Cross Tuning (AEAE) Tuning
Tune your violin to Cross Tuning (AEAE) — A3, E4, A4, E5
About Cross Tuning (AEAE) Tuning
Cross tuning AEAE (A3-E4-A4-E5) creates two pairs of strings tuned in octaves — the A strings and E strings mirror each other an octave apart. This symmetrical tuning is a hallmark of old-time Appalachian fiddle music and produces a bright, ringing sound with powerful natural harmonics.
Also known as high-bass tuning or calico tuning, AEAE was widely used by Appalachian fiddlers from the 18th through early 20th centuries. The tuning makes certain bow patterns and shuffle rhythms feel more natural, and the octave pairs create a built-in chorus effect that fills out the sound of a solo fiddle. Players like Tommy Jarrell and Henry Reed used cross tuning extensively in their repertoire.
The symmetry of AEAE means that many patterns repeat across string pairs, simplifying certain techniques while making others impossible. Standard fingering patterns don't apply — players need to relearn the fingerboard for this tuning. But for the specific repertoire it serves, cross tuning is irreplaceable.
String Notes
Recommended Strings
Standard violin strings handle AEAE well. The G string is tuned up from G3 to A3 (a whole step), and the D string stays close to standard at E4 (up a whole step from D4). The upper strings change more — A4 stays and E5 stays, so only the bottom two strings shift. The slight increase in tension on the lower strings is manageable with standard medium-gauge strings.
How to Tune to Cross Tuning (AEAE)
- 1.Start from standard GDAE tuning. The upper two strings (A4 and E5) stay the same.
- 2.Tune the G string (lowest) up from G3 to A3. Raise it one whole step — it should now sound exactly one octave below the open A string.
- 3.Tune the D string up from D4 to E4. Raise it one whole step — it should now sound exactly one octave below the open E string.
- 4.Verify the octave pairs: the lowest string (A3) should be one octave below the 3rd string (A4), and the 2nd string (E4) should be one octave below the 1st string (E5).
- 5.Play pairs of adjacent strings — each pair should produce a pure octave. If you hear any beating or dissonance, fine-tune until the octaves are clean.
Best Keys for Cross Tuning (AEAE)
A Major
The natural home key. Open strings provide the root and fifth of A major, making drone-based playing in A effortless.
A Mixolydian
The most common mode in Appalachian fiddle music. The flattened seventh gives tunes their characteristic old-time sound.
A Minor
Accessible by using minor thirds on the fretboard over the A-E drone. Creates a darker old-time sound.
D Major
The IV chord relative to A. Many Appalachian tunes move between A and D, and cross tuning handles this movement naturally.