Tuner

Guitar Tuner

Mic tuning, reference tones, and common tunings.

Target

EE2

Auto target

Waiting
E2

Play

Waiting

FlatCenterSharp

Idle

Tap start tuner to begin.

Tuning

E A D G B E

The EADGBE tuning used by most chord charts and beginner lessons.

Auto follows nearest string.

Tuning tips

Keep the pitch reading steady

Use one clean pluck, let the string ring, and only lock to a string when you want to focus on a single target.

  • Tune one string at a time.
  • Use a consistent picking strength.
  • Let the note ring for a moment to stabilize.
  • Start in Auto-detect, then lock if needed.

Tuning guide

What the tuner is telling you

This tuner listens through your device microphone while the session is running. For the cleanest reading, move away from fans, conversation, and other instruments, then pluck one open string clearly and let it ring. A lighter second pluck usually reads better than repeatedly striking the string while the meter is trying to settle. If you cannot use the microphone, tap Hear under a string and match that reference tone by ear.

Standard tuning, from low E to high E

Standard tuning is E–A–D–G–B–E, moving from the thickest string to the thinnest. The two E strings share a note name but sit two octaves apart: E2 on the low string and E4 on the high string. It is the usual starting point because most beginner chord shapes, scale diagrams, method books, and song lessons assume these six pitches.

Choose Drop D when only the lowest string moves down to D, half-step down when every string drops one fret, or DADGAD for the open D–A–D–G–A–D sound. The target labels and reference tones update with the selected tuning.

Cents show how far the pitch has to move

A cent is a small unit of pitch: there are 100 cents between neighboring notes such as E and F. A negative reading means the string is flat and needs to come up; a positive reading means it is sharp and needs to come down. Aim for the meter to settle near zero rather than chasing every flicker. A freshly plucked string often starts a little sharp and relaxes as it rings.

Why a guitar drifts out of tune

Temperature and humidity move the neck and change string tension. New strings stretch; hard strumming and bends pull them around; older strings collect wear and stop vibrating evenly. Friction at the nut can also make a string jump sharp or flat after you turn the peg. Let the guitar adjust to the room, tune once, play for a minute, then make a second pass. With new strings, gently stretch each one and expect to retune several times.

When to use Auto-detect or Lock to string

Auto-detect is fastest for a normal six-string pass: pluck one open string at a time and the target follows the nearest string in the selected tuning. Use Lock to string when you are correcting one stubborn string, when background sound makes the target jump, or when a strong harmonic confuses the reading. Locking keeps the target still; it does not change the tuning itself.

If the meter never settles, confirm microphone permission, mute nearby audio, avoid fret buzz, and pluck closer to the middle of the string. You do not need headphones or special equipment—just a device with a working microphone and one clear note at a time.