Why Use a Tone Generator for Tuning?
Precise Tuning
Digital tone generators produce frequencies with exceptional accuracy for perfect pitch
Multiple Instruments
Works with guitar, piano, violin, and more - any frequency you need
Standard Tuning
A440 Hz standard and alternative tunings for any musical style
Ear Training
Develop your ability to recognize pitch accurately through practice
Understanding Musical Pitch
Before diving into specific tuning frequencies, it's helpful to understand some basic concepts:
Standard Pitch Reference: A440
The international standard pitch reference is A4 = 440 Hz (often called "concert pitch"). This means that the A above middle C vibrates at 440 cycles per second. All other notes are tuned relative to this reference pitch.
Equal Temperament
Modern Western music typically uses equal temperament tuning, where the octave is divided into 12 equal semitones. This allows music to be played in any key without retuning, though with slight compromises in the purity of some intervals.
Octaves and Frequency Relationships
Each octave represents a doubling of frequency. For example, if A4 = 440 Hz, then:
- A5 = 880 Hz (one octave higher)
- A3 = 220 Hz (one octave lower)
- A2 = 110 Hz (two octaves lower)
How to Use Our Tone Generator for Tuning
Step-by-Step Tuning Process
Follow these simple steps to tune any instrument with precision
Generate the reference tone
Use our tone generator to create a pure sine wave at the frequency of the note you want to tune to. For most instruments, start with A4 (440 Hz).
Adjust your instrument
Play the corresponding note on your instrument and adjust it until the pitch matches the reference tone. When the pitches match exactly, you'll notice:
- Minimal or no "beating" (wavering sound)
- A smooth, consistent sound
- Resonance between the instrument and reference tone
Tune remaining notes
For some instruments like guitar, you may only need to tune one string to the reference pitch, then tune the remaining strings relative to that one. For other instruments, you may want to use the tone generator for each note.
Common Instrument Tuning Frequencies
Guitar (Standard Tuning)
- E2: 82.41 Hz
- A2: 110.00 Hz
- D3: 146.83 Hz
- G3: 196.00 Hz
- B3: 246.94 Hz
- E4: 329.63 Hz
Bass Guitar (Standard Tuning)
- E1: 41.20 Hz
- A1: 55.00 Hz
- D2: 73.42 Hz
- G2: 98.00 Hz
Violin (Standard Tuning)
- G3: 196.00 Hz
- D4: 293.66 Hz
- A4: 440.00 Hz
- E5: 659.25 Hz
Piano
- A0 (lowest A): 27.50 Hz
- C4 (middle C): 261.63 Hz
- A4 (reference A): 440.00 Hz
- C8 (highest C): 4186.01 Hz
Alternative Tuning References
While A4 = 440 Hz is the modern standard, some musicians prefer alternative reference pitches:
Historical Tuning
A4 = 415 Hz
Baroque period standard
Orchestra Tuning
A4 = 442-445 Hz
Some European orchestras
Verdi Tuning
A4 = 432 Hz
Alternative "natural" tuning
Our tone generator allows you to set any frequency with precision, making it suitable for all tuning standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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