Reader, take note: buying yourself one of the best guitar tuners could be the smartest way of spending your cash. It’s not necessarily the most exciting of purchases, but a good quality, reliable guitar tuner could make the difference between a good gig, or recording session and a bad one.
A guitar tuner makes sure that all of your strings (whether you play electric, acoustic, bass or ukulele) are in tune with each other, so that when you play a chord, the intervals within it are ringing out as they should, resulting in something that hopefully sounds good! The best guitar tuners become even more crucial when playing with other musicians - there’s nothing worse than you all playing the same thing and one of you is slightly out of tune. A band being incredibly in tune with one another can also help them sound tighter.
Many players can tune by ear, but a good tuner is usually more accurate, plus it means you’re not having to shush the audience to hear yourself when playing live.
You really don’t have to spend a lot either - there are even free guitar tuner options included in this guide. We’ve put together our list of the best guitar tuners, plus some useful buying advice to ensure that no one has to endure an out of tune Stairway To Heaven again.
Best guitar tuners: Quick list
TC Electronic is the first name in polyphonic tuning (which allows you to tune all strings at once), and its latest incarnation is, in our opinion, its best pedal tuner yet. The third entry in the PolyTune line boasts a built-in BonaFide Buffer, which offers players the choice between all-analogue buffered bypass and true bypass, adjusted via internal DIP switches.
Headstock tuners don’t get much smaller than this, but the NS Micro Tuner doesn’t sacrifice functionality thanks to an easily adjustable screen, multiple calibration modes and even a visual metronome. We found it easy to attach to the front or back of our guitar’s headstock, too, and was invisible to all but the most eagle-eyed of audience members.
It’s accurate and works well on guitar and bass, and you’ve got the option of operating it in either True Bypass or Ultra Buffer mode. So, if you’re running long cables, you can ensure your top end remains intact. You’ve also got a power output that can run up to 200mA of other pedals
Best guitar tuner overall
✅ Buy if you want the best pedal tuner on the market: When it comes to pedal tuners, the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 is our favourite. This tuner is accurate, simple to use and affordable.
❌ Avoid if you want a clip-on tuner: As this is a pedal tuner, it won't work for purely acoustic instruments.
TC Electronic is the first name in polyphonic tuning (which allows you to tune all strings at once), and its latest incarnation is, in our opinion, its best pedal tuner yet. The third entry in the PolyTune line boasts a built-in BonaFide Buffer, which offers players the choice between all-analogue buffered bypass and true bypass, adjusted via internal DIP switches.
Buffered bypass is useful for boosting a signal along long cable runs or large pedalboards. Elsewhere, the pedal packs the same features as the PolyTune 2, including an ultra-bright LED display, polyphonic and chromatic tuning modes and a +/- 0.02-cent accurate strobe tuner. Hit the link below to see how we found it in action.
Read the full TC Electronic Polytune 3 review
Best headstock tuner
✅ Buy if you want a discrete clip-on option: This is one of the smallest clip-on tuners on the market, meaning it's barely noticeable on the end of your headstock.
❌ Avoid if you need a polyphonic mode: Unfortunately, this tiny D'Addario tuner doesn't feature a polyphonic mode.
Headstock tuners don’t get much smaller than this, but the NS Micro Tuner doesn’t sacrifice functionality thanks to an easily adjustable screen, multiple calibration modes and even a visual metronome. We found it easy to attach to the front or back of our guitar’s headstock, too, and was invisible to all but the most eagle-eyed of audience members.
There's no problems fitting it to just about any instrument with a headstock, whether that's electric guitar, acoustic, classical, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele or upright bass. Its discrete appearance, low price and quick tuning response make it the best headstock guitar tuner around.
Read the full D'Addario NS Micro Tuner review
Best battery life
✅ Buy if you want excellent battery life: With a whopping 60-hour battery life, this pedal is ideal for long gigs and jam sessions.
❌ Avoid if you need a compact option: While this pedal isn't the largest pedal tuner on the market, it is still somewhat bulky compared to others.
Here’s a quality pedal tuner that offers multiple different display options, +/- 0.1 cent accuracy, buffered and true bypass and a nice, bright display that’s easy to read in any scenario.
It’s really easy to use, and you can choose whether you have it in strobe, half strobe, mirror, or the more traditional regular display mode. This means that you can have the tuner work in whichever way you find the easiest. The display is easy to read, with nice big letters showing up, plus you’ve got the option of making it even brighter if perhaps you’re playing outside on a sunny day.
It’s accurate and works well on guitar and bass, and you’ve got the option of operating it in either True Bypass or Ultra Buffer mode. So, if you’re running long cables, you can ensure your top end remains intact. You’ve also got a power output that can run up to 200mA of other pedals.
Best strobe tuner
✅ Buy if you want a strobe tuner: If you are on the hunt for a brilliant strobe tuner, then this is the unit for you.
❌ Avoid if you don't like strobes: If you aren't going to use the strobe function, then there are better options out there.
Famed for their accuracy, Peterson strobe tuners have long been the choice of pros seeking the highest quality gear, and 2019 saw the company unveil what it considers to be ‘the ultimate pedal guitar tuner’ – the StroboStomp HD.
Boasting a feature set far beyond most of its rivals, you’ll find both true and buffered bypass modes, plus 135 ‘sweetened’ tunings – micro-adjusted reference pitch points optimised for a variety of instrument types and altered tunings. You can even save your own presets.
Of course, this level of nerd-ish tweakery can only be employed by the most precise tuners – and the StroboStomp HD delivers 0.1 percent accuracy. Enough for the most discerning of ears.
Best for reliability
✅ Buy if you want a bullet-proof option: Boss is well known for their impeccable build quality, and the TU-3 is no different.
❌ Avoid if you don't need a pedal tuner: Again, like the other pedal tuner options on this list, the TU-3 won't work with purely acoustic options.
Boss created an industry standard with the TU-2 pedal tuner in 1998, and its successor offers a number of improvements on the classic format. The TU-3 is quoted at +/-1 cent over a 23-segment LED display, which means it tunes more accurately, something we can attest to. Other functions include drop tuning up to six semitones and bass tuning up to three flats.
A new high brightness mode means that maximum current draw is up from 55mA (TU-2) to 85mA. Using the recommended Boss supply and a PCS-20A daisy chain, the TU-3 will also pass power to a total of 200mA to up to seven other pedals. Boss is resisting true bypass switching, which may be an issue for the tone-obsessed, but the usual Boss buffered output helps when using long leads and numerous pedals.
Read the full Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner review
Best on a budget
✅ Buy if you want an affordable clip-on: When it comes to affordable clip-ons, the Snark gets our vote. It's sturdy, reliable and very easy to use.
❌ Avoid if you want a subtle design: We'll be the first to admit that the Snark isn't exactly the best-looking tuner on this list.
Though there are several pricier and fully featured tuners here, Snark’s ST-2 is aimed at the player who wants just the bare essentials. So, what might those essentials be?
First of all, the ST-2 tracks quickly. Set it to the vibration sensor and it’ll work just fine in all but the loudest of gigs. The microphone is for acoustic instruments of course, so you’ll need some peace and quiet.
Second, the attachment system is robust and the screen is easily angled – a surprisingly important feature because clip-ons have to fit in around tuning machines on six-string guitars, 12-strings, mandolins, basses… you get the idea!
At this price it’s worth having an ST-2 around even if you only keep it in a gig bag.
Best guitar tuner app
✅ Buy if you want a free tuner: If you need a simple free option, then the Fender Tune app is the ideal solution.
❌ Avoid if you need to tune in a noisy environment: As this tuner works with the microphone on your phone, it isn't the best option for loud environments.
Available for both iOS and Android, Fender's first ever app aims to deliver an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for newcomers to get their instrument in tune, while also covering basic tone tips, including strumming and setting up amps.
The app detects notes from acoustic guitars and amplified electrics, and offers auto tune, chromatic and manual tune modes, including alternate tuning options and the ability to create custom tunings. Additional in-app purchases add a more visually precise Pro Tuner, metronome and drum beats, plus scale diagrams and chord finder.
Best soundhole tuner
✅ Buy if you want a subtle option for acoustic guitars: This is our top choice for acoustic guitars, as once it's installed, it doesn't need to be removed.
❌ Avoid if you have an electric guitar: This tuner is specifically designed for acoustic guitars.
It's not the first acoustic soundhole tuner we've seen, but D'Addario's Micro Soundhole Tuner is certainly the smallest and least intrusive. Mounted via a non-marking universal mounting clip, the tiny chromatic tuner is concealed within your guitar's soundhole.
A highly sensitive piezo transducer detects vibrations from the soundboard, promising fast and accurate tuning response, while the bright display makes for easy viewing. The NS Micro Soundhole Tuner is designed for acoustic guitars, basses and ukuleles, and offers an A435-455 calibration range.
Best poly clip-on
✅ Buy if you want polyphonic tuning in a clip-on format: If you require a poly tuner that can attached to the head of your guitar, this is the best option for sure.
❌ Avoid if you don't need a polyphonic setting: If you are purely seeking a standard tuner, then there are more affordable options out there.
It’s been a pretty popular choice since its introduction in 2015, but boasting a staggering tuning accuracy of +/- 0.02 cents in strobe mode and 0.5 cents in chromatic mode, the TC Electronic PolyTune Clip is still very much worth its salt in our opinion.
Not so surprisingly, it’s a polyphonic tuner at heart, but with both chromatic and strobe modes on hand, it’s suitable for people of all tuning persuasions. The PolyTune Clip is even suitable for our low-end merchants, with the one-note ‘needle’ mode.
Unfortunately we did experience the odd negative point. Polyphonic mode is prone to being a little buggy at times, especially in environments that aren't totally silent, and its' accuracy is a little way off. It’s also quite big for a clip-on, which might put some people off - but if you’re after something bold, bright and very visible, then this is the one for you.
Read the full TC Electronic Polytune Clip review
Best budget pedal
✅ Buy if you want a cheap pedal tuner: This NUX tuner may be cheap, but it certainly doesn't feel like it.
❌ Avoid if you want very precise tuning: This tuner is accurate enough for most situations, but for studio work, we'd opt for one of the bigger names.
Recently, we've found ourselves increasingly impressed with the budget offerings from NUX, and the NTU-3 is no exception. NUX has managed to pack a lot of valuable features into a relatively small package, all while keeping the cost down - it's a win, win!
The Flow Tune offers users a trio of display options, including strobe and two "Arrow" modes. Better yet, the colourful screen is incredibly vivid and large enough to see at any distance, perfect for large stages or outdoor gigs.
What's more, the NTU-3 offers players the ability to switch between true bypass and buffered bypass modes!
Best for customisation
✅ Buy if you want full customisation: From the option to display a photo, a timer and even rotate the display, this is the ultimate customisable tuner.
❌ Avoid if you don't need power outputs: The screen orientation flexibility will be the most useful feature for some pedalboards, but a high current draw and lack of power output aren't as appealing for the money.
First and foremost, the Canvas is an incredibly accurate tuner, with ±0.1 cent accuracy, allowing you to really dial your strings perfectly in tune. It has a number of different tuning presets, and it has a wide reference frequency, so if you’re tuning down or you’re a 5-string bass player, you can still get decent, accurate readings.
What might sell this pedal, though, are its player-centric features. You can adjust the angle at which the screen reads, so if you have your pedal to the side or upside down to make it fit on your pedalboard, you can spin the display around so it reads the right way! You can also upload your own picture, almost like a screensaver, plus you can add a timer to the display if you need to keep track of how long your set is.
There’s flexibility, too. You have the option of choosing strobe or needle display, plus you have four different output options: buffered, relay, monitor mode, and pass-thru.
Read our full Walrus Audio Canvas Tuner review
Best guitar tuners: Buying advice
What are the different types of guitar tuners?
Buying yourself the best guitar tuner is, thankfully, not as complex as buying a new overdrive pedal, chorus pedal or reverb pedal. The tuner market comes with what we’d call a 'good limitation' – meaning there aren't hundreds of different variations to choose from.
When it comes to guitar tuners, there are three main types that you'll come across. Get to grips with what they are and how they work, and you’ll find it much easier to choose the best guitar tuner for you:
- Chromatic tuners - The most common type of tuner - this is likely the place you’ll start. ‘Chromatic’ just means that the tuner only identifies one of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale in Western music. Very useful indeed, but you’ll be playing one note at a time to tune. Luckily, chromatic tuners tend to be the cheapest - so there’s more money left over for beer.
- Strobe tuners - These tend to be the most accurate tuners of all – usually reflected in a higher price. They're certainly not necessary for beginners, but pro players and guitar techs swear by them.
- Polyphonic tuners - A more recent design, allowing you to play all six strings together, with a display showing how in or out of tune all six are at once. Clever, huh? Those displays can take a bit of getting used to but once you do you’ll find tuning on the fly much easier.
Should I use a pedal tuner, headstock tuner or app?
Tuners often fall into one of a small number of categories – pedal or headstock. That being said, tuning via mobile devices has improved immensely in recent years and can be hard to beat in terms of convenience for those who do most of their playing at home.
Headstock tuners are often desired for their simplicity as much as their scaled down designs - making them perfect for a beginner or someone who has never used a tuner before. They clip on to the headstock of the guitar and interpret intonation through vibration. These tuners were once cheap and cheerful, and never held their own outside of the practice room, but nowadays they can boast some seriously useful tech making them a great option if you don’t use pedals.
Pedal tuners are definitely the most popular choice. With a pedal tuner, you're looking for durability and accuracy. Your tuner will likely find a home among your other pedals and is the pinnacle of set-and-forget, but knowing that it won’t fall apart or give an inaccurate readout is crucial. Place it in the chain in the desired location – usually at the start – and it'll sit there quietly doing its job whenever called upon.
The new kid on the tuning block involves using an app on the phone or iPad you're possibly reading this article on now. While perfect for bedroom practice sessions, this type of tuner is not the one to use if you're out gigging. Getting your phone out mid-set to tune up your guitar isn't the most professional-looking move in the world, and it won't be as accurate as a pedal or clip-on alternative.
Is true bypass important for a guitar tuner?
If you choose to go down the pedal route, you'll be faced with this question - does it matter if the pedal is true bypass or buffered?
Whether you want a tuner that’s true bypass or buffered is up to you. True bypass allows your signal to flow through the pedal without any colouration. While this might sound ideal, it isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re running a big pedalboard or long cables. The longer your signal route, the more you’ll start to lose the top end of your frequency range.
As the name suggests, a buffered pedal contains a buffer. Basically, the buffer ensures your signal stays at an optimal level, meaning it won't degrade as it travels through meters of guitar cable. Now, some players don't like the sound difference that occurs when a buffer is introduced into the chain. Still, for many, it's a necessary addition. There is no right or wrong answer here - choose the best option for your needs.
It's worth noting that some of the best tuner pedals even allow you to switch between buffered and true bypass.
How we selected the best guitar tuners
Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best guitar tuners available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best guitar tuners on the market right now.
Find out more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.
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