How to Tune?
How to Tune a Mandolin – Step-by-Step for Beginners
Feb 11, 2025
Tuning a mandolin properly is essential for achieving that bright, resonant sound that the instrument is known for. Unlike guitars or ukuleles, mandolins are strung in pairs, meaning each note is played by two strings tuned to the same pitch. One of the simplest ways to tune your mandolin is by using the Perfect Tuner app, which automatically detects the sound of your strings and helps you adjust them accurately.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tune a piccolo mandolin in the standard tuning (G3, D4, A4, E5) step-by-step, as it is the most common. We’ll also touch on other mandolin family types like soprano, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, and mandobass.
What You Need to Tune Your Mandolin
Your mandolin (piccolo, soprano, mandola, octave, mandocello, or mandobass).
Note: This guide focuses on the piccolo mandolin, but the steps are similar for other types of mandolins. Just ensure you choose the correct instrument in the Perfect Tuner app.
A smartphone or tablet with the Perfect Tuner app installed.
Standard Tuning for Mandolin Strings (G3, D4, A4, E5)
Mandolins are typically tuned in pairs, meaning there are four pairs of strings, each pair tuned to the same note:
4th pair (thickest) – G3 and G3
3rd pair – D4 and D4
2nd pair – A4 and A4
1st pair (thinnest) – E5 and E5
In Perfect Tuner, there is also a 'Custom' option that allows you to create your own tuning setup for any mandolin type.
Step 1: Understand the Parts of Your Mandolin
Tuning Pegs: The knobs located on the headstock of your mandolin. These are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
o Tightening the Peg (clockwise) raises the pitch (the sound gets higher).
o Loosening the Peg (counterclockwise) lowers the pitch (the sound gets lower).
Strings: Mandolins have eight strings grouped in pairs.
Step 2: Open the Perfect Tuner App
Download and open the Perfect Tuner app on your smartphone or tablet.
The app will automatically enable your microphone to detect the sound of your mandolin strings.
If prompted, grant the app permission to use your microphone.
The Tuner screen will automatically appear, showing the string layout and pitch meter.
Check that the app is in "Auto" mode (the toggle switch in the upper right corner is green).
Select "Mandolin" in the instrument settings to ensure accurate note detection for each pair of strings.
If the app opens in a different mode, tap the Tuner icon at the bottom left of the screen to return to the main tuning interface.
Step 3: Start Tuning Your Mandolin
1. Tune the 4th Pair of Strings (G3 and G3)
Pluck both G3 strings (the thickest pair) together or one at a time.
Watch the app’s display:
o If the app shows that the note is too low (flat), turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string slightly.
o If the app shows that the note is too high (sharp), turn the tuning peg counterclockwise to loosen the string.
o Always finish tuning by tightening the tuning peg (raising the pitch) rather than loosening it, as this helps the string stay in tune longer.
Adjust until the app shows that both strings in the pair are perfectly in tune.
2. Tune the 3rd Pair of Strings (D4 and D4)
Pluck the D4 pair of strings and watch the app’s display.
Follow the same steps as for the 4th pair until both D4 strings are perfectly in tune.
3. Tune the 2nd Pair of Strings (A4 and A4)
Pluck the A4 pair of strings and check the app.
Adjust the tuning pegs until both A4 strings are perfectly in tune.
4. Tune the 1st Pair of Strings (E5 and E5)
Finally, pluck the E5 pair of strings and adjust them until the app shows that both strings are perfectly in tune.
Step 4: Check the Overall Tuning
Once you have tuned all four pairs of strings:
Play a few open chords or notes and listen to how they sound.
If any chord or note sounds slightly off, re-check the individual pairs using Perfect Tuner.
Additional Tips for Accurate Tuning
Pluck lightly: Don’t strike the strings too hard when tuning, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
Tune each string individually: Ensure both strings in each pair are tuned to the exact same pitch.
Re-check each pair: After tuning all the strings, some may have slipped slightly out of tune. Re-check each string pair once more.
Why Use Perfect Tuner for Mandolin Tuning?
Accurate Detection: The app provides precise feedback for both individual and paired strings.
Beginner-Friendly: The app’s interface is simple and intuitive.
Multiple Instrument Types: The app supports tuning for various types of mandolins, including piccolo, soprano, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, and mandobass.
Free to Use: No additional equipment is required – just your phone and your mandolin.
Final Words
Tuning your mandolin with Perfect Tuner ensures that your instrument sounds harmonious and bright. Once you’re comfortable with the process, you can also practice tuning by ear to further develop your musical ear.
Enjoy your perfectly tuned mandolin, and happy playing!