Cello Tuning

Standard Cello Tuning

The 4 strings of a cello, tuned C-G-D-A from lowest to highest pitch in standard tuning — the tuning almost every player starts with.

How to Tune a Cello

Draw the bow across one string at a time (or pluck it pizzicato) while turning its tuning peg or fine tuner, listening until the pitch matches a reference tone. Fine tuners give small, precise adjustments near pitch; the pegs handle bigger moves.

Use an electronic tuner for the fastest, most accurate result — clip-on and app tuners read the pitch directly, so you don't need a reference tone at all. Open the String Warrior tuner to tune with your microphone: it listens to each string and shows exactly how sharp or flat it is.