Free Online Guitar Tuner

How to Tune Your Guitar Online

1. Click Start and allow microphone access when your browser prompts you.
2. Click one of the six string buttons (E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4) to select the string you want to tune.
3. Play the open string on your guitar near your device's microphone.
4. Watch the gauge — adjust the tuning peg until the needle centers and the display turns green.
5. Click the next string button and repeat until all strings are tuned.

For best results, tune in a quiet room and hold your guitar close to the microphone. Always tune up to the note — if the string is sharp, loosen it below the target pitch and then tune back up. This reduces string slippage at the tuning peg.

Standard Guitar Tuning (E A D G B E)

Standard tuning is the most common tuning for six-string guitars. From the thickest string (6th) to the thinnest (1st), the open string notes and their frequencies are:

These frequencies are based on A4 = 440 Hz, the international standard pitch (ISO 16). You can adjust the reference pitch using the A4 setting in the tuner above.

Alternative Guitar Tunings

Beyond standard tuning, guitarists use alternate tunings to access different chord voicings, heavier riffs, and unique sonic textures. This tuner supports the most popular alternatives:

Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E)

The 6th string is lowered one whole step from E to D. This enables single-finger power chords on the bottom three strings and delivers a heavier low end. Used extensively in rock and metal — think Foo Fighters' "Everlong," Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," and Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name."

Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D)

Strumming all open strings produces a G major chord. This is the classic tuning for blues slide guitar and was famously used by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones on tracks like "Start Me Up" and "Brown Sugar." Also popular in folk and country.

DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D)

Creates a suspended, open sound without being strictly major or minor. Originally popularized by British folk guitarist Davey Graham, DADGAD is now widely used in Celtic, fingerstyle, and world music. Jimmy Page used it for Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."

Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

Every string is tuned one semitone lower than standard. This reduces string tension for easier bending and produces a slightly darker tone. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Guns N' Roses all tuned a half step down.

How to Tune a Guitar by Ear

If you don't have a tuner handy, you can tune your guitar using the 5th-fret method:

1. Start with the 6th string (low E) — use a reference pitch or tune it as close as you can.
2. Press the 5th fret of the 6th string. This note should match the open 5th string (A).
3. Press the 5th fret of the 5th string. This should match the open 4th string (D).
4. Press the 5th fret of the 4th string. This should match the open 3rd string (G).
5. Press the 4th fret of the 3rd string. This should match the open 2nd string (B). Note: this is the only string where you use the 4th fret instead of the 5th.
6. Press the 5th fret of the 2nd string. This should match the open 1st string (high E).

This method is great for developing your ear, but using a chromatic tuner ensures accuracy, especially for recording or performing.

Guitar Tuning Tips

Why Does My Guitar Keep Going Out of Tune?

Several factors cause tuning instability: new strings that haven't been stretched, temperature and humidity changes, worn or loose tuning pegs, or a poorly cut nut that pinches the string. If your guitar won't hold tune after fresh strings, gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard, then re-tune. Repeat 3-4 times per string.

How Often Should You Tune Your Guitar?

Tune every time you pick up your guitar to play. Even well-maintained guitars drift slightly between sessions due to string tension changes and environmental factors. A quick check takes less than a minute and ensures you're always playing in tune.

New Strings and Tuning Stability

Freshly installed strings will go flat repeatedly as they stretch. This is normal. Expect 1-2 days of frequent re-tuning before new strings stabilize. Stretching them manually during installation speeds up this process.

Frequently Asked Questions