In this guide, we explore the best acoustic guitar tuners in their respective fortes. No pedal tuners here. Just good ol’ clip-on tuners and mic tuners for acoustic guitars!
TC Electronic PolyTune Clip
It provides precise tuning and streamlined design. Perfect for serious musicians seeking chromatic and polyphonic tuning.
Korg TM-60
Handheld combo tuner with mic, precise tuning from C0-C8, built-in metronome. It has a sound back feature that lets you tune by ear.
Snark ST-2
This streamlined, affordable clip-on tuner features a 360-degree LCD and tap tempo metronome, ideal for quick, hassle-free tuning.
KLIQ MetroPitch
Features 3-in-1 functionality: tuner, tone generator, and metronome, aiding precise tuning and practice.
D'Addario NS Micro Tuner
Compact and versatile, this chromatic tuner offers quick and accurate tuning with a sturdy 360° swivel design.
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While guitar tuner pedals get the pitch of your guitar via the output guitar signal, acoustic guitar tuners rely on audible sound or wood vibrations to monitor your intonation.
This presents a challenge and simultaneously provides practical advantage – the obvious challenge is not being able to silently tune your guitar, while the main advantage is flexibility because they will work on virtually all instruments that produce sound or vibrations.
To hear the sound of your guitar, acoustic guitar tuners are usually clip-ons equipped with piezo sensors that pick up the string vibrations through the wood. These tuners are attached to the acoustic guitar’s headstock, and can work with both acoustic instruments and electric guitars.
These are sometimes also called a ‘piezo tuner’ because they use a piezoelectric sensor which, when attached directly to your guitar, can pick up the vibrations of the strings directly through the instrument. The advantage of this design is to let you tune your guitar in noisy venues, the surrounding sound causes almost no interference with your tuner. These usually clip onto the headstock where the tuning pegs are, although some are designed to attach to the top of the guitar body.
Some tuners listen to the sound using a microphone. This also works with acoustic guitars when ambient noise is manageable.
Best Acoustic Guitar Tuners Detailed Descriptions
TC Electronic PolyTune Clip
Best Polyphonic Tuner
TC Electronic PolyTune Clip
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This guitar tuner offers a streamlined design and precise tuning capabilities without the need to switch chromatic and polyphonic modes. With chromatic and strobe tuner options, it caters to various tuning needs, making it ideal for serious musicians seeking reliable performance.
Manufacturer: TC Electronic
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In the world of polyphonic and chromatic tuners, TC electronic Polytune tuners are a mix of streamlined and aesthetics. TC Electronic mainly has 2 versions of the Polytune: the pedal version and the clip-on version.
Even though it doesn’t have a 360-degree swivel, this clip-on version truly works like magic. Imagine strumming your guitar and seeing if all of the strings are lined up to their corresponding notes. The Polytune Clip delivers that tuning capability all at once with an elegantly designed panel and LED display.
No need to switch from polyphonic to monophonic mode. It does it automatically for you.
For individual strings, you have chromatic and strobe tuner modes. Chromatic mode enables to you tune your strings down to .5 cents. You can take it a step further and use the strobe mode to go down as far as .2 cents.
The also five young 3 tuning modes for guitar and bass. Whether with a capo or flatted for drop Ds and other tunings, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how ultra-precise this headstock tuner can get.
This is for the serious musician who wants extra tuning capabilities. It has a solid design and is well-made. This is truly a top contender for the best acoustic guitar tuner.
Pros:
- Polyphonic and chromatic tuning modes
- Great design, solid quality
- Strobe tuner for more precise tuning
Cons:
- No 360-degree swivel
- Pricey
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Clip-on
| Display Type: LED
|
Reference Pitch: 435-445Hz
| Accuracy: ±0.02 cent (strobe)
|
Built-In Microphone: None
| Tuning Modes: Capo, Flat, Guitar, Bass |
Korg TM-60
Best Combo Tuner
Korg TM-60
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
It stands out as a handheld combo tuner with a mic, ensuring precise tuning from C0-C8. It offers calibration without a clip-on mic and features a built-in metronome. While its solo metronome may be quiet, it’s ideal for live performers seeking a versatile tuner-metronome combination.
Manufacturer: Korg
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This guitar tuner differs from the rest here because it’s primarily a handheld/combo tuner with a mic for looking at your intonation before or during performances. You’re ensured that each string of your guitar is tuned right down to the “T” as it can detect C0-C8 in precise tuning.
You can easily calibrate the tuning without any clip-on mic, and it could go accurate even at a short distance. However, for a more accurate clip-on tuning, a clip-on accessory can be purchased separately.
Aside from its tuning capabilities, it also gives you the option to rehearse with a metronome. It also allows you to use both the tuner and metronome simultaneously. The tempo and beat can be adjusted via their buttons or you could simply use the tap tempo functionality.
The metronome in itself, however, sounds a bit quiet, even at full volume. This is great as a solo metronome but not with group rehearsals. The good thing is, you can see the light and you can hook it up to a loudspeaker.
If you’re a live performer looking for a tuner with a combo tuner and metronome, the Korg TM-60 will be a good tuner for you.
Pros:
- Good combo tuner with a metronome
- Tap tempo functionality
- Great solo rehearsal tuner
Cons:
- Metronome is too quiet for group rehearsals
- Clip-on option sold separately
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Handheld
| Display Type: LCD
|
Reference Pitch: A4=410–480 Hz (1 Hz units)
| Accuracy: better than +/-1 cent
|
Built-In Microphone: None
| Tuning Modes: meter mode, sound out mode, sound back mode |
Snark ST-2
Best Starter Tuner
Snark ST-2
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Offers affordability and reliability, ideal for beginners. With a 360-degree swiveling LCD display and tap tempo metronome, it provides fast, real-time tuning. While lacking detailed specs, it’s a straightforward option for quick and easy tuning.
Manufacturer: Snark Tuners
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If you ask me what tuner I’d recommend for first-timers, it’s the fairly affordable but reliable Snark ST-2 clip-on tuner.
It doesn’t have any flashy capabilities or tuning right down to the threshold of human pitch detection. However, where it shines the most is just how affordable and accessible it is.
You have an LCD that swivels in 360 degrees and works quite well in different lighting conditions. For practice, it provides a tap tempo metronome functionality, a mic, and vibration sensor modes.
It responds fast for on-the-go applications. Choose whether you want to tune with a mic and a clip-on, you will see the LCD screen calibrating in real-time.
Now, speaking of calibration, even though it’s on the affordable side, you get pitch calibration of around 415 to 466 Hz. This means accuracy for conventional and unconventional tuning applications.
My only gripe in this guitar tuner review is that I don’t see a lot of info about the actual specs on their website. It doesn’t pose any glaring issues in standard tuning, but it’s still helpful to establish the specifics of its features.
Other than that, the ST-2 is for people who want a quick and easy tuning that just works right off the bat. This is the ultimate guitar tuner for starters.
Pros:
- Super fast tuning
- Simple and easy controls
- LCD looks cool
Cons:
- No real specs on the manufacturer's website
- Metronome on the quieter side
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Clip-on
| Display Type: LCD
|
Reference Pitch: 415Hz-466Hz
| Accuracy: Not specified
|
Built-In Microphone: Yes
| Tuning Modes: Vibration, mic, metronome |
KLIQ MetroPitch
Best Versatile Tuner
KLIQ MetroPitch
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Has 3-in-1 functionality with a microphone tuner, tone generator, and metronome for versatile tuning and practice. While the LCD works well, the backlight may be inconsistent. It provides accurate tuning options and intuitive controls, making it a reliable choice for musicians.
Manufacturer: KLIQ Music Gear
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Its 3-in-1 functionality allows you to cycle through the microphone tuner, tone generator, and metronome. Gives you all you need to nail those scales and still be in tune. Musicians won’t get distracted by its extra functionality because the layout is fairly intuitive.
The LCD works well. The backlight though, tends to be a bit wonky, only lighting up if you press the buttons.
You have the option to use the mic or connect a contact mic to its 1/4-inch connector. Both are accurate ways of tuning. No discrepancies between them. The contact mic, however, is purchased separately.
As for the tone generator, it produces a stable sine wave for those who want the option to tune by ear. They also give you a wide amount of range for the tone generator as well.
Functions like the tuning range, beats, tempo, tone, and tuning modes are easily controlled using the big dial at the front of the tuner. Each of them is easily navigable through the function button if you want to change any of their settings.
There seems to be no issue in terms of tuning your instrument in general. However, they didn’t specify the accuracy of their tuning or how it was manufactured on their website. Best to keep that in mind.
KLIQ MetroPitch is the best guitar tuner when it comes to useful musician-friendly layout and functionality. For those who want options in tuning range from A0-C8 as well as a metronome, you can’t go wrong with this trusty guitar tuner.
Pros:
- 3-in-1 features are solid
- Easy to use
- Tone generator as a tune-by-ear option
Cons:
- Backlight behavior is a bit wonky
- A contact mic is sold separately
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Handheld
| Display Type: Backlit LCD
|
Reference Pitch: A0-C8
| Accuracy: Not specified
|
Built-In Microphone: Yes
| Tuning Modes: For ukulele, bass, violin, and guitar tuning modes |
D'Addario NS Micro Tuner
Best Compact Tuner
D'Addario NS Micro Tuner
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Compact and versatile and features a sturdy 360° swivel and a multicolored LCD. Its tuning range of 410-480Hz ensures compatibility with various stringed instruments, providing a lightning-fast response to notes for quick and accurate tuning, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking compact and reliable headstock tuners.
Manufacturer: D’Addario
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This is the smallest of the acoustic guitar tuners we’ve reviewed, about 2.5-3x smaller than the palm of your hand. Discreet and mini in size, it features a 360° swivel that looks sturdy. Often, you have to be extra mindful not to snap off the neck of any clip-on tuner that swivels.
The multicolored LCD isn’t best under bright conditions. However, they can switch from horizontal to vertical orientation, so you don’t have to tilt your head awkwardly when tuning.
It has a chromatic tuner tuning range of 410-480Hz, with lightning-fast response to notes. Set up any stringed instruments with this tuner, regardless of whether it’s a violin, acoustic, bass, or electric guitar. You’ll be ready in no time.
If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar tuner that’s compact and with a multicolor display, then look no further than the D’Addario NS Micro Tuner.
Pros:
- Compact in size, discreet
- Sturdy 360° swivel
- Horizontal and vertical orientation
Cons:
- No-so-bright display
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Clip-on
| Display Type: Multicolored-LCD display
|
Reference Pitch: 410-480Hz
| Accuracy: Not specified
|
Built-In Microphone: None
| Tuning Modes: For ukulele, bass, violin, and guitar tuning modes |
Peterson StroboClip HD
Best Strobe Tuner
Peterson StroboClip HD
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
A clip-on version of the StroboStomp HD offers unparalleled accuracy and versatility for multi-instrumentalists and diverse tunings. With durable construction, “sweetened tunings,” and special settings, it’s ideal for live performances and precise tuning needs.
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This is the clip-on version of the pedal tuner StroboStomp HD. It is a highly configurable and versatile clip-on tuner available, ideal for multi-instrumentalists and guitarists who use multiple tunings.
Looks well made. Parts are encased with plastic that can take a fall and a rubber jaw that clips securely onto your guitar. The StroboClip HD has a 360-degree swivel head so you can adjust it easily. The backlight is bright enough even in sunny environments.
It works just as well with other stringed instruments including Banjos, Ukuleles, Mandolins, and Dobros. They boast that it’s due to its “Sweetened Tunings” that it is 30-40x more optimized than a normal tuner.
It also has special settings for alternate tunings and capos making it well suited for live performance where you need to make tuning changes quickly.
Strobe tuners are known for their sheer accuracy. On top of its versatility, the StroboClip HD is known for its impressive 1/1000 fret accuracy, allowing you to tune your instrument as precisely as possible. This tuning accuracy is then paired with the alternate temperaments and tunings that are meant to cover various string and wind instruments.
The StroboClip costs more than other tuners in this category, and one of the main reasons is that it uses a proprietary virtual form of Strobe Tuner technology which provides extremely high levels of accuracy.
Pros:
- True Strobe tuning down to 0.1 cent
- Great all-around tuner
- Has alternate tunings
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Format: Clip-on
| Display Type: LCD
|
Reference Pitch: A = 390Hz-490Hz
| Accuracy: 0.1 cent
|
Built-In Microphone: None
| Tuning Modes: 50 |
Things To Consider When Buying An Acoustic Guitar Tuner
Speed
Fast tuning allows you to make fine adjustments as the tuning indicator aligns with the right note. And this is only possible with tuners that have fast response times. This is the reason why acoustic guitarists prefer high-end tuners, for efficient and quick tuning.
Modern clip-on guitar tuners are usually designed to be monophonic (single-note tuning). At the same time, you also have polyphonic tuners that enable you to play multiple strings and tune them quicker that way. Just keep in mind tuning like this can be a hit-or-miss
If you’re using an acoustic-electric guitar, then you can go for a tuner pedal like the TC Electronic Polytune 3 or the Boss Tu 3, which many consider to be the ultimate pedal guitar tuner.
Accuracy
The best guitar tuners are ones that provide quick and accurate tuning. For finer “brush” however, there are tuners like the strobe tuner that allows you to tune in cents. An ultra-accurate tuner isn’t as needed playing in small setups but is ideal in orchestral scenarios.
Tuning Alternatives
If you forgot to bring your tuner, there are plenty of alternatives to tune. The most convenient of which is by pulling out your phone and using a guitar tuner app.
There are plenty of guitar tuner apps available that can easily be installed for free on your phone, tablet, or computer. The downside to these apps is they are susceptible to noise, which is often the case when performing. But they can be certainly useful backstage or in the dressing room.
Another option is to have your bandmate play and simply tune by ear.
Good tuners offer you a variety of tuning ranges. This is a good point of consideration for those who want to deviate from the standard tuning for experimentation.
Extra features
This includes tuning through a tone generator, where the acoustic guitar tuner can output a sine wave to tune your acoustic or electric guitar. It functions just like a tuning fork. Another good feature would be a metronome for rehearsals. Some tuners can detect pitch and provide a beat simultaneously for practice purposes as well.
In summary, our picks for the best acoustic guitar tuners come in various forms, from clip-on to handheld tuners. Each of these aims to provide precise tuning for guitar players. Tuners pretty much do the same task, but we love those extra perks in functionality, accuracy, and design.
Let us know in the comments below what products you want us to review!
Jason Horton
Lead Author
Alexander Briones
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
3 thoughts on “Best Acoustic Guitar Tuner”
Dont forget about the NS Micro which is the worlds smallest tuner
Thanks for all the acoustic guitar tuner. Although not all the guitar tuner mentioned above are available in the market. My personal favorite is Snark SN-2 as it provides great colorful display.
Ram
Love the list, Peterson is pretty much a top of the line tuner.