Reference pitch
A4 440 Hz
-50+50
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Start the microphone and play one clear open string.
Play a note
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Choose an instrument and tuning, then start the microphone.
Microphone audio is analyzed locally in this browser.

What Is an Online Guitar Tuner?

A guitar tuner compares each open string with its target pitch and shows whether the string is flat, sharp, or in tune. Standard 6-string tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from the lowest string to the highest.

The target setup on this page is E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4.

Live microphone detection

Pitch analysis runs continuously in the browser and displays the nearest target, frequency, and cents difference.

Visual pitch direction

The tuner shows whether the current note needs to move up, move down, or is within the in-tune range.

Reference notes

Select a visible target to hear a clean reference pitch when you want to compare the instrument by ear.

Private browser processing

Microphone samples are analyzed locally and are not uploaded as an audio recording.

How to Use the Guitar Tuner

Tune in a quiet room and play only one clear note or open string at a time.

  1. 1

    Choose the tuning

    Start with E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4. Available alternatives include Drop D, Drop C, D Standard, half step down, open tunings, and modal tunings.

  2. 2

    Start the microphone

    Allow microphone access, keep the instrument close enough for a clean signal, and avoid other sustained sounds.

  3. 3

    Play one target

    Play one open string and let it sustain while the tuner selects or follows its target.

  4. 4

    Adjust and recheck

    Move gradually toward the center, then repeat every target because changing one string can slightly affect the others.

When to Use the Guitar Tuner

Use the dedicated preset when the target notes and physical string order matter more than a general chromatic reading.

Daily practice

Check all six strings before scales, chords, recording, rehearsal, or a lesson.

Acoustic and electric guitar

Use a device microphone for acoustic guitar or place an unplugged electric guitar close to the microphone.

Alternate tunings

Switch from Standard to Drop D, Drop C, Open G, Open D, D Standard, and other included presets.

Reference-pitch matching

Adjust A4 from 430 Hz to 450 Hz when an ensemble, recording, or instrument uses a reference other than 440 Hz.

Guitar Tuner vs. Chromatic Tuner

Both use the same pitch detector, but they organize targets differently.

Guitar Tuner presetChromatic mode
TargetsE2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4All twelve semitones
Visual layoutInstrument-specific pegs and stringsDetected note and cents
Best forGuitar TunerCustom tunings and other pitched instruments
Tuning choiceDrop D, Drop C, D Standard, half step down, open tunings, and modal tuningsNo instrument tuning required

A dedicated preset is easier when you want the correct string order. Chromatic mode is more flexible when you already know the target note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this guitar tuner free?

Yes. It runs in a supported browser without requiring an account or installing a tuning app.

The default targets are E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4.

Yes. Allow microphone permission, keep the device near the instrument, and play in a quiet place for a more stable reading.

One semitone contains 100 cents. A negative reading is flat, a positive reading is sharp, and a value close to zero is in tune.

Other strings, room noise, overtones, and a hard attack can compete with the fundamental. Mute unused strings and read the note after it settles.

No. Live microphone analysis stays in the browser and the tuner does not create or upload an audio recording.