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Discover the internet's best online guitar tuners for Standard Tuning on Youtube. Every video is curated from trending YouTube content and includes a quick preview so you know how to tune your instrument in standard tuning.

What you're about to watch:

Learn how to tune your electric guitar to standard tuning using our free online guitar tuning video and real-time tuner. This step-by-step tutorial helps beginners and experienced players tune all six strings accurately using your device microphone directly in your browser.

What viewers love

  • Easy and Simple Instrument Tuning Video

  • Audio and Video Cues for Each String E A D G B E

  • Tuning Recap to make sure you tuned each string correctly

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Learning to tune your guitar is one of the most important skills you can develop as a guitarist. Whether you play an acoustic or electric guitar, a properly tuned instrument sounds clearer, fuller, and more enjoyable to play.

This guide will show you how to tune all six strings of your guitar using reference tones. Simply listen to each note, compare it to your guitar string, and adjust until the pitches match.

No tuner, apps, downloads, or special equipment are required—just your guitar and your ears.

Standard Guitar Tuning

Most guitars are tuned to:

E A D G B E

Starting from the thickest string (lowest pitch) to the thinnest string (highest pitch):

  • 6th String — Low E

  • 5th String — A

  • 4th String — D

  • 3rd String — G

  • 2nd String — B

  • 1st String — High E

This is known as Standard Tuning and is used in most guitar songs, lessons, and chord charts.

Why Use Reference Tones?

Reference tones help you:

  • Tune your guitar by ear

  • Develop better listening skills

  • Improve pitch recognition

  • Learn what each string should sound like

  • Become less dependent on electronic tuners

  • Build stronger overall musicianship

Many experienced guitarists use reference tones as a quick and reliable way to check tuning before practice, rehearsals, recording sessions, or performances.

What You'll Learn

  • How to tune all six guitar strings

  • Standard tuning: E A D G B E

  • How to match your strings to reference tones

  • How to recognize when a string is sharp or flat

  • Tips for more accurate tuning

  • Common tuning mistakes and how to avoid them

How to Tune Using Reference Tones

For each string:

  1. Listen to the reference tone.

  2. Play the matching guitar string.

  3. Compare the two sounds.

  4. Turn the tuning peg until the pitches match.

  5. Move to the next string.

When the notes match correctly, the wavering or "beating" sound between the pitches disappears and the notes blend together smoothly.

Step 1: Tune the Low E String

Start with the sixth string, the thickest string on the guitar.

Listen carefully to the Low E reference tone and then play your sixth string.

Adjust the tuning peg until both notes sound identical.

Make small adjustments and give the string a moment to settle before checking again.

Step 2: Tune the A String

Move to the fifth string.

Listen to the A reference tone and compare it to your guitar string.

Adjust until both pitches match.

Step 3: Tune the D String

The fourth string should be tuned to D.

Play the reference tone and your string separately, then adjust until they sound the same.

A correctly tuned D string helps chords and melodies sound balanced and clear.

Step 4: Tune the G String

Next, tune the third string to G.

Listen carefully and make small adjustments until the pitch matches the reference tone.

The G string is often one of the most noticeable strings when a guitar is out of tune, so accuracy matters.

Step 5: Tune the B String

The second string should be tuned to B.

Because of its higher pitch, even small tuning changes can have a noticeable effect.

Take your time and match the reference tone carefully.

Step 6: Tune the High E String

Finally, tune the first string to High E.

This is the thinnest string on the guitar and produces the highest pitch.

Once tuned, play all six strings from Low E to High E and verify that the guitar sounds balanced and in tune.

Standard Guitar String Notes

String NumberNoteString Name6thELow E5thAA String4thDD String3rdGG String2ndBB String1stEHigh E

Remember:

E A D G B E

This is one of the first things every guitarist should memorize.

Tips for Better Tuning Accuracy

For the best results:

  • Tune in a quiet environment

  • Play only one string at a time

  • Make slow, small adjustments

  • Recheck all strings after tuning

  • Stretch new strings gently before tuning

  • Replace worn-out strings when necessary

  • Tune before every practice session or performance

Common Tuning Mistakes

Turning the Wrong Tuning Peg

Always verify that you're adjusting the correct string.

Tuning Too Quickly

Large adjustments often make tuning more difficult.

Ignoring Other Strings

As string tension changes, other strings may shift slightly. Always perform a final tuning check.

Relying Only on Visual Tools

Developing your ear will make you a stronger and more confident musician.

Video Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:05 Low E Reference Tone
0:20 A Reference Tone
0:35 D Reference Tone
0:50 G Reference Tone
1:05 B Reference Tone
1:20 High E Reference Tone
1:35 Final Tuning Check

Frequently Asked Questions

What are reference tones?

Reference tones are accurately tuned notes that help you match the pitch of each guitar string.

Can I use this method for both acoustic and electric guitars?

Yes. Standard tuning is the same for most acoustic and electric guitars.

Is tuning by ear difficult?

Like any skill, it gets easier with practice. The more you tune by ear, the better your pitch recognition becomes.

How often should I tune my guitar?

It's recommended to check tuning before every practice session, rehearsal, recording, or performance.

Why does my guitar go out of tune?

Common causes include:

  • New strings stretching

  • Temperature changes

  • Humidity changes

  • Aggressive playing

  • Aging strings

Regular tuning helps keep your guitar sounding its best.

Improve Your Ear Every Time You Tune

Tuning with reference tones does more than keep your guitar sounding great—it also helps train your ears.

As you practice matching pitches, you'll develop stronger listening skills, better pitch awareness, and a deeper understanding of your instrument.

The more you tune by ear, the faster and easier it becomes.

Tune Along With the Reference Notes

Press play and follow each reference tone one string at a time. Listen carefully, compare the pitch to your guitar, and adjust until the notes match perfectly.

Whether you play acoustic or electric guitar, learning to tune by ear is a skill that will improve your confidence, your musicianship, and your overall sound.

Start with the Low E string and work your way up to the High E. In just a few minutes, your guitar will be tuned, ready to play, and sounding its best.

How to Tune a Guitar Using Reference Tones Standard Guitar Tuning E A D G B E

Perfect Pitch Always