Categories
Reviews Tuner Reviews

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners

Choosing the best guitar tuners for beginners can be confusing and frustrating.

If you buy the wrong one, or the one that’s lacking necessary features, it becomes even more frustrating and confusing.

Worry no more, here we’ve broken it down just for you.

If you’re just starting out, go for a clip-on tuner. They’re the best tuner for an acoustic guitar because they use vibration instead of relying on a microphone.

If you’re playing classical guitar, the best classical guitar tuner is a clip-on or handheld.

Taking lessons? A handheld tuner is a great option, as they offer more features than a clip-on.

If you’re strictly an electric guitar player, the choice is yours, but I’d start with a clip-on at first.

Finally, if you’re filling up your pedal board, or strictly gig with an electric guitar, get yourself a pedal tuner.

Now, here are the best guitar tuners available for beginners.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Overall

Pedal: Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner

If you’re looking for a high quality tuner for your pedal board, the Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal is it.

It’s got a large tuning display with a variable color LED backlight for maximum visibility, even in direct sunlight.

You can run it in a 100% silent, true-bypass mode, guaranteed not to pop while you’re tuning.

With a buffered output mode, you’ll be able to overcome potential tone loss on your board.

Plus, it features over 100 exclusive “Sweetened Tunings”, which will let you fine tune your specific guitar’s tuning.

The “Guided Tuning” mode makes tuning in alternate tunings really easy, especially for beginners.

Pros

  • “Sweetened Tunings” Great for People with Finicky Instruments
  • User Selectable Colors
  • Easily Toggles Between Bypass, Buffered Output, and Monitor Modes
  • Lots of Alternate Tunings Preset

Cons

  • No Onboard Microphone

The Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal is one of the highest quality tuners available today.
With some really advanced features, it’s also really simple and intuitive for beginners. Definitely check it out.

Clip-on: Peterson StroboClip HD

For the best in clip-on tuners, you’ve gotta try the Peterson StroboClip HD.

It’s a chromatic tuner with an ultra-smooth real time display that has a wide viewing angle, and high-definition backlighting, so you’ll be able to see it even in direct sunlight.

With over 50 Sweetened Tunings you’ll be able to optimize the playability and tone of you finickier instruments.

You’ll be able to use in on a wide variety of instruments thanks to its ultra-wide clamp, allowing you to tune with ease.

Additionally, drop tuning and capo tuning will be fast, accurate, and a breeze thanks to Peterson’s transposition settings of up to 6 flat and 5 sharp.

Pros

Firmware Updatable
Ultra-Wide Clamp

Cons

  • Reports of Short Battery Life

The Peterson StroboClip HD is a compact clip-on tuner that’s very accurate and reliable. Get yours here.

Handheld: Peterson StroboPLUS HD

For the best in handheld tuners, it’s gonna be hard to beat the Peterson StroboPLUS HD.

You’ll get a real-time response thanks to its scrolling Virtual Strobe display which speeds up or slows down as you home in on your tuning.

With large buttons, a large rotary dial, and a wide display, you’ll find it easy and intuitive to use all of its features.

Plus, with strobe, and pitch tuning modes, you can choose how you want to tune your guitar. And with automatic tuning, or manual selection you’ll always be in complete control of your sound.

The 93 Sweetened Tunings will help optimize the playability and tone of your instruments.

Pros

Claims to be 20-50 Times More Accurate than Other Tuners
Firmware is Updatable

Cons

Metronome Upgrade Must be Purchased
Kinda Huge

The Peterson StroboPLUS HD represents the top of the line tuner. With features like a 1/4″ input jack, and 512-pixel strobe display, it’s advanced enough for the professional, but simple enough for the beginner. Get yours here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Budget

Pedal: On-Stage GTP7000 Mini Pedal Tuner

For a budget-friendly pedal tuner that’s small, and easy to use, try the On-Stage GTP7000 Mini Pedal Tuner.

It’s a chromatic tuner with pitch/tuning buttons that’s accurate to within +/- 0.5 cent.

Its small size means you’ll easily be able to fit it onto your pedalboard, and it uses a standard 9-volt power supply.

With a high-contrast 4-color display you’ll have a clear view even in low light situations, and can set it to regular or half strobe easily.

Finally, with true Bypass circuitry you can remove the pedal from your signal chain when the pedal is turned off, preserving your sound.

Pros

  • Very Compact in Size

Cons

  • Power Supply not Included

The On-Stage GTP7000 Mini Pedal Tuner is a compact, easy-to-read tuner that’s no-nonsense and easy to use. If you’re on a budget, you can get it here.

Clip-on: Snark ST-2 Super Tight

For an easy-to-use, budget friendly clip-on tuner, try the Snark ST-2 Super Tight tuner.

It’s got a bright display that swivels 360 degrees so you’ll be able to see it no matter where you clip it.

Additionally, you can choose to use the internal mic or the vibration sensor. This will allow you more tuning flexibility, and the ability to tune your guitar when you it’s not clipped on.

With flat tuning, and transpose functions you’ll be able to play drop tunings and tune with your capo on.

Especially helpful is the tap tempo metronome which is convenient to use when practicing to keep you on the beat.

Pros

  • Convenient Small Size

Cons

  • Not Recommended for Guitars with Nitrocellulose Finishes

The Snark ST-2 Super Tight tuner is a convenient, and accurate tuner that’s really easy on your pocket. Get it here.

Handheld: Korg GA-2

Are you looking for a tuner that’s easy on your budget, and has great functionality? Try the Korg GA-2!

The large note name/string name display will make the meter easier to read for beginners, and the red and greed LEDs will help even more by indicating whether you’re sharp or flat.

It’s got dedicated guitar and bass modes as well as a “Quinta Flat” tuning mode if you decide to play some heavy metal tunings, or tune someone’s bass.

You’ll also be able to tune by ear using Sound Out mode which emits a tone reference for you to tune to. That’s a great skill for a beginner to practice.

Pros

  • Pocket Sized so It’s Easy to Take With You
  • Supports 7-String Guitars/6-String Basses

Cons

  • No Output to Amp

The Korg GA-2 is a simple, compact, dedicated tuner that’s thin and lightweight, and has a long battery life. It’s perfect for the beginner on a budget who’s looking for a handheld tuner. Get it here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Runner-Up

Pedal: BOSS TU-3

Are you looking for a dependable pedal tuner that’s almost an industry standard? Try the BOSS TU-3 pedal tuner.

It’s a chromatic tuner with guitar and bass modes, so you can choose to tune by note, or by string number.

It uses a 21-segment LED meter as a display, with two different display modes, keeping things simple, and easy to use.

With its high-brightness mode you’ll be able to see the meter under any conditions, even in sunlight.

Additionally, the Accu-Pitch function will give you visual verification that you’re done tuning.

Also, Flat mode will allow for flat tuning of up to 6 semitones. This means you’ll easily be able to do drop tunings for those metal songs you want to play.

Finally, you can use the bypass output to automatically mute your sound when the tuner is engaged, so you can tune silently on stage.

Pros

  • Supports 7-String Guitars/6-String Basses
  • Can Supply Power for up to 7 BOSS Compact Effect Pedals

Cons

  • Old School Metering
  • Not Polyphonic

The BOSS TU-3 is a pedal tuner that’s built to be tough, and tune accurately. It’ll give you a dependable pedal that’ll quickly become a must-have on your board. Get it here.

Clip-on: Korg AW-OTG-Poly

If you’re looking for a clip-on tuner that’s polyphonic, with some fun features, try the Korg AW-OTG-POLY.

It has OLED screen technology that will give you a clear, smooth and visible display no matter what angle you view it from.

Since it’s a polyphonic tuner, you’ll know exactly which strings are out of tune with a single strum, and be able to tune accordingly.

The chord finder function will tell you exactly what chord you’re playing, even when using a capo. This means you can play random chords while you’re learning, and you’ll never have to look them up to ensure you’re playing them correctly.

Finally, there are alternative tuning animations that will make tuning a fun, and unique experience.

Pros

  • Great Display and Design

Cons

  • No Chromatic Setting

The Korg AW-OTG-POLY is a high precision tuner with great accuracy. Its got useful features, like auto power off, and a great display, as well as fun tuning animations. Get your here.

Handheld: BOSS TU-30

If you’re looking for a solid, compact handheld tuner, check out the BOSS TU-30.

It’s got a straightforward LCD display and supports multiple tuning modes and rhythm patterns.

The Accu-pitch feature sounds a tone when you’ve reached the correct pitch making tuning that much simpler for you.

If you’d rather tune by ear, the reference pitch function let’s you do that.

With included metronome you’ll be able to practice to multiple rhythm styles as well as enjoy the visual displays.

Pros

  • Compact Size
  • Input for Electric Guitar

Cons

  • Microphone on Bottom Can be Easily Muffled Accidentally

The BOSS TU-30 handheld tuner supports chromatic tuning, and flat tuning, so you’ll easily be able to meet your tuning requirements.
If you’re in the market for a simple, hassle free tuner, check it out here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Under $100

Pedal: TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini

If you’re looking for a pedal that’s no-nonsense, and will barely take up any room on your board, check out the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini.

It’s got a bright 109-LED display that will give you a clear readout whether in daylight or on the stage.

With polyphonic, chromatic, and strobe tuning modes you’ll never be at a loss for tuning options.

The alternate tuning modes will make it easy for you to explore other tunings, while being able to automatically switch between polyphonic and monophonic modes.

When in polyphonic mode, you’ll instantly know which strings are out of tune, automatically.

Pros

  • Small Footprint

Cons

The TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini is a dependable, and easy-to-use pedal tuner. The switchable true bypass/buffer modes let you choose the best setup for you, so you’ll have a great sound. Check it out here.

Clip-on: TC Electronic PolyTune Clip

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art clip-on tuner that’s easy to use, check out the TC Electronic PolyTune Clip.

It has “Poly tune technology” that let’s you tune all 6 strings of your guitar at the same time. Just strum, and you’ll instantly know which strings are need to be adjusted.

It has polyphonic, strobe and chromatic modes so you’ll have plenty of flexibility when it comes to tuning.

It supports alternative tunings, as well as giving you the option to save and recall your own default tuning.

Pros

  • Display Automatically Flips when Turned Upside Down

Cons

  • On/Off Can be Button Hard to Access

The TC Electronic PolyTune Clip is a very compact tuner that’s very easy to use. With 105 bright LEDs, it’s easy to read, durable and high-quality. Get it here.

Handheld: Korg OT-120

If you’re looking for a professional level tuner definitely try the Korg OT-120.

It’s a chromatic tuner designed for the orchestra so it’s got a great tuning range and features.

With its dual display you’ll get an easy-to-see needle indicator as well as a backlit LCD screen making fine adjustment a breeze.

Its large, easy to use dial and finger-friendly buttons will make changing settings simple and straightforward.

The indicator needle can be set to different speeds, making learning to tune even easier.

Finally, 12 types of transposing key including sharps and flats will make adjusting to different tunings easy.

Pros

  • Vertical Design is Easy to Use
  • Suede-tone Soft Case Included
  • Rear Mounted Stand

Cons

  • May be Overkill Just for Guitar

For the professional musician on the go, or the beginner who’s serious about their instrument, the Korg OT-120 tuner has all the features you’ll need. Check it out here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Under $50

Pedal: Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal

If you’re looking for an affordable pedal tuner, try the Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal.

It’s got an LED display that is bright, clear, and easy-to-read, and gives you a choice of strobe or needle tuning modes.

With a tuning range from A0 to C8 you’ll be able to tune your everyday guitar as well as a 5-string bass.

You’ll enjoy lots of tuning flexibility with its flat mode which will give you up to 4 semi-tones of adjustment.

Plus, a true bypass switch will give you as clean a sound as possible when tuning.

Finally, the adjustable calibration will let you calibrate for any odd or different tunings you may desire.

Pros

  • Compact Size

Cons

  • Power Supply Sold Separately

The Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal is a great tuner for the price. Check it out here.

Clip-on: BOSS TU-10 Clip-on

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate clip-on tuner, try the BOSS TU-10.

It boasts improved visibility thanks to its “true color” LCD and reflection-display function. This will give you an easy to read display that you can change the color of.

The Accu-Pitch function display changes color to let you know you’ve reached the point where you’re in tune.

Since it’s capable of flat tuning up to 5 semitones, you’ll easily be able to play songs recorded in E flat.

Stream mode will help you to intuitively, and easily reach the correct pitch.

Pros

  • Available in Multiple Colors

Cons

  • Not Recommended for use with Guitars That Have Nitrocellulose Finish

The BOSS TU-10 tuner is a reliable, and accurate clip-on chromatic tuner. Check it out here.

Handheld: KLIQ MetroPitch

If you’re looking for a tuner that’s affordable, fast and accurate, try the KLIQ MetroPitch.

It’s a chromatic tuner that includes a metronome and a tone generator, so you’ll be able to improve your timing, and tune by ear.

With a wide tuning range of A0 – C8 and various tuning modes, you’ll be able to tune just about any instrument, not just your guitar.

Plus, it’s pocket sized so it’ll be convenient to keep with your guitar.

Pros

  • Comes in Multiple Colors
  • Includes Carrying Pouch
  • Includes Input Jack

Cons

  • Speaker on Back May Muffle Sound

The KLIQ MetroPitch is a great value, and includes pitch calibration and transposition settings. You’ll find it portable, and easy to use. Check it out here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best Under $20

Pedal: Koogo Tuner LT-901

For an affordable pedal tuner for your board, try the Koogo Tuner LT-901.

It’s a chromatic tuner for your guitar, or bass, and will give you accurate tuning with high precision.

With a large LCD display, you’ll easily be able to see what you’re doing when you’re on stage.

You’ll even be able to tune 7-string guitars and 5-string basses with this tuner easily.

It’s got true bypass, meaning you’ll suffer no loss of signal, and can use use it to mute your output.

Pros

  • Compact and Made of Metal

Cons

  • No Microphone

The Koogo Tuner LT-901 is a simple pedal tuner that does everything you need a tuner to do. It’s a great value for the money, so get it here.

Clip-On: Snark ST-8 Super Tight

If you’re looking for a very affordable clip-on tuner, give the Snark ST-8 Super Tight a shot.

It features an updated high definition display that rotates 360 degrees, so you can face it on the back or front of the headstock.

You’ll get faster and more accurate tuning thanks to a faster chip, so far it’s the highest accuracy available.

It can automatically transpose when you’re using a capo thanks to a flat tuning function.

With pitch calibration from 415-466hz you’ll be able to easily change your tuning reference so you’ll stay in tune with everyone else without any hassle.

Pros

  • Tap Tempo Metronome
  • The “Stay Put” clip

Cons

  • No Microphone

The Snark ST-8 Super Tight is a small, easy to use clip-on tuner. It’s very accurate, and will give you a quick response. Get it here!

Handheld: Korg GA-50

If you’re looking for an affordable handheld tuner, try the Korg GA-50.

Thanks to its enlarged LCD screen, it’s got an easily readable display with a large note name indicator.

You’ll easily be able to tune your guitar and bass including 7-string guitars, and 5 and 6-string basses.

The sound out mode will help when replacing strings, since it plays a reference tone giving you a pitch reference. You can tune up roughly using the reference tone, then use the meter to make the final adjustment.

You’ll get about 135 hours of continuous use, as well as a folding stand for added stability.

Pros

  • Includes Input/Output Jacks
  • Memory Backup Function
  • Auto Power-Off

Cons

  • Non-Chromatic
  • Doesn’t Seem to Support Drop Tunings

The Korg GA-50 is a simple and intuitive handheld tuner, that will keep you tuned up and ready to play. Check it out here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: Best App

GuitarTuna

If you’re looking for a tuning app for your phone or tablet, give GuitarTuna a shot.

It’s simple, and easy to use, with a very functional interface.

You use the built-in microphone on your phone or tablet to pickup the note the string is playing.

If you’re a beginner, it’ll be easy to learn to use, and will be intuitive to use.

It includes an auto-mode tuner and chromatic tuner, so you can tune to standard tuning, a custom tuning, or one of 100+ other tunings in the app.

Pros

  • Tunes Ukulele, Guitar,Bass, and More
  • Includes Metronome

Cons

  • The App is Free, but Everything but Basic Features Cost $4.99/Month
  • Uses Microphone, so Difficult to Tune When It’s Noisy
  • Metronome Only Goes to 240 BPM

If you’re looking for an app that’s free, GuitarTuna is a great tuner that’s simple, convenient, and easy to use.

The very basic features are free, including a chord library and a metronome, but anything beyond that means you’ll have to buy a monthly subscription.

For Android Click Here. For Apple Click Here.

Best Guitar Tuners for Beginners: FAQ

  • I got my tuner, but how do I use it?
  • What’s the best tuner for intonation?
    • You can use pretty much any tuner to intonate your guitar, but I’ve found that intonation is best done with a handheld tuner.
      A needle output will makes it easier to figure out whether you’re sharp or flat. It’s even easier if it will give you how many cents you’re off.