How to Tune a Violin With New Strings

When you place new strings on the violin, there will be a period during which the strings slowly stretch out to their limit. This makes tuning difficult. Every time you tune, you place more tension on the strings and they stretch slightly so the violin soon goes out of tune.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin with the A string. This is typically the strings most violinist tune first. This is because in an ensemble, like an orchestra, the A is given for the whole group to tune to.

2. Use a pitch pipe, or tuned piano and play the correct A and hum that note. Make sure that the strings are fairly tensioned to begin with.

3. Pluck the A string, humming the correct A the entire time. The A string will most likely be flat.

4. Tighten the string with the peg and make the note created by the string higher in pitch.

5. Play the pitch pipe again to get the correct A and hum that note.

6. Tune the violin with the peg while humming the correct A. Check the correct pitch and slowly turn the peg until the string is in tune.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the 3 other strings. Tune the D string next, then the G string and then the E string.

8. Let the violin sit for a time. You can wait anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the time you have. The strings will slowly stretch out and become flat. Repeat the process of tuning.

Tips & Warnings

• There is always the fear of strings breaking during the initial tuning process. It is rare but can happen if the string is defective. If this is a fear simply turn the violin so the back faces you and tune with the front of the violin facing away from you. This way, if a string does break, you won't get hit.