How to Tune a 7-String Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A 7-string guitar tunes to B E A D G B E: the low B sits below the E A D G B E of a 6-string guitar. Start with the low B, then the other six strings. A chromatic tuner reads each string, and a tuner that lists 7-string support shows the low B note.
Set the tuner to chromatic mode
Chromatic mode reads any note, so it shows B for the low B string instead of expecting the six notes of a standard guitar. Guitar mode on some tuners also covers 7-string guitars, and the BOSS TU-3 lists support for 7-string guitars. If the tuner offers a calibration setting, leave it at A440 unless the other instruments you play with use a different reference. Clip the tuner to the headstock or plug the guitar into a pedal tuner before you start.
Start with the low B string
Pluck the low B string and watch the tuner display. Turn the tuning peg in small moves until the display shows B and the needle or strobe settles in the middle. If the string reads sharp, loosen it below the note and bring it back up. A string that sits at B on the tuner and holds still after a pluck is in tune.
Tune the other six strings in order
Work from the low E up through A, D, G, B and high E, plucking each string and turning its peg until the tuner shows the right note. Pluck the string again after each adjustment so the tuner reads the settled note. Leave the low B alone while you work through the other strings, and come back to it at the end.
Check every string again after tuning
Tuning one string changes the pull on the neck, so a string that was in tune can drift while you tune the next one. Go through all seven strings again and adjust any that moved off its note. If a string keeps drifting, pluck it and let it settle before you adjust the peg again. New strings need more passes before they hold tune.
What you need
Peterson StroboClip HD Clip-On Guitar Tuner
A chromatic strobe tuner with ±0.1 cent accuracy that reads the low B on 7-string and 8-string electric guitars, with an HD backlit display and 50+ Sweetened Tuning presets.
- Chromatic mode
- Accuracy: 0.1 cents
- Tuner type: Clip-On
- 2-year warranty stated
BOSS TU-3 Compact Chromatic Tuner Industry-Standard Performance
A chromatic pedal tuner with a 21-segment LED meter and guitar mode for 7-string guitars, plus a flat mode for drop tunings up to six semitones below standard pitch.
- Chromatic mode
- 90-day warranty stated
EX GEAR EX-GEAR Large LCD Screen Guitar Tuner Clip
A clip-on tuner with a large LCD screen and a vibration sensor for guitar, bass and ukulele, covering A0 to C8 with calibration from 430 to 450 Hz.
- Chromatic mode
- Tuner type: Clip On
These come from our ranked list Best 7 String Guitar Tuner, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What notes does a 7-string guitar tune to?
A 7-string guitar tunes to B E A D G B E, low to high. The low B sits below the E A D G B E of a 6-string guitar, and the other six strings follow the same notes as a standard guitar.
Can a standard guitar tuner tune a 7-string guitar?
A chromatic tuner can, since it reads any note and shows B for the low string. A tuner with a guitar mode needs 7-string support, and the BOSS TU-3 lists support for 7-string guitars. A clip-on tuner that reads by vibration works on an electric guitar without a cable.
Why does my 7-string guitar keep going out of tune?
Tuning one string changes the pull on the neck, so other strings drift while you work through them. New strings stretch and need more passes before they hold tune. Check each string again after tuning and adjust any that moved.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
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