Standard mandolin tuning
Lowest to highest course
1G3
2D4
3A4
4E5
Each course has two strings that should be matched to the same pitch.
DAIKYOUJU LABS · MUSICIAN'S GUIDE
Tune your Mandolin.
Tune your Mandolin.
Play with confidence.
A practical mandolin tuner guide for iPhone and iPad. Learn the reference notes, follow the tuning process and explore real Daikyouju apps.
Guided practiceiPhone & iPad2 app editions to explore
01 / START HEREKnow your notes.
Know your notes.
Hear the difference.
A mandolin has paired strings, so even a small difference between the two strings of a course can be noticeable. Accurate tuning helps make chords, tremolo and melodic passages sound cleaner.
Why this matters.
Standard G–D–A–E is the familiar starting point. Daikyouju’s mandolin collection also offers alternate and related-family tunings in selected editions, including mandola and octave-mandolin options. Compare the Basic and Pro listings before choosing your tool.
Practice note: Tune one string of a course first, then match its partner. Check the open course again once both strings have settled.
A better way
to get in tune.
Follow these steps using the app and your instrument. They are general guidance, not a claim that every interface has identical buttons.
01
Check the instrument and tuning
Choose the correct instrument variant and the tuning used by your arrangement. Paired courses may need their own reference.
02
Open the matching tuner
Launch your mandolin tuner on iPhone or iPad. If prompted, allow microphone access and select the relevant available preset.
03
Sound one string of a course
Sound one string first and let its note settle; then tune its paired string to match.
04
Adjust in small increments
Compare the detected note with your target. Make gradual peg or machine-head adjustments; avoid overtightening and stop if resistance feels abnormal.
05
Recheck the complete instrument
Tune one string of a course first, then match its partner. Check the open course again once both strings have settled. Play a familiar passage or chord afterward to confirm the result by ear.
0 / 5 steps completed
03 / THE REAL APPS
See what you'll use.
Uncropped, original App Store promotional screenshots delivered from Apple's CDN. Each image opens in full size.
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPhone · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPhone · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPhone · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPhone · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPad · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPad · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPad · View full image ↗
Mandolin Tuner and ChordsiPad · View full image ↗ Swipe or scroll sideways to explore
04 / FIND YOUR APP
Choose your Mandolin experience.
Compare the editions using features from each app's published catalog. App Store listings remain the source of truth for current pricing and compatibility.
Basic EDITION
Mandolin Tuner and Chords
Accurate tuning and convenient chords for mandolin.
- Precise pitch detection
- Frequency display
- Chord tools
Pro EDITION
Mandolin Tuner Pro and Chords
Twelve tunings for the wider mandolin family.
- 12 tunings
- Chord library
- Tuning fork
05 / TROUBLESHOOTING
When a note doesn't settle.
A few common situations and practical ways to address them.
Paired strings beat against each other
Tune both members of a course separately, then listen for the remaining pulse.
A course shifts after adjustment
A change to one string can disturb the partner; repeat the check.
Questions musicians ask.
Can I use a mandolin tuner on an iPhone or iPad?
Daikyouju Labs publishes dedicated music apps for iPhone and iPad. Compatibility, supported iOS/iPadOS versions and feature availability differ by app and may change; verify your device against the live App Store listing.
Which version should I choose: Basic or Pro?
Compare the actual presets and features of the versions listed below. A Pro edition may offer additional tuning options or tools, but always confirm its current App Store description and price before downloading.
How do I know which tuning is correct?
Start with the note sequence required by your instrument, arrangement or teacher. Tune one string of a course first, then match its partner. Check the open course again once both strings have settled.
MORE TO DISCOVER
Every instrument has a story.
Keep learning and explore the tuners made for the music you play.
Browse all instrument guides →