Alto and Tenor Mandola Tuning

Tuning a Mandola (tenor or octave)

The courses on a normal mandola (alto mandola) are tuned as follows:

For both tunings:

• Tuning is often done starting with the A (in GDAE tuning) or D (in CGDA tuning).
• Each of the other strings can be tuned up or down to get them in pitch.
• For GDAE tuning, get a reliable 'A' from other instruments and tune the second string to it.
• For CGDA tuning, get a reliable 'D' from other instruments and tune the second string to it.
• Often necessary to tune to the fixed pitch instruments such as the reeds (accordian, melodeon or concertina) as they may be slightly north or south of concert pitch
• Hold the second string down on the 7th fret, and adjust the first string until it sounds the same.
• Hold the third string down on the 7th fret, and adjust the third string until it sounds the same as the second.
• Hold the fourth string down on the 7th fret, and adjust the fourth string until it sounds the same as the third.
• It is often easier to tune one string of the course, and then tune the other string to it.

Alternatively, buy an electronic tuner and tune each string using the indicator on the tuner. This is best done in a quiet envionment unless you have a pick-up on the mandola which you can plug into the tuner.

Tips:

• Deaden the other course and remaining strings as you tune with an electronic tuner since the ringing of the other strings sometimes confuses it.
• Tune frequently (before you start to play each session).
• When you tune, if you take the string too sharp, tune flat again and tune up to the note. (Tuning down has a tendency for it to slip flat a little further as you play.)
• Change the strings regularly, and change them in sets.

Note:

A Guitar is normally tuned EADGBE (from the Bottom string to the top) and the lowest 4 strings are the reverse of the mandola.