Tuning is the first thing you do every time you pick up a guitar. Here is the standard tuning, the order that works best with a tuner, and the usual reasons a guitar won't stay in tune.
Standard tuning
From the 6th string (the thickest) to the 1st: E A D G B E. As pitches, that's E2 (82.4 Hz), A2 (110 Hz), D3 (146.8 Hz), G3 (196 Hz), B3 (246.9 Hz) and E4 (329.6 Hz).
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (thickest) | E2 | 82.4 Hz |
| 5 | A2 | 110 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | 196 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | 246.9 Hz |
| 1 (thinnest) | E4 | 329.6 Hz |
How to tune with the online tuner
- Open the Online Tuner, choose Guitar and turn on the microphone.
- In a quiet room, pluck one string at a time. If several strings ring together, the tuner has a hard time locking on.
- Check that the note name on screen is the one you want, then turn the tuning peg until the needle sits in the middle and turns green.
- Tune up to the note from below; it holds longer. If you overshoot, loosen the string a bit and come back up.
- After all six strings, check them once more. Tightening one string slightly changes the tension on the others.
If your guitar keeps going out of tune
- New strings stretch for the first few days. Gently pull each string away from the fretboard to stretch it, then retune.
- Temperature and humidity changes also shift the pitch.
- Check whether a tuning peg (machine head) is loose.
Want to tune by ear? Press the tuner's reference tone button to hear the target pitch for each string and match it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of standard guitar tuning?
From the thickest string to the thinnest: E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 (82.4, 110, 146.8, 196, 246.9 and 329.6 Hz).
Should I tune up or down to the note?
Tune up to the note from slightly below. It holds pitch longer. If you go sharp, loosen a little and come back up.
Why does my guitar go out of tune right after I tune it?
New strings stretch for a few days, and temperature, humidity or a loose tuning peg can also shift the pitch. Stretch new strings gently and retune.
Do I need to plug in an electric guitar?
Not necessarily. In a quiet room the microphone can usually pick up the unplugged string. If it struggles, play through a small amp at low volume.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 3, 2026
- Wikipedia, Standard tuning (Guitar family) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_tuning
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.
Related roundup: see How to Use Online Practice Tools for the full practice routine.