10Best.Guide

Guitar Tuner

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Works great and tunes quickly and accurately.
  • Very easy to read screen.
  • Works on both acoustic and electric guitars.
  • Super tight model is more sensitive than regular Snark tuners.
  • Ball joint connection allows for a wide variety of directions.
Cons
  • Super tight model can be a pain to use.
  • Newer model initially misreads low E string.
Bottom Line
The Snark tuner is a reliable and affordable option for guitarists, with a variety of models to choose from. While some models may have minor issues, the majority of customers find the Snark to be accurate and easy to use.
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Easy to read display
  • Works on multiple instruments
  • Can tune in noisy environments
  • Fine tuning marker LEDs
Cons
  • Susceptible to breaking at pivot ball joint
  • Range of "in tune" is much larger
Bottom Line
The Snark Super Tight ST-2 tuner is an affordable and solid tuner that works on multiple instruments and can tune in noisy environments. However, it is susceptible to breaking at the pivot ball joint and has a larger range of "in tune" with noticeable differences in the note from one side to the next.
Pros
  • Works great, picks up low B string on bass.
  • Sturdier joint design.
  • Accurate and bright display.
  • Handy and portable.
  • Low cost.
Cons
  • Cheaply made and falls apart easily.
  • Inaccurate for some users.
Bottom Line
The Snark SN-5X tuner is a low-cost, portable option that works well for many users. However, it may not be the most durable or accurate option, and some users may find it slow or finicky to use.
Pros
  • More precision than old clip-on tuner.
  • Bright display with helpful colors.
  • Picks up strings easily and quickly.
  • Great for maintaining tune on guitar.
  • Good for alternate tunings.
Cons
  • Display becomes less bright and flickers after a year of use.
  • Battery cover becomes weak and loses connection.
Bottom Line
The Fender FT-1 tuner is an affordable and convenient option for maintaining tune on a guitar. It has a bright display with helpful colors and picks up strings easily and quickly. However, some customers have experienced issues with the display, battery cover, and tuning accuracy.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate
  • Rechargeable
  • Bright display
  • Comes with a charging cable
Cons
  • Inconsistent features
  • Slow reaction time
Bottom Line
The Snark clip-on tuner is an accurate and easy-to-use option for guitar players. The rechargeable version is a convenient choice, but some users have reported slow reaction times and fragile joints. The plastic exterior can become sticky over time, but the bright display and storage case make it a good value for the price. However, some users have reported inconsistent features and limited button functionality.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Guitar Tuner: Types, Features, Prices, and Tips

Overview

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, having a reliable guitar tuner is essential for achieving accurate and consistent tuning. With so many different types and models on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of guitar tuners, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, important features to look for, price ranges, tips for using your tuner effectively, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Chromatic Tuner: A chromatic tuner can tune any note on the chromatic scale, making it ideal for tuning a wide range of instruments, including guitars, basses, violins, and more.

2. Clip-On Tuner: A clip-on tuner attaches to the headstock of your guitar and detects vibrations to determine the correct tuning. They are compact, easy to use, and great for on-the-go tuning.

3. Pedal Tuner: A pedal tuner is designed to be used with an electric guitar and is typically used in a live performance setting. They are more expensive than other types of tuners but offer more precise tuning and are often built into a pedalboard setup.

Key Considerations

1. Tuning Accuracy: Look for a tuner with high accuracy to ensure your guitar is in tune.

2. Tuning Speed: Some tuners are faster than others, which can be important if you need to tune quickly in a live setting.

3. Display Type: LED displays are easy to read in any lighting, while LCD displays may be harder to see in bright sunlight.

4. Calibration Range: Some tuners allow you to calibrate to different frequencies, which can be useful if you play in different tunings.

5. Tuning Modes: Look for a tuner with different tuning modes, such as standard, alternate, and drop, to accommodate different playing styles.

Features

1. Battery Life: Make sure the tuner has a long battery life or is rechargeable to avoid constantly replacing batteries.

2. Price Range: Tuners range in price from under $10 to over $100, so determine your budget before shopping.

3. Brand Names: Some popular tuner brands include Boss, Korg, Snark, and TC Electronic.

4. Durability: Look for a tuner that is built to last, especially if you plan on using it frequently.

Prices

1. Under $10: Basic clip-on tuners with limited features.

2. $10-$50: Chromatic tuners and more advanced clip-on tuners with additional features.

3. $50-$100: High-end clip-on tuners and pedal tuners with advanced features and greater accuracy.

4. Over $100: Professional-grade pedal tuners with the highest accuracy and durability.

Tips

1. Tune in a quiet environment to avoid interference from background noise.

2. Tune up to pitch, not down, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your guitar strings.

3. Tune frequently to ensure your guitar stays in tune and sounds its best.

FAQs

Q: How often should I tune my guitar?

A: It's best to tune your guitar every time you play or at least once a day if you play frequently.

Q: Can I use a guitar tuner for other instruments?

A: Yes, a chromatic tuner can be used for tuning any instrument on the chromatic scale.

Q: Do I need a pedal tuner for live performances?

A: It's not necessary, but a pedal tuner can be more convenient and accurate in a live setting.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right guitar tuner can make a big difference in your playing experience. By considering the different types, key considerations, features, prices, and tips outlined in this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect tuner for your needs and keep your guitar in tune for years to come.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Accurate tuning
  • Easy to use
  • Can be positioned in various ways
  • Can tune to different frequencies
  • Convenient and portable
Cons
  • Inaccuracy issues for some users
  • No instructions included
Bottom Line
The D'Addario Guitar Tuner is a convenient and portable option for tuning guitars accurately. It has a readable display, can be positioned in various ways, and can tune to different frequencies. However, some users have reported inaccuracy issues, quality control problems, and difficulty distinguishing between certain strings. Additionally, the lack of instructions and dangerous battery chamber design may be drawbacks for some users.
Pros
  • Capo is sturdy and quality made
  • Good value for money
  • Wood grain design of capo is beautiful
  • Tuner works well for a variety of applications
  • Key chain pick holder is nice
Cons
  • Tuner broke or battery died within 1 minute of use
  • Capo buzzes on 12 inch radius acoustic neck with low action
Bottom Line
This package deal is good for beginners or those on a budget, but be aware that the quality of the tuner and picks may not be the best. The capo is sturdy and the wood grain design is beautiful.
8
Korg Tuner (GA50)
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Portable and compact size.
  • Easy to use.
  • Accurate tuning.
  • Affordable price.
Cons
  • Limited tuning range.
  • Clunky battery access.
Bottom Line
The Korg GA-50 tuner is a portable and affordable option for those who need a basic tuner. It is easy to use and accurate, but has limited tuning range and some design flaws. It is recommended for beginners or those on a budget.
Pros
  • Bright display
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Multiple tuning options
  • Accurate
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Missing advertised features
  • Inaccurate for setting intonation
Bottom Line
The Cherub WST-670 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner is a good choice for those looking for a tuner with multiple tuning options and a rechargeable battery. However, it may not be suitable for setting intonation and has some limitations in terms of display and button placement.
Pros
  • Easy to read display
  • Accurate tuning
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Gimbal allows for any viewing angle
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Instructions are vague
  • Slow on/off button
Bottom Line
The Kliq Ubertuner is a reliable and accurate clip-on tuner with a clear display and sturdy build quality. However, the vague instructions and slow on/off button may be frustrating for some users, and the battery life is short. Overall, it is a good value for the price and a solid choice for experienced musicians.
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