What mandolin tunings are supported?

Standard (G D A E) and Open G (G D G B).

Does this work for mandola or mandocello?

Not directly, but you can use custom tuning to set each string to the pitch of a mandola or mandocello.

Do the doubled strings affect chord identification?

No. Each course is tuned in unison, so both strings produce the same pitch. Chord identification works on pitch classes regardless of doubling.

Mandolin Chord Finder - Free Online Mandolin Chord Chart

Find mandolin chords in standard GDAE tuning, plus Open G. Fifths-tuning intervals are fully supported.

How to Use the Mandolin Chord Finder

Default tuning is Standard (G D A E) — same as a violin.
Tap the fretboard to build a chord shape.
See the chord identified in real time, with intervals and alternatives.
Type a chord name to find voicings.

Tuning in Fifths

The mandolin is tuned in perfect fifths — each string is a fifth above the previous. This matches the violin and means mandolin players can easily swap with fiddlers. The tuning goes G D A E from low to high.

Fifths tuning makes scale patterns compact but chord shapes require wider stretches than on guitar. It's great for fast melodic playing.

Common Mandolin Chords

G: (0-0-2-3) or (7-5-2-3)
C: (0-2-3-3) or (5-2-3-3)
D: (2-4-5-5) or (0-4-5-5)
A: (2-4-5-5) at 2nd fret
Em: (0-2-2-3)
Am: (2-2-3-5) or (5-7-5-5)

Courses vs. Strings

A mandolin has 8 strings arranged in 4 courses — pairs of strings tuned in unison. The pairs are played as a single string. This tool treats the mandolin as 4 independent pitches, which is how chord identification works regardless of doubling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a mandola or mandocello with this tool?

Not directly, but you can use custom tuning. Mandola is tuned a fifth below mandolin (C G D A). Mandocello is tuned an octave below mandola (C G D A, but an octave lower).

Why do mandolin chords feel harder than guitar chords?

Fifths tuning spans more intervals per string, so chord tones are further apart. Many mandolin chord shapes use just 3 strings to keep the stretch manageable. Short-scale instruments make wider stretches more playable.

What's “chop” chord style?

Chop chords are short, percussive four-note mandolin chords that emphasize rhythm. They're a staple of bluegrass rhythm playing, with the mandolin acting like a snare drum on beats 2 and 4.

Is this free?

Yes. No signup, no downloads — everything runs in your browser.