Free Online Guitar Tuner

The GuitarApp online guitar tuner is a full-featured guitar tuner and is free to use! Our tuner uses the built in microphone on your laptop or mobile device to detect the frequency of each string on your guitar as you play each note. The following tunings are supported: Standard, DADGAD, Drop D, Double Drop D, Drop C, Drop B, Drop A, Open D, Open Dm, Open G, Open A, Open C, Open E, Eb Standard, D Standard, DGCGCD, CGCFCE, BADGBE, New Standard Tuning and C6. The online tuner also supports bass, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, violin and viola. You can also embed this tuner in your own website using the embed guides.

How to use a guitar tuner?

The most common tuner displays show the correct pitch in the middle of the screen with a moving line or dot which shows the pitch of the note the user is playing. The goal is to tune the instrument such that the dot or line is moved into the centre of the screen where the correct pitch is marked. Proceed, note by note, until each note produces the correct pitch according to the tuner display.

Step 1: Start with the top string (E in standard tuning). Pluck the string with your plectrum or finger and let it sustain.

Step 2: Now, looking at the tuner, observe what note it detects. Typically, if you are within 1 semitone of the target note, the tuner will show the note you are attempting to tune. If you are significantly out of tune, the tuner will show the closest real pitch. If your note is flat compared to the correct pitch, the tuner will display that by showing a line or dot to the left of the target pitch which is usually in the centre. If your note is sharp, the dot or line will appear to the right of the target pitch.

Step 3: If your note is flat, you need to "tune up" to the target note by turning the machine head for the string counterclockwise (Machine heads are also called tuning pegs or tuners)

Step 4: If your note is sharp, you need to "tune down" to the target note by turning the machine head for the string clockwise (Machine heads are also called tuning pegs or tuners)

Step 5: Repeat steps 1 to 4 until all strings have been tuned.

Step 6: Often, you will need to repeat the whole process and retune each string again. This is particularly true if you have just placed new strings on the guitar or if the guitar was significantly out of tune to begin with. Each subsequent tuning iteration is quicker than the last since you are closer to the correct pitch than when starting the process.

What are some alternative guitar tunings?

There are many alternative guitar tunings that can be used to create unique sounds and open up new creative possibilities for guitar players. Here are some examples of alternative guitar tunings:

Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D): used by many blues and rock guitarists, including Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.

DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D): a popular tuning for Celtic and folk music.

Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D): used by many slide guitar players.

Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E): a popular tuning for heavy metal and hard rock music.

Open C Tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E): used by some acoustic guitarists for a fuller and richer sound.

Standard tuning with a capo: changing the position of the capo allows for playing in different keys and using different chord shapes.

These are just a few examples of alternative guitar tunings, but there are many others to explore and experiment with.

What is DADGAD Tuning?

DADGAD tuning is a non-standard tuning for the guitar that has gained popularity among traditional and contemporary musicians. It involves tuning the guitar strings to the pitches D, A, D, G, A, and D, starting from the lowest-pitched string. DADGAD tuning is known for its versatility and ability to create unique tonal colors, particularly in modal playing styles. It can also be relatively easy to learn for players of all skill levels, making it a valuable tool for exploring different musical genres. However, it may require some adjustment to playing style and learning new chord shapes and fingerings.

What is Drop D Tuning?

Drop D tuning is a popular alternative tuning for the guitar that involves tuning the lowest-pitched string, typically an E, down one whole step to a D. This creates a lower, heavier sound and allows for the creation of power chords with just one finger. Drop D tuning is widely used in rock, metal, and punk music and is often associated with a darker, more aggressive sound. It can also be useful for players looking to extend their range and explore new musical territory, while still maintaining the familiarity of standard guitar tuning.

What is Double Drop D Tuning?

Double drop D tuning is an alternative tuning for the guitar that involves tuning both the lowest-pitched and highest-pitched strings down one whole step to D, while leaving the middle four strings in standard tuning. This creates a unique tonal palette that combines the deep, rich sound of a lowered bass string with the bright, open sound of standard tuning on the middle strings. Double drop D tuning is used in a variety of musical genres, including folk, rock, and blues, and can be a powerful tool for songwriters looking to create new sounds and explore different tonal possibilities on the guitar.

What is Eb Standard Tuning?

Eb standard tuning, also known as half-step down tuning, is an alternative tuning for the guitar that involves tuning all six strings down by a half step, so that the notes become Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, and Eb, respectively. This tuning creates a darker, deeper sound and can be useful for guitarists looking to match the tonal range of certain vocalists or to play in keys that may be more comfortable or sound better in lower tunings. Eb standard tuning is commonly used in blues, rock, and metal music, and can be a powerful tool for songwriters looking to explore new tonal possibilities on the guitar.

What is Open D Tuning?

Open D tuning is an alternative tuning for the guitar that involves tuning the strings to a specific chord, in this case the D major chord, with the low string tuned down to a D note. This creates an open and resonant sound that allows for rich, full chords to be played with minimal effort. Open D tuning is commonly used in blues, folk, and slide guitar playing, and can be a great tool for creating unique and evocative sounds on the guitar. Because the strings are tuned to a specific chord, it can also make it easier for players to experiment with chord progressions and harmonies.

What is D Standard Tuning?

D standard tuning, also known as whole-step down tuning, is an alternative tuning for the guitar that involves tuning all six strings down by a whole step, so that the notes become D, G, C, F, A, and D, respectively. This tuning creates a lower, heavier sound and can be useful for guitarists looking to play in lower keys or to match the tonal range of certain vocalists. D standard tuning is commonly used in heavy metal and hard rock music and can be a powerful tool for songwriters looking to explore new tonal possibilities on the guitar while retaining the familiar chord shapes of standard tuning.

How often should I tune my guitar?

Most guitar players recommend tuning your guitar every time you play. Guitars are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and playing can also cause the strings to go out of tune.

How do I know if my guitar is in tune?

The easiest way to tell if your guitar is in tune is by using an electronic tuner or tuner app. You could also use a reference pitch from another instrument that is in tune.

Why does my guitar keep going out of tune?

There are several reasons why a guitar may go out of tune, including changes in temperature and humidity, playing style, and the quality of the strings. Using high-quality strings, stretching the strings properly, and keeping your guitar in a stable environment can help prevent tuning issues. Other factors that could lead the guitar going out of tune include the quality of the hardware such as the machine heads (tuners), the bridge hardware and the nut.

What is Intonation?

Intonation is an important aspect of guitar tuning that relates to the accuracy of the pitch produced by the instrument at different positions on the fretboard. The guitar's intonation can be affected by a variety of factors, including the quality of the instrument, the gauge and type of strings, and the guitar's setup.

When a guitar is in tune, the open strings will produce the correct pitch when played. However, as you move up the fretboard, the pitch produced by the guitar can start to deviate from the desired pitch. This is due to the fact that the length of the string between the bridge and the nut changes as you play different notes on the fretboard. As a result, the pitch produced by the string can be slightly sharp or flat, even when the string is in tune.

To correct this issue, the guitar's intonation can be adjusted by altering the length of the string between the bridge and the nut. This is typically done by adjusting the position of the bridge saddles or the nut to compensate for the changes in string length as you play different notes on the fretboard.

Proper intonation is crucial for achieving a clear and accurate tone on the guitar, particularly when playing chords or lead lines. Poor intonation can result in a guitar that sounds out of tune or off-key, even if the open strings are perfectly in tune. By adjusting the intonation of a guitar, players can ensure that their instrument produces accurate and pleasing tones across the entire range of the fretboard.

What is a Tuner?

A tuner detects the pitch of a note played by a musical instrument. A tuner will typically use a display to show you if your note is sharp or flat compared to the nearest musical note. Tuners most often use a microphone to detect the sound produced by the instrument but there are other types of tuner described below.

Types of Guitar Tuner

When it comes to tuning a guitar, there are several different types of guitar tuners available on the market. One of the most common types of guitar tuners is the clip-on tuner, which attaches to the headstock of the guitar and uses vibrations to detect the pitch of the strings. Pedal tuners are another popular type of guitar tuner, which are typically used by electric guitar players and can be incorporated into a pedalboard setup. Other types of guitar tuners include rackmount tuners, which are designed for use in a professional recording studio or stage setup, and mobile apps that use the microphone on your smartphone to detect pitch. Choosing the right type of guitar tuner depends on your personal preference, budget, and the type of guitar you play.

Perfect Tuning Hacks - 5 Tips and Tricks

Use a high-quality tuner: While tuning by ear can be a valuable skill, using a high-quality tuner can make the process much quicker and easier. Tuners are available in various styles, including clip-on, pedal, and mobile app versions. Choose a tuner that suits your needs and budget, and make sure to calibrate it properly before use.

Stretch your strings: Strings can stretch over time and usage, which can cause them to go out of tune quickly. To prevent this, stretch your strings before tuning by pulling each string up and away from the fretboard gently. This process can also help your strings stay in tune for longer periods.

Tune up to pitch: Always tune your guitar up to pitch, rather than down. Tuning down can cause your strings to lose tension and become too loose, which can result in a dull and muted sound.

Fine-tune your intonation: Even with precise tuning, your guitar may not sound perfect in every position on the fretboard. This is due to the nature of the instrument and is known as intonation. Fine-tuning your intonation using a tuner can help your guitar sound better and stay in tune longer.

Check your tuning regularly: Even the slightest changes in temperature and humidity can affect the tuning of your guitar. Make it a habit to check your tuning regularly and make adjustments as necessary. This can prevent your guitar from sounding off during a performance or recording session. By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfect guitar tuning and enhance your playing experience.