Contents
What is the proper tuning for a mandolin?
G-D-A-E
The mandolin standard tuning is G-D-A-E. Well, actually, it’s G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E. With that in mind, you have a few options when it comes to tuning your mandolin: Tuning fork.
Are mandolins hard to tune?
The mandolin is tuned the same as a violin or fiddle, except instead of 4 strings it has 4 pairs of strings (two E Strings, 2 A Strings, 2 D Strings, and 2 G Strings), making it twice as hard to get in tune. There are also several different methods of mandolin tuning, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
What octave is A mandolin tuned to?
The standard octave mandolin tuning is G2G2−D3D3−A3A3−E4E4, so the lowest open strings are tuned to the lowest G on the guitar, and the highest strings are tuned to the same E as the highest string of the guitar.

Is it hard to tune a mandolin?
If you’re new to learning mandolin, tuning a mandolin is not exactly an intuitive process… The mandolin is tuned the same as a violin or fiddle, except instead of 4 strings it has 4 pairs of strings (two E Strings, 2 A Strings, 2 D Strings, and 2 G Strings), making it twice as hard to get in tune.
What key is a mandolin tuned in?

Tuning Basics. Tune it like a violin. A mandolin is traditionally tuned G-D-A-E, from low to high, with each pair of strings tuned to the same tone. In other words, the instrument is tuned G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E, taking into consideration each individual string.
How are mandolin strings tuned?
The standard mandolin tuning is the same as violin tuning: G-D-A-E, from low to high. The only difference is that the mandolin has eight strings, but the violin has only four. On a mandolin, you tune each “course,” or pair, of strings to the same pitch, so the mandolin’s tuning is really G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E.
How tight should my mandolin strings be?
A mandolin needs very little relief. One to two thousandths (. 001) of an inch, measured at the sixth fret, with the string fretted at the first and twelfth, works well for most players.
Can A snark tune A mandolin?
Review: SNARK SN-8 Super-tight tuner Being a mandolin and guitar player for almost 37 years, I got used to mainly use my ear to tune my mandolins and guitars. It allows me to tune my mandolin both at quiet and noisy environments very easily and has nice clear displays and excellent battery.