Softonic

Guitar Tuner

Step 1 / 3 Choose tuning

Use this online guitar tuner to compare a live microphone signal against standard guitar string targets. Choose standard, Drop D, half-step-down or DADGAD tuning, adjust the A4 reference pitch, then pluck one string at a time to see the nearest target, frequency and cents offset.

How to use the guitar tuner

  1. 1

    Choose your tuning

    Pick standard E A D G B E, Drop D, half-step-down or DADGAD, then set the A4 reference pitch if your band or instrument uses something other than 440 Hz.

  2. 2

    Allow microphone access

    Start the microphone from the browser prompt. The signal is analyzed locally, so the audio never leaves your device.

  3. 3

    Tune one string at a time

    Pluck a single open string, let the reading settle, then tighten or loosen until the cents offset is near zero and the tuner shows in tune.

Guitar tuning targets and cents

Guitar tuning compares the detected pitch of a vibrating string with a target frequency. In standard tuning with A4 set to 440 Hz, the open strings are E2, A2, D3, G3, B3 and E4. The tuner reports the difference in cents, where 100 cents equals one semitone. A reading of -12 cents means the string is slightly flat and should be tuned up; +12 cents means it is sharp and should be tuned down.

Tuning 6th string 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Standard E2 82.41 Hz A2 110.00 Hz D3 146.83 Hz G3 196.00 Hz B3 246.94 Hz E4 329.63 Hz
Drop D D2 73.42 Hz A2 110.00 Hz D3 146.83 Hz G3 196.00 Hz B3 246.94 Hz E4 329.63 Hz
Half step down Eb2 77.78 Hz Ab2 103.83 Hz Db3 138.59 Hz Gb3 185.00 Hz Bb3 233.08 Hz Eb4 311.13 Hz
DADGAD D2 73.42 Hz A2 110.00 Hz D3 146.83 Hz G3 196.00 Hz A3 220.00 Hz D4 293.66 Hz

For the cleanest reading, mute the other strings, pluck near the neck with a steady attack and wait for the needle to settle. Laptop microphones sometimes emphasize harmonics, especially on low E or Drop D. If the automatic string detection jumps between targets, select the string manually and lower background noise.

The reference pitch changes every target frequency. For example, if A4 is set to 432 Hz, the A2 string target becomes 108 Hz instead of 110 Hz. That is useful for older instruments, ensemble work or recordings that are intentionally tuned away from 440 Hz.

This tuner uses the microphone only inside your browser through Web Audio. It does not upload, store or stream your playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cents measure tiny pitch differences. Negative cents mean the string is flat and should be tightened. Positive cents mean the string is sharp and should be loosened. A reading within about 5 cents is close enough for most practice.

The tuner includes standard E A D G B E, Drop D, half-step-down and DADGAD. The A4 reference pitch can also be changed from 400 to 480 Hz.

Background noise, sympathetic string vibration and strong harmonics can confuse automatic detection. Mute unused strings, pluck one open string clearly or select the string manually.

No. The microphone signal is analyzed locally in the browser with Web Audio. The tool does not upload, save or send your audio to the server.

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