With this virtual violin tuner, you’ll be able to tune your instrument to the right pitch. There’s a couple of different ways to do it. First, you can play along with steady reference tones and tune by ear. Or secondly, if you have a microphone attached to your computer, you can play along and hear how you’re doing in real-time. Either way is responsive and easy, whether you use a computer keyboard or a mouse.
The four large pads located at the bottom of the interface represent the four open violin strings: G3, D4, A4 and E5. To listen to the tone from each pad, simply click on it with the mouse. Alternatively, if you have a keyboard then use the number keys between 1 and 4. Key 1 is G, 2 is D, 3 is A, and 4 is E. As you click a pad, the corresponding string lights up on screen as well as playing the tone.
How to Use the Virtual Violin Tuner
Then go to your violin and turn the pegs or fine tuner until you can create a matching tone on the same string. You’ll know you’ve got them in tune as you stop hearing the pulsing or beating sensation that happens when they’re slightly out-of-tune.
Alternatively, you could go for visual route by tapping the big button marked Use microphone. Alternatively, tap the M key on your keyboard. Doing so switches into mic input mode and the browser asks permission to use your mic. Give it permission and away we go!
Take an open string and bow it steadily. Look up at the widget and you’ll see a gauge at the top displaying a needle that swings left and right according to what pitch you play. If you’re sharp then the needle points to the right and if you’re flat then the needle points left. As soon as it finds its resting place in the central green zone your string is in tune. It also displays the frequency (in Hertz) and name of the note it’s detecting. The four string pads lights up slightly to show which violin string the tuner thinks you are playing.
If you’re in an ensemble or playing alongside other instruments whose standard is not the same as yours, then you’ll need to alter the reference pitch. These are indicated by plus and minus buttons at the bottom right of the calibrator. Pressing them raises and lowers the concert A frequency from 435 to 445 Hertz. You can also use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard. Whatever the case, each string will immediately recalibrate itself to reflect the new reference standard. This means that you should of remain tuned in with everyone else in your ensemble or section.
The calibration buttons has a volume slider right beside them. You can use this to turn up or down the volume of the reference tones. Do this depending on whether you’re using the tuner in a quiet space or where there is a lot of background noise.
With the Mode button you can toggle back and forth between chromatic mode and violin string mode. If you just want to tune generally, then violin string mode are great as it snaps to the closest violin string. You might want to check some notes with the tuner, such as where your fingers should go on a different instrument. You might also want to use it for something else entirely, like a cello or viola. In these cases, chromatic mode will name whatever note it hears.
When you’re using the microphone, make the environment as quiet as possible for best results. Use a steady and clear stroke that bows the string close to the bridge. The software should then be able to pick up on the main pitch more accuratey. Try getting a little nearer to the bridge if the needle starts jumping about and also make sure that there’s no bow hair contact with the fingerboard.
Sometimes approaching the right pitch from below can help tune in an easier way. Bring the pitch up towards the centre of the needle or against the reference until it centres or matches. This avoids the possibility of string slipping back flat again.
Use the F key (if present in your browser context) or the fullscreen button in the top right corner of the page to toggle fullscreen mode. This reduces distractions and gives the gauge more space on the screen. Use the question mark key or Help button to see a quick list of these controls displayed right inside the widget.
Tune each individual string as slowly as you need. With the microphone or reference tone established, just listen for the steady, smooth tone that signals perfect pitch. When they’re all lined up across all four strings, it’ll make your violin ring out with a richer, more resonent voice.