How to Tune a 4 String Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Tune a 4 string guitar to E A D G, from the lowest string to the highest. Clip a chromatic tuner to the headstock, pluck a string, and turn its tuning peg until the display shows the note. Work through the strings in order, then go through them again, since tightening a string can pull the others out of tune.
Clip a chromatic tuner to the headstock
Attach the tuner to the headstock so the display faces you and the clip holds firm. Switch the tuner on and set it to chromatic mode, which reads any note rather than a fixed set of guitar notes. Pluck the lowest string and watch the display as the note sounds.
Tune the lowest string to E
Pluck the lowest string and look at the note the tuner shows. Turn the tuning peg for that string until the display reads E, then pluck the string again to confirm the reading holds. If the display shows a flat or sharp marker, keep turning the peg in small amounts until the marker sits in the center.
Tune the remaining strings to A, D, G
Repeat the same steps for the next string, aiming for A, then D, then G on the highest string. Pluck each string on its own so the tuner reads a single note at a time. Work from the lowest string toward the highest string so the tension changes in order.
Check each string again after tuning
Go through the strings in order once more and look at the tuner reading for each one. Tightening a string can pull the others slightly out of tune, so a string that read correctly a moment ago may need a small adjustment now. Repeat the check until each string reads its target note.
Retune when strings no longer hold pitch
Strings drift out of tune with playing and with changes in temperature and humidity, so check the tuning before each session. Replace a string that no longer holds tune, shows rust or discoloration, or feels rough under your fingers. Ask a repair shop about any string or tuning problem you cannot fix with the pegs.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a chromatic mode and an octave display, so it reads guitar, bass and ukulele while showing which octave you are in.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A chromatic tuner with a high resolution display that rotates 360 degrees, so the readout stays visible from any angle.
- 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 that keeps room noise out for easier tuning.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What notes do I tune a 4 string guitar to?
Tune the strings to E A D G, from the lowest string to the highest. A chromatic tuner set to A440 reads each note as you pluck the string and turn the peg.
Can I tune a 4 string guitar without a tuner?
A clip-on tuner gives the most reliable reading for a new player. Without one, match each string to a known pitch from a piano or another tuned instrument, then check the result with a tuner when you can.
How often should I check the tuning?
Check the tuning before each session and whenever a string sounds off. Strings that no longer hold tune, show rust or discoloration, or feel rough are signs a string needs replacing.
Do I need a special tuner for a 4 string guitar?
Any chromatic tuner works, since chromatic mode reads any note. A clip-on tuner attaches to the headstock, which keeps it close to the strings while you tune.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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