Orkney Tuning
Orkney tuning is C G D G C D, from string 6 to string 1. Tune each string with the online tuner below, or tap a string on the headstock to hear its note.
- Free, no sign-up
- 6 strings
- Lowest note C2
- Mic stays on your device
Reference pitch (A4)
Hz
Lower it in noisy rooms
Press Start tuning, then play a string
0/6 tuned
Orkney notes
A4 = 440 Hz| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
About Orkney tuning
A modal tuning popular with Celtic fingerstyle players.
- Open strings: C suspended second (Csus2).
- Range: C2 (65.41 Hz) to D4 (293.66 Hz).
Intervals between strings
- C → G perfect fifth
- G → D perfect fifth
- D → G perfect fourth
- G → C perfect fourth
- C → D major second
How to tune from Standard to Orkney
4 of the 6 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time.
| String | Standard | Orkney | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | C2 | Lower 4 semitones |
| 5 | A2 | G2 | Lower a whole step |
| 4 | D3 | D3 | No change |
| 3 | G3 | G3 | No change |
| 2 | B3 | C4 | Raise a half step |
| 1 | E4 | D4 | Lower a whole step |
Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.
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Start the tuner
Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to Orkney.
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Play one string at a time
Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in Orkney tuning for you.
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Turn the peg until green
Needle on the left means flat (too low), so tighten. Needle on the right means sharp (too high), so loosen. Green means the string is in tune.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Orkney tuning?
From string 6 to string 1, Orkney tuning on the guitar is C2, G2, D3, G3, C4, D4.
What are the string frequencies of Orkney tuning?
At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to C2 65.41 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, G3 196.00 Hz, C4 261.63 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz. If you change A4 in the tuner settings, every target changes too.
How do I get from Standard tuning to Orkney tuning?
4 of the 6 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time. Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.
What chord do the open strings of Orkney tuning make?
If you strum the open strings, they play C suspended second (Csus2). Lay one finger flat across any fret and you get the same chord, one semitone higher for each fret.
Can I tune to Orkney tuning without a microphone?
Yes. Tap a string on the headstock to hear its note and match it by ear. You can also switch on Repeat to hear the note every few seconds while you turn the peg.
Similar tunings
- DADGAD Tuning A Celtic-style modal tuning with droning D strings. D A D G A D
- FACGCE Tuning A rich, airy tuning popular in math rock and emo. F A C G C E
- CGDGBD Tuning Like open G, but with a low C for a big, deep sound. C G D G B D
- Taro Patch Tuning A Hawaiian slack-key tuning in G6. D G D G B E
- Wahine Tuning A slack-key tuning with a bright major-seventh sound. C G D G B E
- New Standard Tuning Robert Fripp’s tuning in fifths, with a high G on top. C G D A E G
- All Fourths Tuning Every string is a perfect fourth apart, like on a bass. E A D G C F
- Nashville Tuning Thin strings tuned an octave higher for bright, shimmering rhythm parts. E A D G B E
All guitar tunings
Standard & down-tuned
Drop
Open
Alternate
7-string
8-string
12-string & guitalele
More tuners
- Guitar Tuner Acoustic, electric and 12-string with 45 tunings. E A D G B E
- Bass Tuner 4, 5 and 6-string bass, from drop D to BEAD. E A D G
- Ukulele Tuner Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukulele. G C E A
- Violin Tuner G D A E with bowed reference tones. G D A E
- Viola Tuner C G D A, a fifth below the violin. C G D A
- Cello Tuner C G D A, an octave below the viola. C G D A
- Double Bass Tuner Upright bass in orchestral and solo tuning. E A D G
- Banjo Tuner Open G, double C, sawmill, tenor and Irish tenor. G D G B D
- Mandolin Tuner Mandolin, mandola and octave mandolin. G D A E
- Chromatic Tuner Any instrument or voice, with B♭/E♭/F transposition.
Music tools
- Metronome Accurate online metronome with accents and subdivisions.
- Tone Generator Play any frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Tuning Fork 415, 432, 440, 442 and 444 Hz forks.
- Pitch Detector See the exact note and frequency you play. C
- Custom Tuning Tuner Build any tuning with 3 to 12 strings. E A D G B E
- Tune Guitar by Ear Repeating reference notes for every string. E A D G B E