TUNING REFERENCE

Standard (Viola) tuning

C · G · D · A

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

Instrument: Viola
Strings: 4
Open notes: C G D A
With octaves: C3 G3 D4 A4

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	C3	0	Root
2	G3	7	Perfect 5th
3	D4	2	Major 2nd
4	A4	9	Major 6th

Compare with Standard (Viola)

Pitch changes in semitones for each physical string, compared with Standard (Viola). 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	C3	C3	0 semitones
2	G3	G3	0 semitones
3	D4	D4	0 semitones
4	A4	A4	0 semitones

Explore this string layout

Browse 4-string viola 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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