6 best guitar tunings

Guitar tunings refer to the specific pitches assigned to each string on a guitar. Different tunings can dramatically affect the sound and playability of the instrument.Here are some common guitar tunings:

  1. Standard Tuning:

    • Standard tuning is the most common tuning for guitars.
    • From the thickest (lowest-pitched) string to the thinnest (highest-pitched) string, the notes are E A D G B e.
    • This tuning is used in a wide range of musical genres and is the starting point for most guitarists.
  2. Drop D Tuning:

    • In drop D tuning, only the lowest-pitched string is changed.
    • The tuning is D A D G B e, with the sixth string (usually E) dropped down to D.
    • Drop D tuning is popular in rock and metal music and allows for power chords with a single finger across the lowest three strings.
  3. Open G Tuning:

    • Open G tuning is often used in slide guitar playing.
    • The notes, from low to high, are D G D G B d.
    • This tuning forms a G major chord when strummed open, making it suitable for blues and slide guitar.
  4. Open E Tuning:

    • Open E tuning is another popular choice for slide guitar.
    • The tuning is E B E G# B e.
    • Like open G tuning, open E tuning forms an E major chord when strummed open.
  5. Half-Step Down Tuning:

    • In half-step down tuning, all strings are tuned down by one half-step.
    • The notes, from low to high, are Eb Ab Db Gb Bb eb.
    • This tuning is favored by some rock and metal bands for its slightly lower and heavier sound.
  6. DADGAD Tuning:

    • DADGAD tuning is commonly used in folk and acoustic music.
    • The notes, from low to high, are D A D G A d.
    • This tuning provides a rich, open sound and is often used for fingerstyle and Celtic music.
  7. Open D Tuning:

    • Open D tuning is another option for slide guitarists.
    • The tuning is D A D F# A d.
    • Like other open tunings, it forms a D major chord when strummed open.
  8. Open C Tuning:

    • Open C tuning is less common but can be used in various musical styles.
    • The notes, from low to high, are C G C G C e.
    • It provides a unique harmonic palette and is popular among experimental guitarists.
  9. Dropped D and Double Dropped D Tunings:

    • Variations of drop D tuning involve lowering different strings.
    • Double dropped D tuning, for instance, lowers both the lowest and highest strings to D (D A D G B D).

Guitar tunings offer a versatile way to explore different sounds and styles. Players often choose tunings based on the music they want to create or the specific techniques they intend to use. Tuning pegs on the headstock of the guitar are used to adjust the tension of each string to achieve the desired pitch for a particular tuning.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best guitar tunings on the market
  

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin (Current Model)

Snark

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin (Current Model)

  • Full Color Display
  • Features frequency range tailored to guitar and bass
  • Tuner can be used on front of back of headstock,Rotates 360°

User questions & answers

Question: Can this work on Woodrow guitars
Answer: Yes, that's why I chose this and better than other brands. Other brands have no pen and can not be written. But this beiens math cards are perfect! Comes all you need: total 270 cards ( Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division Cards), 1 erasable pen and 4 rings, ideal gifts and teaching aids for kids.
Question: What battery type do they take
Answer: The cards go through the 11's. I just did his 12's on paper. Good quality cards, can be placed on a ring I used them all summer with my grandson and they worked great!
Question: Is this tuner able to detect low tuning such as drop D. drop A, D standard, etc, on electric guitars
Answer: Yes.
Question: Does this measure how snarky you are being? I used it during a conference call and was very snarky, but it didn't seem to detect any snarkiness
Answer: no - only in the one way not both.

Product features

Well Calibrated Tune

With a frequency range tailored to the guitar, bass, and violin, plus a newly redesigned processing chip, tuning is fast and accurate.

High Definition Display

New brighter display and 360 swivel head allow tuning at all angles. Gripped clip grabs on tight and stays in place.

Tap Tempo Metronome

Tap a in a tempo and use the arrow buttons to adjust.

Blues Riffs & Solos in Open D Guitar Tuning: Essential Lessons for Open D (DADF#AD) Guitar Tuning

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Musiclily 3+3 Guitar Semi-closed Tuners 3R3L String Tuning Pegs Keys Machine Heads Set for Epiphone Les Paul Style Electric Guitar or Acoustic Guitar Replacement, Chrome

Based on 638 reviews Check latest price
  • Semi sealed style tuning machines for Acoustic Guitar or Electric Guitar
  • Fit for 6mm peg hole, ideal for upgrading your inexpensive instruments
  • Made of metal alloy which is solid and durable; Gear ratio 15:1
  • 3x3 tuners set; Nut,Ferrule,Screws are included, ready for use
  • Package included:6 x Tuning Pegs; 6 x ferrules; 6 x screws;(3R+3L)

User questions & answers

Question: Will these fit an Epiphone ft
Answer: This fits for classic guitar like this https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2500x2500/yamaha_guitar_c40_pkg_c40_with_guitar_tuner_1100999.jpg
Question: Will this fit an Ibanez Electric Bass
Answer: if you don't know which direction the mount screws are and you don't want to drill uncalled for holes why buy them?
Question: Will this fit an epiphone les paul special ii
Answer: The ratio is 15:1 I did the test by putting a piece of tape on the peg and counting the revolutions needed for a full rotation. Repeated twice.
Question: Are these a good replacement for an epiphone les paul special-ii or would it be a waste of money
Answer: No. Fender headsticks require 6 identical tuners. These are 3 left and 3 right

Do It Up Right: Tuning The Guitar For New Adventures (Various Artists)

Koko-Mojo

Product description

The good folks at England's Koko Mojo Records have assembled the kind of compilation that is almost too delicious for words. Only killer no filler compilation by Little Victor, remastering by Black Shack Recordings. We are continuing our Koko-Mojo original series! Back in 2017, we started the Koko-Mojo Original series Last volume was released in Summer 2019. So we guess it's time for a COMEBACK!

User questions & answers

Question: Will these work on a taylor gs mini-e koa
Answer: No, they have to be connected/attached to the music source.
Question: Hi. This is set are 3x3 ? Thanks
Answer: It’s not too bad
Question: Do these fit 10mm holes
Answer: No, there is no volume control.
Question: Can they fit a Taylor 310 CE
Answer: Yes. Plugs into my iPod.
Question: Are these bluetooth
Answer: Yes, these are compatible with apple cell phones.
Question: How is the bass
Answer: They're not loud, just loud enough so you can hear outside and enjoy music at the same time, it's hard to explain.
Question: Does this have volume control on the cord
Answer: Like any other wireless earphone/headset: they don’t. You’re trading off sound quality for convenience.
Question: does it plug into an mp3 player
Answer: 4 hours is active use battery life. Standby time will last up to 22 hours. The case also offers a fast charge - 7 mins in the case provides an additional hour of listening time

Souidmy Guitar Tuner, with 9 Tuning Modes, for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele and Chromatic, Easy to Use, Portable Clip-On Instrument Tuner for Beginners and Professionals(2 Picks & 2 Batteries)

Based on 723 reviews Check latest price

Product description

How to Use The Tuner

1, Long press the switch button on the back to power on or off, short press to change tuning mode which is showing at the bottom of the screen.

2, After choosing the mode, clip the tuner on to your instrument.

3, Play your instrument and the tuner will show the pitch name. Confirm the playing string number matches the one in the LCD. If not, we suggest you to tune your instrument all the way down and tune up very slowly to find the right string number.

4, When the cent needle points to left, the pitch is flat and you have to tune up.

When the cent needle points to right, the pitch is sharp and you have to tune down.

When the cent needle points to the middle and the LCD turns to green, you are in tune.

Function

【Modes】 When the tuning mode is Chromatic, F key, B flat key or E flat key, tuner will automatically show the detecting pitch name;

When the tuning mode is one of instruments, tuner will automatically show the string number and the pitch name of the corresponding string.

【Auto-off】Tuner will automatically shut down to save power after 3 minutes without operation or no detecting signal.

【Auto-memory】Tuner will remember the last settings before shut down but will restore to default setting after change the battery.

Specifications

Tuning Instrument: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, Banjo, Mandolin, Cello

Tuning Keys: Chromatic, F, Bb, Eb

Tuning Mode: Clip-on Pick Up

Detection Range: 27.5Hz(A0) – 4186Hz(c8)

Tuning Accuracy: ±1Cent

A4 Calibration: 440Hz

Power: 3V CR2032

Weight: 20g without battery

How to Contact Service Team

Email: [email protected]

  • 🎶One Button Control. Easy to use, for beginners and professionals. Contains two random picks and two batteries.
  • 🎯Equipped with padded clamps to protect your instruments and capture the vibration more accurately. Tuning Accuracy: ±1Cent.
  • 🎡360 degree rotating LCD display with backlight design, clear for easy viewing.
  • ⚡Auto-memory and Auto-off function. Humanized design, save settings and super power saving.
  • 🛡 SOUIDMY: Focus on musical instrument products. We offer 12-month warranty service.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work for Viola
Answer: Yes this is a chromatic tuner.
Question: My dad plays in a spanish guitar tuning, does this have a chromatic mode that covers all of the different note registers without a setting change
Answer: Models 2 and 8 work across all instruments; model 2 also has a mic option. Since you're not playing guitar, recommend avoid the other models. Get a version 2 versus an 8 if you want to clip to a stand. Theoretically the new ST versions are faster than the SN versions, but I haven't tried an ST version yet. That said, I've found than the older SNs are too slow to follow intonation while playing anything faster than whole notes. (In my experience, SN are perfect for tuning, not so much for playing; maybe the STs can handle it.) Since a trumpet bell is thin, you can probably use an ST. However, if someone needs to clip onto something thicker like a recorder (I've clipped them around the narrowest section of the foot joint on plastic soprano and smaller instruments), may want to use an older SN.
Question: This is a gift for my daughter. Will this work for ukuleles, acoustic guitars, bass and electric guitars? Will it work for anything else
Answer: This is from the Snark instructions that come in the packaging: "To set the Snark to another tuning reference, push the round "PITCH CAL" button on the back side of the tuner and immediately press either the up or down triangular buttons to choose a new tuning reference. The pitch reference can be set anywhere from 415-466Hz." This would allow you to choose A-432.
Question: Can I use this tuner to tune a kalimba
Answer: If you're looking for a folding music stand this all metal one is pretty sturdy compared to plastic one's. I use it with an over-filled 3" folder of music and it handles it fine. I would recommend trying it and if it doesn't work out send it back. It's easy to break down and put in it's bag. The only negative thing I can say about this is the led light. It doesn't have a built-in rechargeable battery but it will work with a USB adapter even w/o batteries in it. This would not prevent me from buying it.

Metallor Semiclosed String Tuning Pegs Machine Heads Tuners 3L 3R Electric Acoustic Guitar parts Replacement Set of 6Pcs Chrome. (3L+3R)

Based on 235 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Product description:



Features:



This item is a set of 6 pieces of semiclosed guitar tuning pegs machine heads, which are adopted with strong metal with great endurance and practicability.



These guitar tuning pegs are great replacement for the old, broken tuning pegs, fits for almost all acoustic guitars and electric guitars.



The pegs are used to fix strings and improve the sound of strings. They hold the string tight. These make string changes super fast and super simple.



 Durable and highly reliable for easy, smooth, and precise tuning.



The set comes with 6 pcs ferrules and 12 pcs screws, easy to install.



Professional design, exquisite manufacturing process and accurate grinding ensure practical use and elegant appearance. Ideal instrument parts for acoustic and electic guitars.



Specifications:



Material: Zinc alloy



Gear material: Copper



Finish: Chrome



Total weight: 211g / 7.4oz



Notes:



Due to the difference between different monitors, the picture may not reflect the actual color of the item. Please understand, thank you!



  • Set of 6pcs quality semiclosed chrome machine heads(3L+3R), fit for 6mm tuner hole.
  • Heavy duty internal gear tested, durable to use, compatible with steel string electric guitar or acoustic guitar.
  • Gear ratio: 1:14; Zinc alloy material with chrome plating;Location: 3L 3R; Head size is 22mm width. For specific dimensions, please look at the size diagram.
  • Package includes: 3L+3R guitar machine heads(semiclosed); 6×ferrules; 12×screws.
  • 100% brand new and testing is fine. Easy to install, just slip the string though the hole, tighten the locking thumb wheel, and tune the string.

User questions & answers

Question: Would 3lr or 6lr fit a fender squier bullet
Answer: The acoustic model is voiced for the acoustic Traveler guitar and the electric for the electric Traveler guitar. I have not tried the Traveler brand electric, but I have tried a few of the Vox headphone amps. The Traveler acoustic amp delivers a much cleaner sound, which meets my needs. I recommend it if you are going to use it with an acoustic guitar. But the Vox amps (and I image the Traveler electric) are great for electric sounds.
Question: Are the ferrules metal
Answer: Technically the answer is "yes", but since this device *is* itself an amplifier, it would only make sense if the amp or other device you want to plug in requires a high-level input. In that case, this would function as a preamp.
Question: Will these fit a fender squier bullet strat
Answer: Plug it into the output of the pedal board. It will work just fine.
Question: Is this for aqustick guitar
Answer: Well... Yeah. For studio or ear buds. It will cut out most of the lows, but you can get a Killer Cliff Burton (look it up) or snappy clean and fuzzy fuzz. Seriously think these are the cheapest and the best headphone amps. I use it as a pre-amp straight into a PA... So far beyond its price range! Enjoy brother

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