Guitar Tuning Frequencies Charts: Simplify Your Tuning Process 

If you’re a beginner, tuning your guitar can be a challenge. This guide will help you get your guitar in tune. If you’re an experienced player, this guide is for you as well. I’ve also included alternate tunings and their frequencies in handy charts.

Key Takeaways

• Understand guitar tuning frequencies well;
  
  
• Use a tuning chart for precise adjustments; 
  
  
• Enhance your guitar’s sound and your playing.
  

The Basics of Guitar Tuning

Understanding Standard Tuning

If you’re a beginner at guitar, grasp the tuning basics. The standard tuning, EADGBE, is used all over the world.

Each letter stands for a string’s pitch, from thickest to thinnest. Tune your guitar from low E to high E as follows:

– 6th string: E (low)

– 5th string: A

– 4th string: D

– 3rd string: G

– 2nd string: B

– 1st string: E (high)

Explanation of Frequencies and Hertz (Hz)

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the concept of frequencies. They are sound wave cycles per second measured in Hertz (Hz), which is crucial for guitar tuning.

In standard tuning, each string matches a specific frequency. Tuning involves string tension adjustments to these frequencies:

• E (6th string): 82.4 Hz
  
  
• A (5th string): 110 Hz
  
  
• D (4th string): 146.83 Hz
  
  
• G (3rd string): 196 Hz
  
  
• B (2nd string): 246.94 Hz
  
  
• E (1st string): 329.6 Hz
  
  

Use a tuner or an app for precise tuning. And do it regularly. Tuning it keeps your guitar sounding right. 

Guitar String Frequencies Chart

E Standard Tuning Frequencies

As mentioned before, E standard tuning is the go-to for most guitarists. Here’s a look at the frequencies for each string in this tuning:

• 1st (thinnest) E4: 329.63 Hz
  
  
• 2nd B3: 246.94 Hz
  
  
• 3rd G3: 196.00 Hz
  
  
• 4th D3: 146.83 Hz
  
  
• 5th A2: 110.00 Hz
  
  
• 6th (thickest) E2: 82.41 Hz
  

When tuning each string to E standard, these are the target frequencies.

Alternate Tunings Frequencies

Alternate tunings can open up new possibilities in your guitar playing. Here are the frequencies for two popular alternate tunings:

DROP D TUNING	DADGAD TUNING
1st E4: 329.63 Hz	1st D4: 293.67 Hz
2nd B3: 246.94 Hz	2nd A3: 220.00 Hz
3rd G3: 196.00 Hz	3rd G3: 196.00 Hz
4th D3: 146.83 Hz	4th D3: 146.83 Hz
5th A2: 110.00 Hz	5th A2: 110.00 Hz
6th D2: 73.42 Hz	6th D2: 73.42 Hz

These tunings change your guitar’s standard tuning. The cool thing is that it offers new sounds and chord formations.

Open Tunings Frequencies

Open tunings simplify chord playing with open strings or one-finger fretting. Here are the frequencies for two popular open tunings:

OPEN G TUNING	OPEN D TUNING
1st D4: 293.67 Hz	1st D4: 293.67 Hz
2nd B3: 246.94 Hz	2nd A3: 220.00 Hz
3rd G3: 196.00 Hz	3rd F#3: 185.00 Hz
4th D3: 146.83 Hz	4th D3: 146.83 Hz
5th G2: 98.00 Hz	5th A2: 110.00 Hz
6th D2: 73.42 Hz	6th D2: 73.42 Hz

These open tunings are great for creating chords with minimal finger positioning.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Using a Tuning Fork or Electronic Tuner

Tuning forks and electronic tuners are indispensable tools to help you tune your guitar accurately. 

Follow these steps:

1. Pick a reference pitch: A440 (440 Hz) is the standard. Electronic tuners often have A440 built-in. Tuning forks emit this frequency when struck;
   
   
2. Tune the A string (5th string): Match the A string to the A440 reference. Adjust the tuning peg until the pitch aligns with the reference from your tuner or tuning fork;
   
   
3. Tune the rest of the strings: With the A string in tune, use it to tune the other strings. Tuners have settings for each string (unlike a tuning fork), making it very easy.
   

Some tuners also offer alternate tuning modes.

Tuning by Ear and the 440Hz Standard

Tuning your guitar to the 440Hz standard by ear relies on matching the pitch of the strings with the standard pitch.

Follow these steps:

1. Find a reference tone: Use a keyboard, tuning fork, or an app to get the 440Hz pitch;
   
   
2. Tune the A string (5th string): Adjust the A string’s tuning peg while listening to the reference tone until the pitches match;
   
   
3. Tune the other strings: With the A string tuned, use it to tune the rest. The ‘5th-fret method’ matches the note on the 5th fret of one string to the open note of the next string.
   

Understanding Pitch and Intonation

Pitch and Its Relation to Tuning

Pitch is the perception of how high or low a musical note sounds based on the frequency of sound waves in hertz (Hz).

For tuning, A4 at 440 Hz is the norm. The A above middle C vibrates at this rate. Other guitar notes tune about this.

Setting Intonation on Your Instrument

Intonation is about note pitch accuracy on your guitar’s fretboard. If the intonation is off, notes sound out of tune, even with correct string tuning. 

To set the intonation:

1. Tune your guitar to standard pitch (A4 at 440 Hz);
   
   
2. Compare the 12th fret harmonic with each string’s fretted note at the 12th fret;
   
   
3. Adjust the bridge saddle to fix any pitch discrepancies, moving it toward or away from the neck;
   
   
4. Retune and repeat until the pitches match.
   

Advanced Tuning Techniques

Utilizing Harmonics for Tuning

Learning to tune with harmonics is pretty much a must, as you won’t always have a tuner or pitchfork handy.

Harmonics are pure overtones produced by lightly touching a string at a node point, above a fret, without pressing to the fretboard. This method allows for accurate tuning without an electronic tuner.

To tune with harmonics:

1. Tune your low E string (6th string) to a reference pitch from a keyboard or tuning fork;

2. Play the harmonic at the 5th fret of the E string and the 7th fret of the A string (5th string) together. They should sound the same;

3. If they differ, adjust the A string’s tuning until the harmonics match;

4. Continue this process across the strings: compare harmonics on the 5th fret of the A string with the 7th fret of the D string (4th string), and so on, up to the 2nd and 1st strings.

Benefits of Harmonic Tuning:

• Accuracy: Harmonic tuning aligns with the fretboard’s equal temperament, ensuring precise pitches;
  
  
• Independence: This skill means you can tune your guitar without relying on an electronic device.
  

Learning to tune with harmonics is pretty much a must

Microtonal and Temperament Tuning

Standard tuning uses equal temperament. 

Equal temperament tuning splits the octave into 12 equal semitones. Each semitone’s frequency is about 1.05946 times the previous note, making 12 steps an octave. This system lets keyboards (and guitars) play in all keys with few tuning issues. It’s the main tuning in Western music.

Different tunings, such as microtonal or various temperaments, can expand the range of sounds your guitar can produce.

Alternate Tunings Include:

• Open Tunings: These set the guitar to a chord when strummed open. Open D, for example, is tuned to D A D F# A D;
  

• DADGAD Tuning: Favored in folk, it offers a distinctive sound and simple fingerings for intricate chords.
  

Different Temperament Systems:

• Just Intonation: Based on the harmonic series’ pure intervals, it sounds more consonant than equal temperament.
  

Discovering these requires specialized tools, notation, and sometimes custom guitars. Have a look at True Temperament frets and necks for instance.

Extended Range Guitar Tunings and Frequencies

The standard tuning for extended-range guitars adds lower or higher strings to the traditional 6-string layout:

7 STRING GUITAR	8 STRING GUITAR	9 STRING GUITAR
B1 (61.74 Hz)	F#1 (46.25 Hz)	C#1 (34.65 Hz)
E2 (82.41 Hz)	B1 (61.74 Hz)	F#1 (46.25 Hz)
A2 (110 Hz)	E2 (82.41 Hz)	B1 (61.74 Hz)
D3 (146.83 Hz)	A2 (110 Hz)	E2 (82.41 Hz)
G3 (196 Hz)	D3 (146.83 Hz)	A2 (110 Hz)
B3 (246.94 Hz)	G3 (196 Hz)	D3 (146.83 Hz)
E4 (329.63 Hz)	B3 (246.94 Hz)	G3 (196 Hz)
	E4 (329.63 Hz)	B3 (246.94 Hz)
		E4 (329.63 Hz)

You have several options for alternate tunings on extended range guitars:

• 7-String: A Standard (A1, E2, A2, D3, G3, C4, E4) or Drop A (A1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4).
• 8-String: Some may use EBEADGBE for an extended range that keeps the 6-string feel.
• 9-String: Less standardized, but C#1, F#1, B1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 is a possibility.

These tunings allow for deep bass and standard pitches.

Alternative 8 string tunings:

Standard Electric	Standard Classic	Added Basses	Galbraith Tuning
F#1	A1	B1	B1
B1	D2	D2	E2
E2	E2	E2	A2
A2	A2	A2	D3
D3	D3	D3	G3
G3	G3	G3	B3
B3	B3	B3	E4
E4	E4	E4	A4

Guitar Tuning and Maintenance

Caring for Your Guitar Strings

Your guitar’s sound obviously relies on its strings. To keep a good tone and playability, maintain your strings with these tips:

• Clean often: Wipe your strings with a clean cloth after playing. This prevents corrosion from sweat, dirt and oils;
  

• Replace regularly: Change strings every 2-3 months (even if you always clean your strings after playing) or if the sound dulls;
  

• Inspect for damage: Look for wear or damage affecting sound and replace strings if needed.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Tuning

Environmental factors like temperature and humidity significantly affect guitar tuning:

• Temperature: Wood expansion or contraction from temperature changes can alter neck tension and tuning. Keep your guitar in a stable temperature to avoid this.
  

• Humidity: High humidity makes wood swell. Low humidity dries it out, affecting string tension and tuning. A guitar humidifier can help you maintain proper moisture levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard frequency values for tuning a guitar string?

The standard frequencies for guitar tuning are:

– E2 (6th string): 82.41 Hz

– A2 (5th string): 110.00 Hz

– D3 (4th string): 146.83 Hz

– G3 (3rd string): 196.00 Hz

– B3 (2nd string): 246.94 Hz

– E4 (1st string): 329.63 Hz

These are based on the Equal Temperament tuning system.

How do I determine the correct frequencies for different open guitar tunings?

You can use the tuning charts on this page or a guitar tuner app with various open tuning settings to find the correct frequencies for open tunings.

Can you list the frequencies for common drop tunings on a guitar?

Frequencies for standard drop tunings:

• Drop D: D2 (73.42 Hz), A2 (110.00 Hz), D3 (146.83 Hz), G3 (196.00 Hz), B3 (246.94 Hz), E4 (329.63 Hz);
  
  
• Drop C: C2 (65.41 Hz), G2 (98.00 Hz), C3 (130.81 Hz), F3 (174.61 Hz), A3 (220.00 Hz), D4 (293.67 Hz);
  
  
• Drop B: B1 (61.74 Hz), F#2 (92.50 Hz), B2 (123.47 Hz), E3 (164.81 Hz), G#3 (207.65 Hz), C#4 (277.18 Hz).

Which tuning frequencies should I use to achieve a 432 Hz guitar tuning?

Adjustments for 432 Hz tuning:

– E2: 80.60 Hz

– A2: 107.32 Hz

– D3: 144.02 Hz

– G3: 192.44 Hz

– B3: 242.28 Hz

– E4: 323.63 Hz

What are the frequency ranges to consider for electric versus acoustic guitars?

Both electric and acoustic guitars have a broad frequency range. Acoustic guitars often emphasize lower to mid frequencies (80 Hz to 5 kHz). Electric guitars can reach higher frequencies, up to 8 kHz or more. It depends on your guitar and playing style.

How do you calculate the frequency of each string on a guitar?

To calculate string frequency:

1. Find the speed of sound in the string with v = √(T/μ), where T is tension and μ is mass per unit length.

2. Then calculate frequency with f = v/(2L), where L is string length.

Real playing conditions like string bending can affect the frequency.