Standard Tuning Frequencies for Musical Instruments

This comprehensive reference guide provides the standard tuning frequencies for popular string instruments. All frequencies are based on the A4 = 440 Hz concert pitch standard.

Understanding Frequency and Pitch

Musical pitch is determined by frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch:

• A4 = 440 Hz is the international standard tuning reference
• Each octave doubles the frequency (A3 = 220 Hz, A5 = 880 Hz)
• Each semitone multiplies frequency by approximately 1.059463 (the 12th root of 2)

Guitar Family

6-String Guitar (Standard: E-A-D-G-B-E)

7-String Guitar (Standard: B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

8-String Guitar (Standard: F♯-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

12-String Guitar

Bass Guitar

4-String Bass (Standard: E-A-D-G)

5-String Bass (Standard: B-E-A-D-G)

6-String Bass (Standard: B-E-A-D-G-C)

Violin Family

Violin (Standard: G-D-A-E)

Viola (Standard: C-G-D-A)

Cello (Standard: C-G-D-A)

Double Bass / Contrabass (Standard: E-A-D-G)

Ukulele

Soprano/Concert/Tenor (Standard: G-C-E-A, Re-entrant)

Tenor/Baritone (Low-G Tuning: G-C-E-A)

Baritone Ukulele (D-G-B-E)

Other String Instruments

Mandolin (Standard: G-D-A-E)

Banjo (5-String, Standard: G-D-G-B-D)

Pedal Steel Guitar (E9 Tuning)

Complete Chromatic Scale Reference (A4 = 440 Hz)

Octave 0-2

Octave 3-4

Octave 5-6

Concert Pitch Variations

While A4 = 440 Hz is the modern standard, some ensembles use different reference pitches:

Related Articles

• How to Use the Chromatic Tuner - Tune your instrument accurately
• String Numbering Systems - How strings are numbered
• Alternate Guitar Tunings - Different tuning methods
• History of A440 - Why A=440Hz became standard

Use our Chromatic Tuner to tune your instrument to these frequencies!