Playing in tune is the first step to sounding good, and a reliable tuner is the easiest way to get there. But with clip-ons, pedals and apps all on offer, which should you choose? Here’s how the main types compare.
Clip-On Tuners
A clip-on tuner clips to your headstock and reads the vibration of the guitar directly, so it isn’t affected by background noise.
Pros:
- Works on acoustic and electric guitars, bass and ukulele
- Accurate even in a noisy room or on stage
- Small, cheap and always with you
Cons:
- Visible on stage (if that bothers you)
- Can be knocked or forgotten
Best for: almost everyone, especially acoustic players and beginners.
Our pick is the Ernie Ball ProTune clip-on tuner. It’s rechargeable via USB-C, so there are no button batteries to replace, and it’s quick and easy to read.
Pedal Tuners
A pedal tuner sits on your pedalboard. Step on it and it mutes your signal while you tune.
Pros:
- Silent tuning between songs
- Very accurate, with large, bright displays
- Always in your signal chain
Cons:
- Only works with a cable plugged in
- Takes up pedalboard space and needs power
Best for: electric guitarists who gig with a pedalboard. Note that many multi-effects units and modellers have a built-in tuner. See our NUX MG-300 review.
Tuner Apps
Phone apps use your phone’s microphone.
Pros:
- Free or very cheap
- Handy as a backup
Cons:
- Background noise interferes
- Less convenient while holding a guitar
Best for: occasional use or as a backup.
Chromatic vs Polyphonic
- Chromatic tuners recognise any note, so they work with any tuning. Almost all modern tuners are chromatic.
- Polyphonic tuners let you strum all six strings at once and show which ones are out. Fast for a quick check between songs.
Tips for Tuning Accurately
- Tune up to the note. If a string is sharp, go below the note and come back up. It keeps the tuning more stable.
- Pick the string gently and let the note settle before reading the tuner.
- Tune in playing position, not with the guitar lying flat.
- Mute the other strings so they don’t confuse the tuner.
- Check after new strings. Fresh strings stretch, so expect to retune a few times over the first day.
When Tuning Isn’t the Problem
If you tune perfectly but chords higher up the neck still sound off, the problem is intonation, not tuning. It’s one of the signs your guitar needs a setup. And if your guitar keeps drifting out of tune, read Why Won’t My Guitar Stay in Tune?
