How to Tune a Headless Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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You tune a headless guitar the same way as any guitar, but the tuners sit at the bridge end instead of on a headstock. Clip a chromatic tuner to the body end of the guitar, then turn the bridge tuner for each string until the tuner shows the right note in standard tuning: E A D G B E.
Clip a tuner where it can sense vibration
Clip the tuner to the body end of the guitar, near the bridge, where it can pick up vibration from the strings. Its padded clip grips without scratching the finish. A tuner that needs a microphone can struggle in noise, so a vibration-based clip-on tuner suits a headless guitar.
Set the tuner to chromatic mode
Set the tuner to chromatic mode so it reads every note you play. The KLIQ UberTuner-MAX and the Snark Silver Snark both have a chromatic mode. Set the calibration to A440, the standard reference pitch, unless you are tuning to match other instruments set differently. The KLIQ UberTuner-MAX has a calibration range of 430-450 Hz, and the Snark ST-8HPT offers pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz. Leave the setting at A440 for ordinary playing.
Tune each string at the bridge
Pluck each string in turn and watch the tuner display. If the note reads flat, turn the tuner to raise the pitch; if it reads sharp, lower it and come back up to the note. Work through the strings in order, then go back and check each string again, since changing the tension on a string can shift the others.
Check the tuning again after playing
New strings settle and go out of tune as you play, so check the tuning again after a few minutes of playing and retune any string that has moved. The KLIQ UberTuner-MAX charges over USB, so plug it in when its battery runs low instead of buying replacements. If a string will not hold its pitch at the bridge tuner, or the tuner at the bridge feels loose or damaged, ask a repair shop to look at the guitar.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a chromatic mode, an octave display, and vibration-based pitch detection that ignores background noise.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A chromatic clip-on tuner with a high resolution display that rotates 360 degrees and vulcanised rubber joints.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz and an anechoic sound shield for easier tuning in room noise.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a normal clip-on tuner on a headless guitar?
Yes. A vibration-based clip-on tuner works on a headless guitar when you clip it to the body end near the bridge, where it can sense the strings. The KLIQ UberTuner-MAX detects pitch from vibration and ignores background noise.
What tuning should a headless guitar use?
Standard tuning: E A D G B E. The tuners sit at the bridge end on a headless guitar, but the notes you tune to stay the same. Set the tuner to chromatic mode and calibrate it to A440.
Why does my headless guitar keep going out of tune?
New strings settle as you play, so check the tuning again after playing and retune any string that has moved. If a string will not hold its pitch, or the bridge tuner feels loose or damaged, ask a repair shop to look at the guitar.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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