Instrument Tuning Guide: Comprehensive Tuning Reference
Master guide to tuning any instrument. Learn standard pitches, alternate tunings, and troubleshooting for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, and more.
Every musician—from the bedroom strummer to the concert soloist—needs to stay in tune. This master guide covers the standard tunings, frequencies, and best practices for the most common stringed instruments.
Chromatic Tuner
Tune any instrument with real-time pitch detection
Tips for accurate tuning:
- Play one string at a time, let it ring clearly
- Tune in a quiet environment for best results
- The needle should be centered (green) when in tune
- Flat (♭) means too low, sharp (♯) means too high
Quick Tuning Reference Chart
| Instrument | String 1 (High) | String 2 | String 3 | String 4 | String 5 | String 6 (Low) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar | E4 (329.6 Hz) | B3 | G3 | D3 | A2 | E2 (82.4 Hz) |
| Bass (4-Str) | G2 (98.0 Hz) | D2 | A1 | E1 (41.2 Hz) | - | - |
| Ukulele (Sop) | A4 (440.0 Hz) | E4 | C4 | G4 (392.0 Hz) | - | - |
| Violin | E5 (659.2 Hz) | A4 | D4 | G3 (196.0 Hz) | - | - |
| Mandolin | E5 | A4 | D4 | G3 | - | - |
| Banjo (5-Str) | D4 (293.6 Hz) | B3 | G3 | D3 | G4 (392.0 Hz) | - |
Tuning 101: The Basics
Concert Pitch (A440)
The global standard for tuning is A4 = 440 Hz. This means the A note above middle C vibrates 440 times per second. Whether you play in a rock band or a symphony orchestra, everyone tunes to this reference point so they sound good together.
How to Tune Effectively
- Tune Up, Not Down: If a string is sharp (too high), loosen it until it is flat (too low), and then tighten it up to the correct pitch. This ensures the gear in the tuning machine holds tension properly.
- Stretch New Strings: Fresh strings slip. After putting them on, tug them gently away from the fretboard, retune, and repeat until they stabilize.
- Use Harmonics: For instruments like guitar and bass, the 12th fret harmonic (lightly touching the string) produces a pure tone that is often easier for electronic tuners to detect than the open string buzz.
Instrument-Specific Guides
We have dedicated tools and guides for each instrument:
- Guitar Tuner – Standard, Drop D, Open G, and more.
- Bass Tuner – Low frequency optimized for 4, 5, and 6 strings.
- Ukulele Tuner – GCEA and Baritone settings.
- Violin Tuner – Precise fifths for violin family.
- Mandolin Tuner – Tuning courses (pairs).
- Banjo Tuner – Open G and clawhammer tunings.
Alternate Tunings Explained
Drop Tunings (Guitar/Bass)
Used in rock and metal to make "power chords" easier and reach lower notes.
- Drop D: Lower the E string to D.
- Drop C: Tune the whole guitar down one step (D Standard), then drop the low string to C.
Open Tunings (Guitar/Banjo)
Used for slide guitar and folk music. The instrument plays a major chord when strummed open.
- Open G: D-G-D-G-B-D (Keith Richards' favorite).
- Open D: D-A-D-F#-A-D.
Modal Tunings (Celtic/Folk)
- DADGAD: Popular in Irish music. It has an ambiguous, "suspended" sound because it lacks a major or minor third.
Troubleshooting
"My intonation is off"
If your open strings are perfectly in tune, but the instrument sounds bad when you play high up the neck, your intonation needs adjustment. This usually involves moving the bridge saddle forward or backward to change the vibrating length of the string.
"Pegs keep slipping"
- Guitar/Bass: Tighten the screw on the button of the tuning machine.
- Violin/Banjo: Push the friction peg inward as you turn it to lock it in place. Chalk or peg drops can add grip.
Related Tools
- Hz to Note Converter – Check any frequency.
- Online Tuner – Chromatic mode for non-standard pitch.
- Metronome – Now that you're in tune, get in time.