Pitch Reference Tone
Play a steady reference pitch for tuning by ear.
A note to tune to
A reference pitch is a steady, accurate tone at a known note, used to tune an instrument by ear. This plays a reference tone — commonly the standard A used for tuning — so you can match your instrument to it.
Play the reference pitch to tune to it.
Tuning to a reference, the traditional way
Tuning to a reference pitch is the fundamental, traditional way musicians tune: you play the steady reference tone and adjust your instrument until it matches, listening for the wavering, beating sound that fades to smoothness as the two pitches lock together — a beautiful example of hearing when two frequencies align. The standard reference is the A at 440 hertz, which orchestras and musicians worldwide use as the anchor, tuning one string or note to it and then the rest of the instrument relative to that. Tuning by ear this way, rather than relying only on an electronic tuner's display, develops your ear and connects you to how musicians have tuned for centuries. It is especially useful for tuning a group to a common reference so everyone plays in tune together. Whether you are tuning a single instrument or getting an ensemble aligned, a steady, accurate reference pitch is the anchor everything tunes to, and hearing the beats disappear as you match it is a satisfying way to know you are in tune.
Common questions
What note is the standard tuning reference?
The A at 440 hertz, which orchestras and musicians worldwide use as the anchor — you tune one note to it and the rest of the instrument relative to that.
How do I tune to a reference by ear?
Play the steady reference and adjust your instrument until the wavering, beating sound between the two pitches fades to smoothness, meaning they match.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The tone is generated in your browser.