TUNING REFERENCE

Standard (Cello) tuning

C · G · D · A

Standard (Cello) is a 4-string cello tuning with open strings C–G–D–A.

Instrument: Cello
Strings: 4
Open notes: C G D A
With octaves: C2 G2 D3 A3

Intervals from the first string

Each interval is measured by pitch class from the first physical open string. String order is preserved for re-entrant and doubled-course tunings.

String	Note	Semitones	Interval
1	C2	0	Root
2	G2	7	Perfect 5th
3	D3	2	Major 2nd
4	A3	9	Major 6th

Compare with Standard (Cello)

Pitch changes in semitones for each physical string, compared with Standard (Cello). Negative values lower the pitch; positive values raise it. Check your instrument and string gauges before changing register.

String	Default pitch	This tuning	Change
1	C2	C2	0 semitones
2	G2	G2	0 semitones
3	D3	D3	0 semitones
4	A3	A3	0 semitones

Explore this string layout

Browse 4-string cello tunings. Related tunings below prioritize the default tuning, matching interval structures, and nearby open-string pitches.

Scales containing every open-string pitch class

C Major C Major pentatonic D Minor D Minor pentatonic E Minor F Major F Major pentatonic G Major

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