Use This Free Online Guitar Tuner to Ensure You’re in Tune!
The easiest way to instantly improve your playing is simple: make sure you’re in tune! Make it a habit to always use a tuner before you start playing anything.
This doesn’t just mean tuning the guitar to itself — it means being perfectly in tune at 440Hz.
Only a proper tuner can get you there. That way, when you play with someone else — especially a keyboard player — you’ll automatically be in tune with them.
Also, when you play along with my videos, I’ve used a tuner, so all you have to do is the same.
When it comes to tuners that use a microphone, like the one you’ll find above, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Laptop or computer microphones don’t tend to work very well. For best results, use your mobile phone. Place it in the waist area of your acoustic guitar and open the tuner on your phone.
This works best because it resembles a clip-on tuner — you need contact with the guitar body for optimal accuracy.
Make sure to allow the app to access your phone’s microphone so it can function properly.
The big advantage of using this tuner over a clip-on is that you probably always have your phone with you. Clip-ons, on the other hand, seem to run out of battery just when you need them most.
If your guitar has a built-in microphone, or if you’re playing electric and need to mute and tune on stage, I recommend getting a proper stompbox-style tuner.
There are countless tuners out there, but after extensive research, I’ve found one that stands out: the TC Electronic Polytune.
Staying in Tune
Getting in tune using a proper tuner is a great first step — but it won’t help much if your guitar doesn’t actually stay in tune.
To make sure you stay in tune, you need to do two things:
- String your guitar properly
- Stretch your strings in
Let’s start with how to string your guitar properly.
Begin by removing the strings. Some people suggest changing one string at a time to avoid neck tension shifts and to speed up tuning afterwards.
Personally, I prefer removing all the strings at once — that way, you can clean the fretboard properly before fitting new ones.
Secure each string to the bridge. How you do this depends on the guitar brand and model, but it’s usually straightforward.
Next, align the tuning pegs with the nut slots and pull the 6th string through the hole in its peg. Decide how much slack you want — a couple of inches or less is usually enough.
Bend the string around the peg and tuck it underneath itself where it enters the hole.
Give it a firm upward bend to lock it in place, then hold it there as you begin tuning.
Use the tuner app above to bring the string to pitch.
Make sure the windings go downwards from the top of the peg — the string should not loop over itself. Aim for two to three clean wraps around the peg.
Once in tune, stretch the string by pulling it gently upward. New strings detune easily, so stretching helps stabilise them.
After stretching, tune again. Repeat this process until the string stops going out of tune.
Then, move on to the remaining five strings.
Once all six are on, play a few chords, bend each string while playing a few licks, stretch them again, and keep re-tuning.
Once you’ve done this a few times, the whole process will take no more than ten minutes.
440 Hz vs 432 Hz
The tuner above allows you to change the reference pitch from 440 Hz (Concert A) to any desired frequency.
Some claim that tuning to 432 Hz taps into the “magical frequency of the universe,” unlocking healing properties and a more harmonious sound.
There are even videos showing sand forming more aesthetically pleasing shapes when exposed to 432 Hz compared to 440 Hz.
However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that most reliable sources agree: as long as you’re in tune, you’re good to go!
One final note for electric players — if you need to quickly tune down to Eb or even D, it’s often easier to stay in standard tuning and use a Digitech Drop pedal. It gets the job done instantly and is ideal when you only need to drop for a song or two.
Online Guitar Tuner | Related Tools
Chordacus
Spytunes’ chords, scale, and arpeggio software, Chordacus, is a refined take on the classic CAGED system. It visually maps out the fretboard in a way that makes understanding music theory much more intuitive for guitarists.
It’s now available in two versions: chromatic (the original), and a newer, key-specific version developed with help from a Spytunes student. Both offer a clear view of how chords and scales connect across the neck.
Digitech drop pedal
The Digitech Drop pedal is a working guitarist’s secret weapon. When someone suddenly asks you to change the key of a song—or do something equally impossible—you’ll be ready.
Use it to shift your tuning without touching the tuners. It’s perfect for last-minute key changes or as a substitute for bringing an extra guitar tuned down a half step for just one or two songs.
Tap Tempo Metronome
The Spytunes Tap Tempo Metronome is ideal for getting your practice sessions in order. Whether you’re working through exercises or full songs, it helps you stay organised and on track.
You can either manually enter a tempo or tap it in. It also allows you to add accents, making it easier to master more complex rhythmic patterns as you progress.