A tuning fork produces a pure reference pitch to help musicians tune their instruments. This online version lets you play any chromatic note across octaves 2–6, with adjustable concert pitch (A4) from 415 Hz to 445 Hz.
Tap a note button to play it. Tap the same note again to stop. Notes auto-stop after 5 seconds.
Note Frequency Reference (A4 = 440 Hz)
| Note | Oct 2 | Oct 3 | Oct 4 | Oct 5 | Oct 6 |
|---|
How to Use the Online Tuning Fork
This online tuning fork generates precise reference pitches for any chromatic note across octaves 2 through 6. Use it to tune string instruments, sing warm-ups, set your pitch pipe, or verify your instrument's intonation.
Tuning to Concert Pitch A440
Click the A note button with octave 4 selected to play A4 at exactly 440 Hz — the international concert pitch standard. If your instrument has an A string (guitar, violin, viola), play it alongside the reference tone and tune your string up or down until the pitches match and no "beating" is audible.
Adjusting Concert Pitch
Use the A4 slider to adjust the concert pitch from 415 Hz (Baroque tuning) to 445 Hz. Some early music ensembles tune to A415 for authentic period instrument sound. Some modern orchestras tune slightly higher (A442–444) for a brighter sound. All other notes recalculate automatically when you move the slider.
Chromatic Note Reference
The frequency reference table shows all 12 chromatic notes from octave 2 to octave 6. Middle C is C4 at 261.63 Hz. Each octave doubles the frequency — A3 is 220 Hz, A4 is 440 Hz, A5 is 880 Hz. This relationship is what makes the piano keyboard's symmetrical layout work across all octaves.
FAQ
What is A440?
A440 refers to the note A in the fourth octave (A4) vibrating at exactly 440 Hz. This is the international standard concert pitch adopted by ISO in 1955. When an orchestra tunes up before a performance, the oboe plays A440 and all instruments match to it.
Why do some musicians use A432 instead of A440?
Some musicians and composers prefer A432 Hz, claiming it sounds warmer or more natural. There is no scientific consensus on this, but it is a legitimate artistic preference. Historically, concert pitch varied widely before standardization — from A415 in Baroque music to A466 in some modern orchestras.
How do I tune an instrument with this tool?
Select the note name and octave matching the string or note you want to tune. Click the note button to play the reference pitch. Slowly adjust your instrument's tuning peg until the pitch matches what you hear. For more precise tuning (detecting cents of deviation), use a chromatic tuner app.
What is just intonation vs equal temperament?
Equal temperament divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, meaning every interval except the octave is slightly impure. This allows instruments to play in any key without retuning. Just intonation uses pure mathematical ratios (like 3:2 for a fifth) that sound more harmonically resonant but only work cleanly in one key.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no account or download needed.