Mandolin Scales — Standard

4-string tuning: G-D-A-E — Bright, cutting tone for bluegrass, Celtic, and classical melody

About Standard Tuning on Mandolin

The mandolin is tuned in fifths — G-D-A-E from low to high — the same intervals as a violin. This tuning gives the mandolin its distinctive bright, penetrating tone that cuts through any ensemble. With only four courses of doubled strings and 20 frets, the mandolin rewards precise melodic playing and rapid tremolo picking.

From Bill Monroe's invention of bluegrass to Chris Thile's genre-defying virtuosity with Punch Brothers, the mandolin has proven itself far beyond its folk roots. Its fifths tuning makes it a natural partner for fiddle players, and its compact fretboard encourages creative chord voicings and rapid scale runs that are impossible on guitar. The mandolin is also central to Italian classical music, Brazilian choro, and Irish traditional music.

BluegrassCelticClassicalFolkChoroCountry

Notable artists: Bill Monroe, Chris Thile, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull

Best for: Bluegrass leads, Celtic melodies, tremolo picking, and any ensemble that needs a bright, cutting melodic voice

Browse 1104 mandolin scales in Standard tuning. Click any scale below to view the interactive fretboard diagram.

C

C#

D

D#

E

F

F#

G

G#

A

A#

B

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