Tune your Violin like Professional Violinists do

Tuning the violin in fifths

Tune the A string first. After that bow on two strings at the same time to tune the other strings

Tuning in fifths is the most common way that professionals tune their instruments

This is arguably the most accurate method of violin tuning because the violin uses just intonation but also does require a bit of practice (like anything else when it comes to learning violin!)

• Tune your A string. This could be with an electronic tuner or with a tuning fork.
• Once your A string is tuned, play your A and D string together as a double stop (the strings should sound simultaneously).
• Since violin strings are tuned in perfect fifths, the strings should sound almost as one note when played together.
• Identify if the D string is too high or too low and adjust accordingly. If you’re not sure, don’t worry! Take your best guess and start adjusting. If it sounds as if it’s getting worse rather than better, turn back the other way.
• Once the D string is in tune, play the D and G strings together, and adjust the G string as just described above.
• Go back and play the A and E strings together and adjust the E string as necessary.
• Check your strings with an electronic tuner to see how you did! (This is optional for more advanced players).

This method isn’t ideal for a beginner as it requires you to play on two strings at the same time, listen for the perfect fifths and tune your violin all at the same time. If you’re a beginner, watch this video on how to tune your violin as a beginner violinist.