How to Tune a Guitar Online
Standard guitar tuning is E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, written EADGBe (the lowercase e is the high string). Our online guitar tuner detects whichever string you play and shows how far off pitch you are.
Click a string letter to hear the reference tone, then play that string on your guitar and turn the tuning peg until the needle centres. Repeat for each string.
Tune Up vs Tune Down
Always finish by tuning UP to the correct pitch. Strings have backlash in the tuning machine; tuning down leaves slack that slowly returns to flat once you play. Tune up firmly and your string holds pitch better.
If a string is currently sharp, intentionally drop it below pitch, then tune up.
Order of Tuning the Strings
Tune from low to high (E → A → D → G → B → e). Tuning one string changes the neck tension slightly, which can affect neighbours. After all six strings, check the low E again: small adjustments to it may have nudged the others.
Common Guitar Tuning Problems
Sharp after open tune: your guitar's intonation may be off. The open string is in tune but fretted notes drift. Adjust the saddle position at the bridge.
String slips during play: the string isn't wound enough on the tuning post. Restring with 2–3 wraps around the post for better hold.
Keeps going flat: brand new strings stretch for the first few hours of play. Stretch each new string by lifting it gently away from the fretboard several times after install.
Alternate Tunings
Once you're comfortable with standard, explore alternate tunings. Drop D drops the low E to D for heavier riffs and easier power chords. Open G (DGDGBD) is famous from Keith Richards and slide blues. DADGAD is a Celtic/folk staple. See our Alternate Tunings page for all 10 supported tunings.