Free Online Tuner: Chromatic Instrument Tuner (Microphone)
Tune any instrument with our free online chromatic tuner. Uses your microphone for real-time pitch detection. Accurate for guitar, violin, ukulele, and voice.
Tune any instrument instantly with our free online chromatic tuner. This tool uses your device's microphone to detect pitch in real-time, helping you tune your guitar, ukulele, violin, or voice with professional accuracy.
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
How to Use the Online Tuner
- Enable Microphone: Click "Start" and allow microphone access when prompted by your browser.
- Play a Note: Pluck a string or play a single steady note on your instrument.
- Read the Display:
- The Note: The large letter shows the note you are playing (e.g., A, C#, G).
- The Needle: If the needle leans left, you are flat (too low). If it leans right, you are sharp (too high).
- The Goal: Adjust your tuning peg until the needle hits the center and turns green.
Tip
Pro Tip: For the most accurate reading, tune in a quiet environment. Background noise can interfere with the microphone. Pluck the string once and let it ring clearly—don't strum repeatedly.
Supported Instruments
Because this is a chromatic tuner, it works for any instrument that produces a sustained pitch. Unlike specific guitar tuners that only recognize 6 notes, this tuner hears the entire musical spectrum.
| Instrument Family | Examples | Tuning Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, Cello | A4 = 440 Hz |
| Wind | Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet | Concert Pitch |
| Folk | Banjo, Mandolin, Dulcimer | Various |
| Voice | Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass | Vocal Range |
Understanding the Display
What is a "Cent"?
A cent is a unit of measure for pitch. There are 100 cents in one semitone (the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano, like C to C#).
- 0 Cents: Perfect pitch.
- -10 Cents: Slightly flat (tune up).
- +10 Cents: Slightly sharp (tune down).
- ±5 Cents: Generally considered "in tune" for most casual playing.
Why A440?
This tuner is calibrated to A4 = 440 Hz, the international ISO 16 standard for tuning musical instruments. This ensures that if you play with a band or accompaniment track, you will be perfectly in harmony.
Info
Need to tune to a different reference pitch? Check out our guide on 432 Hz vs 440 Hz to understand alternative tuning standards.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Microphone Not Detected
- Browser Permissions: Ensure you've clicked "Allow" on the microphone permission popup.
- Check Settings: Go to your browser settings (Privacy > Microphone) to check if the site is blocked.
- Wired Headphones: Sometimes using wired headphones with a mic provides a clearer signal than the device's built-in mic.
Needle Jumping Around
- Background Noise: A fan, AC unit, or TV can confuse the tuner. Move to a quieter spot.
- Old Strings: Old, rusty strings vibrate inconsistently. If the needle won't settle, it might be time to change strings.
- Harmonics: Pluck the string gently with your thumb rather than a hard pick to produce a stronger fundamental tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online tuner as accurate as a physical one?
Yes. Modern web audio technology allows your browser to process sound with the same precision as a dedicated hardware tuner. The only variable is the quality of your microphone, but even standard smartphone mics are accurate enough for professional tuning.
Can I tune a bass guitar with this?
Absolutely. The tuner detects frequencies as low as the human ear can hear (20 Hz), which covers the low E on a bass guitar (41 Hz) and even lower.
Do I need to install an app?
No. This is a Progressive Web App (PWA) that runs directly in your browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) on both mobile and desktop. It works offline once loaded.
Related Guides & Tools
- Guitar Tuner – A tuner with presets specifically for 6-string guitar standard and alternate tunings.
- Hz to Note Converter – Understand the relationship between frequency and musical notes.
- Metronome – Once you're in tune, practice your timing with our free metronome.
- Instrument Tuning Guide – A comprehensive guide on how to tune various instruments.