pattern on the tuners, around the headstock, working your way down the instrument and higher in pitch.
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  3. Step 3 Tune each string individually and both strings together. 3 Tune each string individually and both strings together.[3] What makes tuning a mandolin more difficult than tuning a violin, of course, is that there are 8 strings instead of 4, meaning that you have to be precise or the instrument will be out of tune. It can be difficult to know which string is out of tune when you're striking them both in unison.[4]
    • Use "rest strokes" (in which you dampen each string with the pick after playing) to isolate each note individually as you're tuning. This will get a clearer tone on the electronic tuner, or whatever other tuning method you're using.
  4. Step 4 Tune up instead of tuning down. 4 Tune up instead of tuning down. As with any stringed instrument, you generally want to tune from flat to sharp, tuning the string up in pitch, rather than down from a higher note to the correct tone. This is because you want to settle the tension in the string toward the gear, not away from it. When you tune down, you risk letting the tension slip on the tuning gear as you play, making the string will go flat. This is especially true with new strings.
  5. Step 5 Use fresh strings. 5 Use fresh strings. Worn out or rusty strings will go out of the tune more easily and bedevil your fingers as you're learning. Make sure you change your strings out regularly to keep your instrument in tune. You don't need to change them every night unless you're Tim O'Brien, but consider changing them every 4-6 weeks of moderate to heavy usage.[5]
  6. Step 6 Get the tuning in the ballpark, and then fine-tune it. 6 Get the tuning in the ballpark, and then fine-tune it. It can be frustrating to tune immediately after putting new strings on the mandolin, because it'll slip out after only a few minutes. After putting new strings on, each string puts lots of pounds per square inch of tension on the neck, and the wood will flex slightly. You need to account for this by getting the strings close and then letting the instrument rest for a second before fine-tuning. You'll get it in tune more quickly and more accurately this way.[6]
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Using an Electronic Tuner

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  1. Step 1 Get an electric tuner of good quality. 1 Get an electric tuner of good quality. The most accurate and efficient way of tuning your mandolin is to buy an electronic tuner made for the purpose. A violin tuner or an electronic tuner made for the mandolin are both appropriate for your purposes.[7]
    • Chromatic tuners that clip onto the headstock of various acoustic instruments are recommended if you're going to be regularly tuning during practice sessions and gigs. You can leave it clipped onto your instrument, ready to fine-tune at a moment's notice. They can range anywhere from $10 to upward of $30.
    • Online tuners are also available that play a tone for you to replicate, but these are somewhat less accurate methods than doing it with a tuner that picks up sound. If you're on a budget, consider downloading a free smartphone tuning app, which tend to be of fairly high quality and are either cheap or free.[8]
  2. Step 2 Turn the tuner on and make sure it's picking up the sound. 2 Turn the tuner on and make sure it's picking up the sound. If the tuner features settings for different instruments, set it to mandolin or violin, and find a quiet room to tune in that will be free of background noise that will affect the tuner's efficacy.
  3. Step 3 Play each string individually. 3 Play each string individually. Tighten the corresponding tuner until you get the string relatively close. It doesn't have to be exact yet, because you're going to go back through after you've done a pass. Continue tuning each of the strings, tightening the tuning peg up and getting the tension close, watching the tuner closely.
    • Go back through and do another pass, fine-tuning each string as closely as possible. Watch the tuner for cues. Most give you an indication of whether or not you're sharp or flat, and most turn green or blink when you're right on the money.
  4. Step 4 Use your eyes and your ears. 4 Use your eyes and your ears. Now go back through the strings again and play each double set to make sure it sounds right. Pluck both G strings and listen. It can be tempting to get too attached to your tuner, but you've got to use your ears too. They're not perfect, and each instrument has its own quirks and habits. Listen closely to the doubled strings to see if it needs further adjustment.[9]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Using Alternate Methods and Tunings

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  1. Step 1 Learn to tune the mandolin to itself. 1 Learn to tune the mandolin to itself. While it's important to get each note in tune in terms of pitch, it's also not necessary unless you want to play with other people. You also need to tune the instrument to itself, to make sure you can play and practice in a way that sounds good. You may not always have a tuner handy, so it's an important skill to learn.
    • Practice checking your harmonics and intervals by playing notes at the 12th fret to make sure it's in key in the higher octaves. Check and double check.
  2. Step 2 Use the seventh fret. 2 Use the seventh fret. Adjust both E strings until they're in tune with each other, then fret the A string at the 7th fret and make that string sound the same as the 1st string played “open” or non-fretted.[10] Keep moving down the neck, doing the same thing with the other strings.[11]
  3. Step 3 Tune to another instrument. 3 Tune to another instrument. Use an in-tune piano, guitar, or banjo to tune to. Have your playing partner play each note individually (GDAE--you've got to memorize those!) and take your time getting it in tune. This is an important skill to develop in your ear training, helping you to recognize microtones and sharp and flat sounds. You'll be a better player if you can recognize when you're in and out of tune with your ear.
  4. Step 4 Learn some alternate tunings to open up your repertoire. 4 Learn some alternate tunings to open up your repertoire. The only difference between a violin and a fiddle is the way that it's tuned, in most cases. Most mandolin players learn to play the instrument by tuning it to GDAE, but that doesn't mean you need to always play it. Some American folk musicians even call it "Eye-talian" tuning to suggest that it's fancy and formal. Learn some alternate tunings and start messing around with new methods of fingering the same old chords. It can open up whole worlds. Try out:
    • Sawmill tuning (GDGD)
    • Open G (GDGB)
    • Irish tuning (GDAD)
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I get the paper protectors out from under the bridge? Community Answer Community Answer Loosen the strings and turn the bridge forward, or remove the strings (if it's a new mandolin, you should replace the strings anyway as the original strings are usually low quality and/or corroded). In either case you will need to reset the bridge to the appropriate location. See mandolin setup procedures for how to set the bridge location. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
  • Question How do I learn a new song on my mandolin? Community Answer Community Answer Look up mandolin tabs online for your favorite songs. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
  • Question How do you adjust the bridge on a mandolin? Community Answer Community Answer To full adjust the bridge, you need to destring the mandolin itself. The bridge should come off, as it is not attached to the mandolin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 24
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Video

Tips

  • Get a good tuner. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 8
  • Remember to tune regularly- an out of tune instrument will ruin the song. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 5
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful of over-tightening strings and breaking them. Keep your face turned from the bridge in case the string breaks and snaps free. It can be dangerous, especially to your face and eyes. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 8
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Things You'll Need

  • Mandolin
  • Violin electronic tuner or Pitch pipes (If you have a good ear)
  • A quiet room so there is no interference with the sound.

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for musical instruments, check out our in-depth interview with Stephen Beckwith.

References

  1. ↑ Stephen Beckwith. Guitar Expert and Luthier. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko_QDgadBAs
  3. ↑ Stephen Beckwith. Guitar Expert and Luthier. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLS7gjQ_tsg
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0C9w3VZ3Og
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsBLtzRtixE
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko_QDgadBAs&t=26s
  8. ↑ Stephen Beckwith. Guitar Expert and Luthier. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0C9w3VZ3Og
More References (2)
  1. ↑ Stephen Beckwith. Guitar Expert and Luthier. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsBLtzRtixE

About This Article

Stephen Beckwith Co-authored by: Stephen Beckwith Guitar Expert and Luthier This article was co-authored by Stephen Beckwith. Stephen Beckwith is a luthier and owner of Beckwith Strings based in Grafton, MA. Stephen has handcrafted over 100 unique acoustic stringed instruments and offers repair and maintenance services for most stringed instruments. He specializes in crafting guitars and offers customizations to address musicians’ needs. He has been playing guitar since age 9 and continues to perform live music and coordinate monthly jam sessions for musicians in the area. Stephen is a self-taught craftsman and a member of the Guild of American Luthiers. This article has been viewed 418,249 times. 6 votes - 83% Co-authors: 19 Updated: January 6, 2025 Views: 418,249 Categories: Featured Articles | String Instruments Article SummaryX

To tune a mandolin, adjust the strings so they are tuned from low to high in the order G, D, A, and E, with the pair of G strings closest to you and the E strings closest to the floor. The tuners on the headstock should be in clockwise order, with the G and D strings closest to you, and the A and E strings closest to the floor. Use an electronic tuner to tune each string individually, then play the strings together to make sure they sound the same. Always start tuning below the note you want to play, then tune upwards to keep the string from going flat. If you want to learn how to tune your mandolin to another instrument, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Dec 11, 2016

    "New to the mandolin, so even the basics are helpful. The bit about tuning up instead of down, for example. I'd..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Stephen Beckwith Co-authored by: Stephen Beckwith Guitar Expert and Luthier Co-authors: 19 Updated: January 6, 2025 Views: 418,249 83% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 11, 2016

"New to the mandolin, so even the basics are helpful. The bit about tuning up instead of down, for example. I'd..." more Lisa Aruca

Lisa Aruca

Mar 24, 2018

"I used to play the mandolin from 1970 - 1984. This article helped refresh my memory. It was especially helpful in..." more Jayson Rohrback

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Sep 29, 2017

"I just ordered my first mandolin. I am a guitar player but want to expand my knowledge and skills on the mandolin...." more Rated this article: Ann Cervino

Ann Cervino

Jul 3, 2018

"I am just learning and tuning the Mandolin is a good place to start. This has been very helpful. I was told there..." more Kat Pitterman

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"Just got a gift of a mandolin, and I want to learn everything, beginning with tuning. The advice about tuning up,..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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