How to Tune a Guitar for Beginners

One of the most important first skills every new guitarist must learn is how to tune a guitar. An out-of-tune guitar sounds bad even if you play the right chords. In this guide, you’ll learn the easiest ways to tune your guitar plus a free online tuner you can use right now.

🎸 Free Online Guitar Tuner

Click “Start Tuner”, allow microphone access, and pluck one string at a time. Works great on desktop and mobile.

Standard Guitar Tuning (EADGBE)

Most songs use Standard Tuning:

• 6th string (thickest) – Low E
• 5th string – A
• 4th string – D
• 3rd string – G
• 2nd string – B
• 1st string (thinnest) – High E

How to Tune Your Guitar Step-by-Step

1. Choose your method: Use the online tuner above, a clip-on tuner, or a phone app (GuitarTuna, Fender, etc.).
2. Start with the Low E string (thickest). Pluck it and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows E.
3. Tune the rest of the strings one by one: A – D – G – B – High E.
4. Tip: Always tune “up” to the note (tighten the string). This prevents the string from slipping out of tune later.

Pro Tips for Beginners

• Tune your guitar every time you pick it up.
• New strings go out of tune faster — stretch them after changing.
• Cold temperatures make guitars go flat. Warm them up before tuning.
• Learn to tune by ear later (5th fret method) for when you don’t have a tuner.

Common Questions

How often should I tune my guitar?

Every single time you play. Even professional guitars need frequent tuning.

Can I tune a guitar without a tuner?

Yes — using relative tuning (5th fret method) or a reference note from a piano or another tuned instrument.