Reference tone tuner

Tune by ear: every string of any tuning played on a real guitar sound, once or on a loop.

Before electronic tuners, guitarists tuned by ear against a reference note, and it is still one of the best ways to train your hearing. This page plays each string of your chosen tuning on a real guitar sound so you can match it on your own guitar, no microphone needed.

Tap a string to hear it. Choose Repeat this string and the note keeps coming back every few seconds while both hands stay on the guitar, or All strings in turn to cycle through the whole set. Strum open strings plays every string together, so you can hear what the tuning should sound like when it is right.

As you get close, listen for a slow wobble or beat between your string and the reference. The wobble gets slower as the two notes get closer and stops when they match. That wobble is the most precise tuning signal there is, and learning to hear it pays off for the rest of your playing life.

Every tuning from the alternate tunings tuner is here, along with bass tunings and any tuning you have saved. You can shift the reference an octave up or down, set a capo, change the time between notes, or change the reference pitch from A = 440 Hz.

How to use it

  1. Pick your tuning (standard is already selected).
  2. Tap the string you want to tune. Choose Repeat this string to keep it playing.
  3. Pluck the same string on your guitar and listen to both together.
  4. Turn the peg until the wobble between the two sounds slows down and stops.
  5. Move to the next string, or use All strings in turn.

Common questions

Is tuning by ear accurate?

Very, once you learn to hear the wobble (beating) between two close notes. Many players tune by ear and then check with the mic tuner.

Which sound should I choose?

Pick the guitar sound closest to yours, so the reference blends with your string. Nylon for a classical guitar, acoustic steel for most acoustics.

Why is there an octave setting?

Some ears find it easier to match a note an octave higher. The higher tone also cuts through better on a phone speaker.

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