How to Tune a Classical Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Tune a classical guitar to standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E, from the low string to the high string. Clip a chromatic tuner to the headstock, pluck each string and turn its peg until the tuner reads the right note. Check each string again after the round, since a string can shift as you tune the rest.
Start from the low E string
Work through the strings in order, starting with the low E string. Pluck the string and read the note on the tuner, then turn the peg until the tuner reads E. Move to the next string only when the first one reads its note.
Tune each string to its note
The strings read E, A, D, G, B, E from low to high. Pluck each string, watch the tuner and turn the peg until it reads the right note. If a string reads sharp, loosen it below the note and bring it back up, so it holds its pitch.
Tune up to the note
If a string reads sharp, loosen it below the target note, then tighten it back up to the note. Tuning up to the note keeps the string at pitch. Check the string again after you move to the next string.
Use a clip-on tuner on the headstock
Clip the tuner to the headstock and watch the display as you turn each peg. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so it shows E, A, D, G, B and E as you tune. If the tuner has a calibration setting, leave it at A440 unless you have a reason to change it.
Check every string again after tuning
Tuning one string changes the pull on the neck, so a string tuned early in the round can drift as you tune the rest. Go through the strings again and adjust any note that has moved. When each string reads its note on the tuner, the guitar is in tune.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A USB rechargeable clip-on tuner with a chromatic mode, an octave display and vibration-based pitch detection, so it reads pitch in a noisy room.
- 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, 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 a bright screen, pitch calibration and an anechoic sound shield that keeps room noise out.
- 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 you tune a classical guitar to?
Standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E, from the low string to the high string.
Do I need a chromatic tuner for a classical guitar?
A chromatic tuner reads any note, so it shows E, A, D, G, B and E as you tune each string. The KLIQ and the Snark SIL-RED list chromatic mode.
Can I tune a classical guitar without a tuner?
You can tune by ear, but a clip-on tuner is more direct: it reads the pitch of each string as you turn the peg. The KLIQ reads pitch from vibration, so background noise does not affect it.
What if a string reads sharp?
Loosen the string until the tuner reads below the target note, then tighten it back up to the note. Tuning up to the note keeps the string at pitch.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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