Cross Tuning for Fiddle

Cross Tuning (AEAE) runs A3, E4, A4, E5, in playing order. The lowest-pitched string is A3 (220.00 Hz) and the highest is E5 (659.26 Hz), measured against A4 = 440 Hz. Those are the exact target frequencies the tuner on this page listens for.

2 of the 4 strings move: G3 up 2 semitone(s) to A3; D4 up 2 semitone(s) to E4. Work through them in order, then go back and re-check the first string — retuning shifts the neck tension slightly, so the earlier strings drift as you go.

The G and D strings raised a whole step to give open A and E drones. Old-time fiddlers use it so a bow can catch an adjacent open string throughout a tune, producing continuous drone without extra effort.

A3 is 220.00 Hz at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). That's the fundamental — the string also produces harmonics above it, which is why a tuner reading the wrong octave usually means it locked onto a harmonic rather than the fundamental. This is the lowest string in this violin tuning.

Raising the G and D strings a whole step each gives A, E, A, E — the same pitch class on two pairs, an octave apart. Every open string then belongs to an A chord, so a bow crossing to a neighbouring string produces drone rather than dissonance, which is the entire mechanic old-time fiddling is built on. The raised strings sit under noticeably more tension and the instrument needs time to settle, so retuning mid-performance is impractical and players often keep a second instrument in cross tuning. Standard fingering patterns hold on each string individually but the relationships between strings change, so tunes must be relearned positionally.

Raising two strings a whole step increases tension noticeably. Bring them up slowly and re-check after the instrument settles.