How to Tune a Guitar
Updated Nov 10, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To tune a guitar, clip a tuner to the headstock and tune each string to standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E, from the thickest string to the thinnest. Pluck one string at a time and turn its tuning peg until the tuner shows the note, move to the next string and recheck them all at the end.
Clip the tuner to the headstock
Clip the tuner to the headstock so its display faces you. A clip-on tuner reads the vibration of the string through the wood, so it works even when the room is noisy. Turn the tuner on and check that the display lights up before you pluck a string.
Tune the low E string first
Pluck the thickest string, low E, and look at the tuner display. If the note shows flat, tighten the tuning peg a little; if it shows sharp, loosen the peg a little, then bring the pitch up to E. Small turns move the pitch less than big ones, so adjust slowly and pluck again after each turn.
Work through the strings in order
After low E, tune A, then D, G, B and high E, one string at a time. Each string has its own tuning peg, so follow the pegs in the same order as the strings. Mute the other strings while you pluck the one you are tuning, so the tuner reads only that string.
Recheck every string at the end
Play through all the strings again after the last one is in tune. Turning one peg can shift the neck and move the other strings slightly, so a string that was in tune may need a small adjustment. Repeat the pass until each string holds its note.
Match the reference pitch to the room
Leave the reference pitch at A440 unless you are tuning to another instrument. If you tune with a piano or another player, match the reference pitch they use before you start. A tuner set to a different reference pitch will still show the right note names, but the guitar will sound out of tune with the other instrument.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a chromatic mode and an octave display, plus a calibration range of 430-450 Hz.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A clip-on chromatic tuner with a high resolution display that rotates 360 degrees.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a super bright screen and pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which string is which?
The strings run from low E to high E: E, A, D, G, B, E. The thickest string is low E and the thinnest is high E.
Should I tune up or down to the note?
Tune up to the note from below. Loosen the string slightly, then tighten the peg until the tuner shows the note, so the string ends under steady tension.
Why does my guitar go out of tune?
Strings settle as they stretch, and changes in temperature and humidity move the wood and the strings. Tune again before you play, and recheck the strings after a few songs.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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