Best
High-End Tuner
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Overall: High-definition display that rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing
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Best Feature: Electric tuner with bright and colourful display that's easy to read
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Portable Tuner
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Overall: Highly sensitive vibration sensor that can pick up even the slightest movements
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Best Feature: Multi-colour display for easy tuning
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Budget Clip-on Tuner
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Overall: Highly accurate and suitable for use in noisy environments
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Best Feature: Can be clipped onto the headstock of your mandolin
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TedScore™: 7.5/10
Standard Mandolin Tuning
The mandolin is a small stringed instrument that belongs to the lute family. It is commonly tuned in a standard tuning known as G-D-A-E, going from the lowest string to the highest. So, how do you tune a mandolin? Let’s get started.
When it comes to tuning a mandolin, the standard tuning is G-D-A-E. This means that the first string, the E string, is tuned to a high E note. The second string, the A string, is tuned to a D note. The third, D, is tuned to an A note. Finally, the fourth and lowest string used, the G string, is tuned to a low G note.
Aside from the standard mandolin tunings, there are also other common mandolin tuning used. These alternate tunings include open tunings and octave mandolin tuning, also called Irish tuning, often used in traditional Irish music and other styles requiring a lower, richer sound.
Using a tuner to tune a mandolin
Using a tuner to tune your mandolin can be helpful, especially if you’re new to playing the fun instrument. Simply attach the electronic tuner to the head of your mandolin and pluck each string one at a time. The mandolin tuner will display the string’s pitch, and you can adjust the tuning pegs accordingly until the string is in tune.
Tuning by ear
Tuning by ear can be a bit more challenging, but it’s a great and important skill to develop as a musician. Start tuning off by tuning your A string to a reference pitch, such as a piano or tuning fork. Once your A string is in tune, you can tune the rest of your strings by playing harmonics.
To do this, lightly touch the string at the 12th fret and pluck the string. This will produce a bell-like sound. You can then adjust the tuning pegs until the harmonic matches the pitch of the next string.
Remember always to check your tuning regularly, as the tension on the strings can change over time. With practice, you can tune your mandolin quickly and accurately, whether using a tuner or tuning by ear.
Tuning Techniques
Tuning with a Tuning Fork
To tune with a tuning fork, strike it against a hard surface and hold it close to your ear. You should hear a sharp, clear, steady tone. Then, pluck the corresponding string on your mandolin and adjust the tuning key until the string’s pitch matches the tuning fork’s pitch.
Tuning with Harmonics
To tune with harmonics, lightly touch the string at the 12th fret and pluck the string. This plucking will produce a harmonic tone. Then, compare the harmonic’s pitch to the same note’s pitch on the corresponding open string. Adjust the tuning key until the pitches match.
Tuning with Reference Pitches
Tuning with reference pitches is useful if you don’t have a tuning fork or other tuning device. You can produce the reference pitches with a pitch pipe or a piano. Simply play the reference pitch and adjust the tuning key until the pitch of the corresponding string matches the reference pitch.
Tuning with Online Mandolin Tuner
Online tuners work by analyzing the sound waves produced by the strings of your mandolin. When you pluck a string, the tuner detects the sound wave’s pitch and compares it to the desired pitch for that string. The tuner then displays the difference between the two pitches and guides you in adjusting the tuning pegs until the pitch matches the desired pitch.
Some tuning apps will give you a reference tone, and you can use this to check each string individually. It will be easier to get tuning roughly in the same note ballpark first, as this will help you fine-tune.
Which are the correct tuning pegs?
It’s not always obvious which tuning peg is for which string. Most mandolins are the same. They have tuners for the G strings and the D strings on the headstock end closest to you.
3 Best Mandolin Tuners
DESIGNED FOR: musicians who play stringed instruments
FEATURES: High-definition display that rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing
OTHER INFO: Faster chip than its predecessor for improved accuracy
Snark ST-8 Clip-On Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-sensitivity vibration sensor for accurate tuning
- Electric tuner with bright and colourful display that's easy to read
- It can be clipped onto the headstock of your mandolin and is suitable for use in noisy environments
- The display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: musicians of all levels
FEATURES: Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
OTHER INFO: Highly sensitive vibration sensor that can pick up even the slightest movements
D'Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Multi-colour display for easy tuning
- It can be clipped onto the headstock of your mandolin and is suitable for use in noisy environments
- Easy to use and highly accurate
- Some users have reported that the battery life is not longer than they would like
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Performances, rehearsals, and studio sessions
FEATURES: Versatile clip-on tuner ideal for a wide range of instruments
OTHER INFO: Comes with an intuitive, light-up display
Chromatic Clip-On Tuner by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Superbly accurate, with a default 440Hz pitch and broad frequency range
- Easy to read with five modes to choose from
- Perform with pitch-perfect accuracy due to precise tuning quality
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Maintaining Tuning
Maintaining tuning on a mandolin is crucial to ensure that your music sounds accurate and in harmony. Tuning your mandolin involves adjusting the tension of the strings to produce the correct pitch.
However, it’s not always easy to maintain tuning, for example, especially if you’re a beginner.
Tips for Maintaining Tuning
Here are some tips to help you maintain tuning on your mandolin:
1. Always tune your mandolin before playing to ensure it’s in tune.
2. Use a reliable tuner to help you achieve accurate tuning.
3. Stretch to tighten the strings before playing to prevent them from going out of tune.
4. Avoid exposing your mandolin to extreme temperatures, which can cause the wood to expand or contract and affect the tuning.
5. Store your mandolin in a protective case to prevent it from getting damaged.
Common Reasons for Losing Tuning
There are several common reasons why your mandolin may lose tuning, including:
1. Strumming too hard or fast can cause the strings to go out of tune.
2. The pairs of strings may not be tuned to each other, causing the mandolin to sound out of tune.
3. Not challenging the strings enough can cause them to lose tension and go out of tune.
4. Inaccuracy in tuning can cause the mandolin to sound off-key.
5. Poor quality strings can affect the tuning of your mandolin.
6. Displaying your mandolin in direct sunlight or near a heat source can cause it to go out of tune.
Tuning A Mandolin
Summary
Luck may play a small role in tuning your mandolin, but with the right tools and methods, you can ensure that your mandolin is in tune every time you play. Chromatic, guitar, and electronic tuners can be incredibly helpful in getting your mandolin in tune quickly and accurately.
Remember, tuning a mandolin is not a one-time event. The strings will naturally go out of tune as you play your mandolin. It’s important to check your tuning frequently and make adjustments as needed. If you know any songs, you can play these to see if they sound right. Some tuning apps will give you a reference tone, and you can use this to check each string individually.
Tuning a mandolin can be a bit tricky, but with practice and patience, you will be able to tune your mandolin like a pro. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tunings while playing mandolin, to find the perfect sound for your playing style.
Using the right tools and practising regularly ensures that your mandolin is always in fine tune and ready to play.
Happy tuning!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Make sure to check out this next article: Best Beginner Mandolin
