Violin String Notes
Learn the names, numbering, order, octaves, and frequencies of standard GDAE violin strings.
Standard violin strings: G3 D4 A4 E5
Read from the lowest, thickest string to the highest, thinnest string. Violin string numbers run 4 through 1 in that direction: G is string 4 and E is string 1.
String 4
G3
196.00 Hz
Lowest and thickest
String 3
D4
293.66 Hz
Lower-middle string
String 2
A4
440.00 Hz
Upper-middle string
String 1
E5
659.25 Hz
Highest and thinnest
Violin string notes chart
Compare standard and alternate violin tunings from string 4 to string 1. Select any tuning name to load those exact targets in the microphone tuner.
| Tuning | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (GDAE) | G3196.00 Hz | D4293.66 Hz | A4440.00 Hz | E5659.25 Hz |
| Open G (GDGB) | G3196.00 Hz | D4293.66 Hz | G4392.00 Hz | B4493.88 Hz |
| Open D (DADF#) | D3146.83 Hz | A3220.00 Hz | D4293.66 Hz | F#4369.99 Hz |
| Cross Tuning (AEAE) | A3220.00 Hz | E4329.63 Hz | A4440.00 Hz | E5659.25 Hz |
| Cajun (FCGD) | F3174.61 Hz | C4261.63 Hz | G4392.00 Hz | D5587.33 Hz |
| Viola (CGDA) | C3130.81 Hz | G3196.00 Hz | D4293.66 Hz | A4440.00 Hz |
Frequencies use 12-tone equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz. Alternate tunings can change string tension substantially; use suitable strings and adjust pitch gradually.
How violin strings are numbered
String numbers start with the highest-pitched E string as string 1. Moving toward lower pitch gives A as string 2, D as string 3, and G as string 4.
This numbering stays tied to the physical string positions even when an alternate tuning changes their notes.
Open the standard GDAE tunerViolin strings vs. viola strings
A violin uses G3-D4-A4-E5. A viola shifts the range down a fifth to C3-G3-D4-A4.
The instruments share G, D, and A open-string pitches, but the viola replaces the violin's high E with a lower C. Standard violin strings should not simply be loosened to cover the viola range.
View CGDA tuning guidanceViolin string notes FAQ
What are the four violin string notes?
Standard violin strings are G3, D4, A4, and E5 from lowest to highest. They are numbered 4, 3, 2, and 1 in that same order.
What order are violin strings in?
Read violin strings from the lowest, thickest string to the highest, thinnest string as G-D-A-E. Conventional numbering runs in the opposite direction from pitch height: G is the 4th string and E is the 1st string.
What frequencies are standard violin strings?
At A4 = 440 Hz, the open strings are G3 at 196.00 Hz, D4 at 293.66 Hz, A4 at 440.00 Hz, and E5 at 659.25 Hz.
What interval separates violin strings?
Each pair of adjacent strings in standard GDAE tuning is separated by a perfect fifth, or seven semitones: G to D, D to A, and A to E.
Are violin and viola string notes the same?
They overlap on G3, D4, and A4, but a viola adds a lower C3 and does not use the violin's high E5 string. Standard viola tuning is C3-G3-D4-A4.
Tune each violin string
Use microphone pitch detection for standard GDAE or any alternate preset.
Open the violin tuner