Custom guitar tuning

How to build and tune a custom tuning

1. Choose how many strings your instrument has, from 1 to 12.
2. Set the note and octave for each string, starting from the lowest-pitched string. For reference, the low E string of a guitar in standard tuning is E2.
3. Check every octave number before you tune. One wrong number asks for a string an octave too high, which will break it, or an octave too low, which leaves it slack.
4. If any string goes higher than it is now, check the extra tension with the tuning changer first.
5. Press Start and tune each string. Turn Detect String off and tap the peg of a string that is far from its new note, so the reading stays on that string.
6. Save the tuning as a favorite, and copy the share link if you want to send it to someone or keep a backup.

Your tuning's string notes and frequencies

The table updates as you edit the tuning. It lists each string's note and target frequency at the A4 reference currently selected.

Seven-string, eight-string and baritone guitars

A 7-string guitar is usually tuned B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4, which is standard tuning with a low B string added below string 6. An 8-string guitar usually adds a low F♯ below that: F♯1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4.

A baritone guitar has a longer neck and is often tuned a fourth below standard, B1 E2 A2 D3 F♯3 B3. Chord shapes stay the same as in standard tuning, and everything sounds lower. A 6-string bass is usually tuned B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3.

Open, unusual and non-guitar tunings

Use the custom tuner for any tuning that is not in the menus, such as a tuning from a songbook, a lesson or a single song. Enter the notes exactly as written, including the octave of each string.

The custom tuner also works for other fretted instruments. A mandolin is tuned in pairs of strings, G3 D4 A4 E5, so you can enter four strings and tune both strings of each pair to the same note. A 5-string banjo in open G is G4 D3 G3 B3 D4 from string 5 to string 1, with the short string 5 tuned higher than string 4.

Check the tension before you raise a string

String tension rises quickly as pitch goes up. Raising a string by one semitone adds about 12 percent tension, and raising it by two semitones adds about 26 percent. That is enough to break a light string or put extra stress on the neck and bridge.

Before you tune any string above its usual note, open the tuning changer to see how far each string moves and in which direction. For large changes, a different string gauge is usually the better choice: lighter strings for raised tunings and heavier strings for much lower tunings. The guide on changing tunings safely covers this in more detail.

Saving and sharing tunings

Favorites are saved in your browser on this device. There is no account, so clearing your browser data removes them, and they do not appear on your other devices.

The share link contains the notes of every string. Anyone who opens it sees the same tuning, ready to tune. Keep a copy of the link as a backup of tunings you use often, or send it to a bandmate so you both tune the same way.