How to Tune Your Guitar
Guitar tuning is the process of adjusting the tension of each string so it produces the correct pitch. Standard tuning (E A D G B E) is the most common tuning used by guitarists worldwide.
How to Use This Tuner
- Click the 'Start Tuning' button and allow microphone access.
- Play a single string on your guitar close to your device's microphone.
- The tuner will automatically detect the string and show how far off you are.
- Adjust the tuning peg until the meter is centered and shows green.
- Repeat for all six strings.
What is Standard Tuning?
E2A2D3G3B3E4
Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string. This tuning has been the standard for guitar since the early 19th century and is used in virtually all genres of music.
Alternative Tunings
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Drop D
D2A2D3G3B3E4The 6th string is lowered one whole step to D. Popular in rock and metal for heavier power chords.
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Half Step Down
E♭2A♭2D♭3G♭3B♭3E♭4All strings lowered by one semitone. Used by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many blues/rock artists.
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Full Step Down
D2G2C3F3A3D4All strings lowered by a whole step. Gives a darker, heavier tone with less string tension — common in grunge and metal, and handy for lower voices.
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Open G
D2G2D3G3B3D4Strumming all open strings produces a G major chord. Favored by Keith Richards and used in blues and slide guitar.
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Open D
D2A2D3F♯3A3D4Produces a D major chord when strummed open. Common in folk, blues, and slide guitar.
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DADGAD
D2A2D3G3A3D4A popular alternate tuning that creates a suspended sound. Widely used in Celtic and acoustic fingerstyle music.
FAQ
Why does the tuner not detect my guitar?
Make sure your microphone is working and you're playing close to it. Reduce background noise for better detection.
Does this work on mobile phones?
Yes! This tuner works on any modern mobile browser. Just allow microphone access when prompted.
Do I need to install anything?
No installation needed. This tuner runs entirely in your web browser.
Can I change the reference pitch (A4 = 440 Hz)?
Yes. Use the − and + buttons below the tuner to set A4 anywhere from 430 to 450 Hz — for example 432 Hz, or to match a piano. Your setting is remembered.
Can I tune by ear without a microphone?
Yes. Before starting the tuner, tap any string button to hear its reference tone, then turn the peg until your string sounds the same.