What is a Chromatic Tuner?

A chromatic tuner is a device that detects and displays the pitch of any musical note across the entire chromatic scale (all 12 notes: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B). Unlike standard guitar tuners that only recognize the six standard guitar strings, a chromatic tuner can identify any note, making it perfect for tuning guitars, basses, ukuleles, violins, and virtually any other musical instrument.

Our browser-based chromatic tuner uses your device's microphone and advanced pitch detection algorithms (based on the autocorrelation method) to accurately identify the frequency of the sound you play. It then calculates the closest musical note and shows you whether you're sharp (too high), flat (too low), or perfectly in tune. The precision gauge gives you visual feedback to help you achieve perfect pitch.

How to Use This Guitar Tuner

Grant microphone access: Click "Start Tuner" and allow your browser to access your microphone when prompted. This is required for the tuner to hear your instrument.
Position your instrument: Place your instrument close to your device's microphone, or use an external microphone for better results. Ensure the environment is relatively quiet for accurate detection.
Play a single note: Pluck or play one string at a time. The tuner will detect the pitch and display the closest note name (e.g., E, A, D) along with its frequency in Hertz.
Watch the gauge: The needle shows how close you are to perfect pitch. If it points left, you're flat (too low)—tighten the string. If it points right, you're sharp (too high)—loosen the string.
Tune to center: Adjust your tuning peg until the needle centers and the indicator shows "In Tune" in green. The closer to center, the more accurate your tuning.
Repeat for each string: Go through each string one at a time, tuning each to its target note.

Standard Guitar Tuning

Standard guitar tuning from lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest) string:

6th String (Low E): E2 - 82.41 Hz
5th String (A): A2 - 110.00 Hz
4th String (D): D3 - 146.83 Hz
3rd String (G): G3 - 196.00 Hz
2nd String (B): B3 - 246.94 Hz
1st String (High E): E4 - 329.63 Hz

Other Common Tunings

Bass Guitar (4-String Standard)

4th String: E1 (41.20 Hz)
3rd String: A1 (55.00 Hz)
2nd String: D2 (73.42 Hz)
1st String: G2 (98.00 Hz)

Ukulele (Standard C6 Tuning)

4th String: G4 (392.00 Hz)
3rd String: C4 (261.63 Hz)
2nd String: E4 (329.63 Hz)
1st String: A4 (440.00 Hz)

Drop D Tuning (Guitar)

Same as standard except the 6th string is tuned down one whole step to D2 (73.42 Hz). Popular in rock and metal music.

Tuning Tips & Best Practices

Tune in a quiet environment: Background noise can interfere with pitch detection. Find a quiet space for best results.
Play notes clearly: Pluck or strike strings firmly and let them ring. Weak or muted notes are harder to detect accurately.
Tune up, not down: When adjusting, it's better to tune up to pitch (tightening) rather than down. This helps maintain tuning stability.
Check tuning multiple times: After tuning all strings, go back and check the first strings again. Changing tension on one string can slightly affect others.
Let new strings settle: New strings take time to stretch and stabilize. You may need to retune frequently for the first day or two after restringing.
Use harmonics for precision: Advanced players can use natural harmonics (12th fret) for even more accurate tuning.
Temperature affects tuning: Strings expand and contract with temperature changes. Check your tuning if moving between different environments.

Understanding Pitch Detection

This tuner uses an autocorrelation algorithm to detect pitch—a mathematical method that analyzes the periodic patterns in your instrument's sound wave. When you play a note, the tuner captures audio through your microphone, processes it in real-time, and calculates the fundamental frequency (the lowest, loudest frequency that defines the pitch).

The algorithm is accurate to within a few cents (hundredths of a semitone), which is sufficient for professional tuning. The gauge displays your tuning accuracy visually: the needle's position shows how many cents you are away from perfect pitch. When the needle is centered and the display shows "In Tune," you're within ±5 cents of the target frequency—essentially perfect for practical purposes.

Troubleshooting

The tuner isn't detecting my instrument

Check that you've granted microphone permission to your browser
Make sure your device's microphone isn't muted
Play notes louder and more clearly
Reduce background noise
Try using headphones or an external microphone for better isolation

The reading jumps around or seems inaccurate

Ensure only one note is playing at a time (mute other strings)
Reduce background noise and avoid playing near speakers
Let strings ring clearly without buzzing or rattling
Old or worn strings may produce unclear harmonics—consider replacing them

My browser won't allow microphone access

This tool requires microphone access to function
Check your browser's settings and ensure microphone permission is granted
Some browsers require HTTPS for microphone access—make sure you're using a secure connection
Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all support this feature)

Privacy & Security

All audio processing happens locally in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your microphone audio is never recorded, stored, or transmitted to any server. The tuner simply analyzes the pitch in real-time and discards the audio data immediately. Your privacy is completely protected.