8 Best Online Guitar Tuners

Ever been in the middle of a jam session, only to realize your guitar sounds more like a wailing cat than a rock god’s axe? Well, thanks to the wonders of the internet, there’s no need to carry around bulky tuning devices or break the bank to stay in tune.

The digital age has gifted us with a plethora of online guitar tuners, and guess what? We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch for you:

1. Fender’s Online Guitar Tuner

Let’s start with the big guns. Fender, the brand synonymous with iconic guitars, has its own online tuner. It offers both manual and auto-tuning modes. Plus, you can tune for various instruments, from your regular 6-string to bass and even ukulele!

Features:

• Auto-tune through your microphone.
• Manual mode for tuning by ear.
• Multiple tuning options (Standard, Drop D, Open G, and more).

2. GuitarTuna: The App-based Wonder

Don’t be fooled by the punny name! GuitarTuna is a precise, easy-to-use app available for both iOS and Android. The interface is user-friendly, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Features:

• Chromatic tuner.
• Offers tuning for various instruments, not just guitars.
• Includes a library of chords and learning tools.

3. ProGuitar Tuner

A favorite among many guitarists, ProGuitar’s online tuner is a versatile tool. The website features a detailed interface that mimics an actual tuner, and the response is quick.

Features:

• Microphone-based auto tuning.
• Displays exact Hz values for precision tuning.
• Manual mode is available for those who prefer the traditional way.

4. 123 Guitar Tuners

A quirky website with a plethora of tuning options. From the regular tunings to the more exotic ones, 123 Guitar Tuners has got you covered.

Features:

• Multiple tuning presets.
• Offers tuning not just for guitars but also for other stringed instruments.
• Audio-based manual tuning.

5. Pano Tuner for iOS & Android

This app-based tuner is a favorite among many. It listens to the sound you make and shows you the pitch. It’s got a fast response, and you can tune your guitar based on the pitch you want.

Features:

• Wide range of pitch sensors.
• Can tune various instruments, from guitars to woodwinds.
• Customize the root based on your preference.

6. Gieson Interactive’s Tuner

An online platform that’s great for those who want a visual representation. It comes with an animated fretboard, making tuning a breeze, especially for the newbies.

Features:

• Animated guitar fretboard.
• Ability to play notes manually or automatically.
• Different tuning setups including Open D, Open G, and Half Step Down.

7. BOSS Tuner App

From the household name that brought us some of the best guitar pedals, BOSS offers a tuning app that’s both reliable and precise.

Features:

• Accurate tuning.
• Supports horizontal and vertical screen modes.
• A tuning range of C0 (16.35 Hz) to C8 (4186.01 Hz).

8. Pitched Tuner

An app-based solution that’s versatile for both string and wind instruments. It boasts a simple, intuitive interface, but under the hood, it’s a powerful tuning tool.

Features:

• Works for a broad spectrum of instruments.
• Advanced mode for professionals, and easy mode for quick tunings.
• Offers a visual pitch pointer to guide your tuning.

A Few More Tuning Nuggets:

• Environment Matters: Always try to tune in a quiet place. External noises can interfere with the tuner’s ability to pick up your guitar’s sound.
• Go Slow: When adjusting the tuning pegs, make small turns. It’s easy to overshoot the desired pitch if you’re too hasty.
• Warm-Up: Your strings need a bit of a warm-up. Play for a few minutes before you tune-up, especially if the guitar has been lying dormant.
• Trust Your Ears: Even if you’re using an online tuner, it’s always good to train your ears. Try to match the sounds.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your guitar clean, and change the strings as needed. A well-maintained guitar holds its tuning better.
• Stay Updated: Online tools evolve. Regularly check for updates or newer versions if you’re using an app.