Best Guitar Tuners in 2023

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• Guitar tuners to suit all budgets
• Perfect for beginners and professionals alike
• Amazing tuning modes to experiment with sound

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You can’t understate the importance of a guitar tuner. These handy little devices are essential to helping you ensure your instrument always remains in tune, whether you’re rocking out on stage or recording in the studio. There are millions of different types of guitar tuners on the market for a range of different prices, all boasting a plethora of amazing features. But which is best for you?

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Guitar Tuners 2023

Here at All Axess, we have the ultimate guide to finding the perfect tuner to suit your playing needs. We’ve done all the research to bring you the best guitar tuners available. Check out some of the amazing guitar tuner deals in our list below.

Our top pick for a great-priced, accurate, and high-quality tuner is the D’Addario PW-CT-12 NS Micro Tuner. This tuner offers accurate tuning even in noisy environments. It’s simple and unobtrusive, making it perfect for every guitarist.

If you’re looking for a premium tuner, we recommend the Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner. This is the ultimate pedal guitar tuner for accuracy. With vibrant screen colors and over 100 tunings, this premium product will take your guitar tuning to the next level.

The Fender FT-1 Pro is the best tuner for guitarists on a budget. Whether you’re a beginner or you’re simply not interested in a million different features, get a high-quality tuner from a trusted brand at an amazing price.

There’s more where that came from. Read on and take a look at the best guitar tuners in 2023.

1. D’Addario PW-CT-12 NS Micro Tuner
2. Peterson StroboStomp HD
3. Korg Pitchblack X
4. Snark ST-2 Super Tight
5. Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner
6. Fender FT-1 Pro
7. D’Addario NS Micro Soundhole
8. Roadie 3 Automatic
9. Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal

1. TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini

If you’re on the hunt for the best guitar tuners, you might already be familiar with the TC Electronic PolyTune. A master when it comes to guitar tuning, this model gives you high-quality tuning in one single unit. But what if we said you can get an even more compact version to make your life just that little bit easier? Meet the TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini.

FEATURES

• Automatic mono/polyphonic tuner mode
• Built-in BonaFide Buffer
• Accurate to within 0.02 cents
• Automatic note detection
• Chromatic and strobe modes
• Works as a polyphonic tuner
• Switchable true bypass option

Review

Take this tuner with you when you’re busking, gigging, or traveling – this dependable model won’t take up much space at all, making it one of the best guitar tuners for musicians on the go.

You need something intuitive and fast, and the PolyTune 3 Mini delivers. It automatically detects which string is out of tune when you play a note. It features a polyphonic tuning mode, so you can strum all strings at once to see which are out of tune.

Or do you prefer to do things the more traditional way and strum separately? That’s absolutely fine – switch between mono and poly modes in seconds. This tuner also features a chromatic mode, so you can tune all the notes on the chromatic scale.

It’s easy to see which strings are out of tune with the 109-LED display. Whether you’re performing outside in the startling daylight or on a dark stage, the 3 Mini’s flexible display can adjust and auto-dim, providing visibility at all times.

This TC Electronic strobe tuner is accurate to within 0.02 cents, so you know you can rely on this tuner no matter how fast you need to tune your guitar.

Verdict

As we’ve outlined, there are so many reasons to love the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini – it features polyphonic tuning, and it has true bypass and more. But here’s one more to sweeten the deal: this tuner also comes with a 3-year warranty. That’s how much they trust in their product. If that doesn’t prove its status as one of the best guitar tuners, we don’t know what will.

(Psst… want an alternative? Try the Tc Electronic Polytune Clip-On Chromatic Tuner. It’s another great option.)

This Tuner is Perfect For:

The TC Electronic 3 Mini is one of the best guitar tuners for musicians who are always on the go and need fast, reliable tuning. No matter where you’re playing, this is a model you can depend on.

2. D’Addario PW-CT-12 NS Micro Tuner

Not everyone wants the latest gadget with a million different features you’ll never use. If simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to your music, you’ll love the D’Addario PW-CT-12 NS Micro Tuner.

FEATURES

• Low-profile design
• Bright backlit LCD display
• Multicolor reversible screen
• Wide calibration range
• CR2032 3-volt battery

Review

Speaking of the display, this tuner’s screen is bright and backlit, so you can easily see it whether you’re performing in bright sunshine or on a dark stage. No matter the environment, get the dependability you need.

But the best thing about this model is the tuning accuracy it provides, even on the loudest of stages. With this tuner, your guitar will always be ready to go.

Verdict

Inconspicuous, dependable, and accurate, the D’Addario NS Micro Tuner offers the simplicity you need to get you through all your on-stage performances. And the best thing? You won’t even know it’s there.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

If you want simplicity and dependability when you’re performing on stage, the D’Addario PW-CT-12 NS is one of the best guitar tuners for you.

3. Peterson StroboStomp HD

If you’re a serious guitarist looking for a premium model, the Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner might just be one of the best guitar tuners for you.

FEATURES

• 0.1-cent accuracy
• High-definition LCD screen
• Buffered output
• Buffered monitor modes
• Silent pop-free true bypass
• Over 100 sweetened tunings
• Supports bass tuning
• Drop tuning presets

Review

It features a high-definition LED screen that comes with a variable-color LED backlight. This is the biggest display that Peterson offers. You can personalize the display with different colors, which will affect the viewing quality depending on your environment. This ensures the tuner is visible, even in direct sunlight. 

he screen colors aren’t just practical – they’re stylish, too, adding a pop to your pedal tuner. You can save them to user presents, reducing menu navigation time.

This tuner comes with modes to suit all tuning scenarios: silent pop-free true bypass, buffered output, and buffered monitor. Other features include over 100 sweetened tunings and a complete set of drop-tuning presents. The tuner supports steel string guitars and basses, able to tune down to C0. Peterson strobe tuners are also made in the USA.

Verdict

There are so many things to love about the Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner. Complete with superior accuracy and packed full of amazing features, this is a tuner that will never let you down.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

If you’re a professional guitarist in need of a serious tuner with excellent accuracy, this is the best pedal tuner for you. It’s complete with three tuning modes and an array of endless features to support you no matter where you’re performing.

4. Korg Pitchblack X Custom

The Korg Pitchblack X is the perfect model if you’re looking for a tuner as accurate as the Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner, but with a more affordable price tag. Make no mistake – the Pitchblack X is still a premium option.

FEATURES

• Increased size and brightness
• Ultra Buffer system
• Double the meter LEDs
• Accurate to a range of ±0.1 cents
• High pedal tuning range
• Standard 9V power supply

Review

If you’re looking for supreme quality, excellent accuracy, and a plethora of tuning modes, we recommend the Korg Pitchblack X Custom Pedal Tuner.

The Pitchblack X also comes with an Ultra Buffer system, which preserves your signal strength, ensuring you get sound clarity and consistency with long cables and numerous I/O points. This model can accommodate a range of timings thanks to its four tuning displays, so whether you’re setting up in the studio or need fast accuracy on-stage, this is one of the best guitar tuners available. 

The Pitchblack X is accurate to ±0.1 cents, making it one of the most reliable guitar tuners on our list.

Verdict

You don’t get much more premium than the Korg Pitchblack X Custom Pedal Tuner. With extreme accuracy, two brightening modes, an amazing pedal tuning range, and an Ultra Buffer System, you can rest assured both on the stage and in the studio.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

If you’re a professional on the hunt for reliable pedal tuners, this is the one for you.

5. Snark ST-2 Super Tight Chromatic

One of the best things about this chromatic tuner is that it tunes more than just guitars. So if you’re a juggler of many stringed instruments, read on to find out more about the Snark ST-2 Super Tight.

FEATURES

• Rotateable high-definition display
• Clip-on tuner
• Pitch calibration
• Flat tuning/transpose functions
• High-sensitivity vibration sensor
• Built-in microphone

Review

It offers so many more features than typical chromatic tuners, such as transpose functions, flat tuning, and a pitch calibration of 415Hz-466Hz, to provide even more tuning options.

Snark has upgraded this tuner’s high-definition display for maximum readability – it can rotate 360 degrees, so you can put it in the perfect position, no matter what instrument you’re tuning. It’s ready to read, even if you’re standing a few feet away, so you never have to spend time squinting at an unreliable screen.

Verdict

Versatility is the name of the game with the Snark ST-2 Super Tight Chromatic Tuner. And at such an affordable price, you can’t go wrong.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

If you’re someone who plays a myriad of musical instruments, this is one of the best guitar tuners for you. This microphone tuner will provide dependability whether you’re tuning your guitar or your violin.

6. Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner

If you liked the Boss TU-3, then you’ll love the TU-3S. This scaled-down version of Boss’s previous model comes with all the same amazing features as before, just in a more compact housing.

FEATURES

• High-brightness mode
• 21-segment LED meter
• Accu-Pitch sign function
• Chromatic and Guitar/Bass modes
• Guitar Flat mode

Review

This compact tuner has been scaled down thanks to the elimination of its pedal switch, but its other features are still top-notch. This chromatic tuner features a 21-segment LED meter that offers brightness control, so you can still tune your instrument, no matter what environment you’re in. It also has a high-brightness mode when you’re out in direct sunlight.

Verdict

If you’re always on the go, you need a reliable tuner. With its 21-segment LED meter, high-brightness mode, and modes, keep your stringed instruments sounding perfect.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

This is the best guitar tuner to keep up with a busy lifestyle.

7. Fender FT-1 Pro Chromatic

If you’re a guitarist who hasn’t heard of Fender, where have you been? This industry giant is well-known for their high-quality guitars, and now you can try its tuners on for size.

FEATURES

• Clip-on tuning model
• Dual-hinged design
• Simple tuning needle
• Green backlight
• Many chromatic tuning modes
• Features a long-lasting CR2032 battery

Review

Simple, understated, and effective are the perfect words to describe this clip-on guitar tuner. But it would be a mistake to think this model just handles guitars – with many different chromatic tuning mode options, you can use it to tune just about any instrument, including your bass, violin, ukulele, and more. The dual-hinged design means you can mount your tuner on either side of your instrument’s headstock.

This tuner also features an LCD display and an easy-to-read green backlight that highlights the tuning needle. So no matter how dark the stage is, your new guitar tuner will never let you down.

Fender’s guitar tuners come in packs of 1, 5, and 10, so you can kit out all your instruments with a reliable tuner.

Verdict

Fender FT-1 Pro Chromatic may come in at a super-budget price, but its quality remains high.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

This is the best guitar tuner for someone who performs on stage or in the studio. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, no-nonsense tuner from a trusted brand, you can’t go wrong with the Fender FT-1.

8. D’Addario NS Micro Soundhole

Not everyone wants an ugly, bulky tuner attached to their acoustic instruments. If this sounds like you, you’ll love the D’Addario NS Micro Soundhole.

FEATURES

• Designed for acoustic instruments
• Non-marring soundhole clip
• Clear multicolor display
• Calibration range of 435-445Hz

Review

Headstock tuners are efficient and practical, but they don’t always look great. The D’Addario NS Micro Soundhole eliminates that problem entirely by slotting nicely in your instrument’s soundhole. The mounting clip is firm enough to keep the tuner in place but gentle enough to avoid marring your instrument.

Verdict

Marketed as “the invisible tuner,” unlike other clip-on tuners, the D’Addario NS Micro slots right into your soundhole. It remains out of sight and out of mind, to provide accurate tuning capability at a great price.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

Sick of ugly headstock tuners taking up space on your instrument? Then the D’Addario PW-CT-15 NS Micro Soundhole Tuner is the best guitar tuner for you. It’s great for performers who need their tuners out of sight.

9. Band Industries Roadie 3

The Band Industries Roadie 3 comes at a premium price, and it’s not hard to see why. This automatic guitar tuner is packed with premium features designed to take the hassle out of tuning and let you get back to what you do best: making music.

FEATURES

• Powerful string-winding motor
• 100+ built-in tunings
• Custom tuning options
• Vibration detection for better accuracy
• Large, clear screen
• Improved battery

Review

Where to start with all the amazing features the Roadie 3 offers? Tuning your own guitar is a thing of the past with this model – this tuner will automatically tune each string, so you don’t have to. The string-winding motor is fast and powerful at 120 RPM. It’s actually a huge improvement on Roadie’s previous model, slicing the winding time in half. That’s huge!

This model has also been kitted out with Roadie’s next-generation vibration detector for staggering tuning accuracy. It also features 100+ built-in tuning presets and gives you a range of custom tuning options. Why not try out the vibrating metronome mode?

The motor and vibration sensor aren’t the only improvements this model has to offer. The Roadie 3 features a better battery life capable of 150+ tunings. You can charge it easily via a USB port.

This tuner is compatible with a wide range of instruments, including steel, classical, and acoustic guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. However, it’s important to note that it’s not compatible with the bass guitar.

Verdict

The Band Industries Roadie 3 Automatic Guitar Tuner is a premium model with premium features at a premium price. With wide instrument compatibility, improved accuracy, and automatic winding, it lets you focus on what’s truly important: making music.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

Professional guitarists will get a lot out of this guitar tuner. Whether they’re working in the studio or performing on stage, this model aims to cut down tuning time.

10. Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal

Ibanez is a giant in the guitar industry, making electric guitars for a wide range of players, so it makes sense that they would design high-quality tuners too.

FEATURES

• Chromatic tuner
• Strobe mode
• Accurate to +/-1 cent
• Tuning range of  A0 (27.5Hz) to C8 (4,186Hz)
• Calibration range of 435Hz to 445Hz
• True bypass switching
• Clear LED display

Review

Featuring a needle and strobe mode, this chromatic tuner comes with a tuning range from A0 (27.5Hz) to C8 (4,186Hz) and a calibration range of 435Hz to 445Hz. The accuracy of this tuner cannot be understated, as it’s accurate to +/-1 cent.

Whether you’re an electric or bass guitarist (or even if you play another electric instrument), this tuner will keep your instruments sounding great.

The BigMini Tuner Pedal also features true bypass switching and a bright LED display. So even if you’re in direct sunlight, you can make sure your instruments are all ready to go.

Verdict

With excellent accuracy, a great LED display, and strobe tuning, the Ibanez BigMini Tuner Pedal can’t be beaten for value. It’s a fantastic middle-of-the-road option from a brand we all know, love, and trust.

This Tuner is Perfect For:

If you’re an electric guitarist or a bass player on the lookout for accurate tuners, this is the best guitar tuner for you. It’ll ensure your instruments remain finely tuned, leaving you to rock out.

FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

What is a guitar tuner?

A guitar tuner is exactly what it says on the tin – a device that tunes your guitar so all the notes are accurate. There are many different types of guitar tuners available, including strobe tuners, chromatic tuners and polyphonic tuners. Different models are likely to have varying features, such as a range of tuning options and modes. 

Although it’s possible to tune by ear, digital guitar tuners offer precise tuning quickly, which is imperative if you’re a professional working on a time crunch.

What is the most accurate guitar tuner?

Strobe tuners are the most accurate tuner. They tend to be the most expensive type of guitar tuners too, but they’re certainly worth it for accurate a precise tuning, especially if you’re a professional musician, a guitar technician, or anyone else in the industry.

Digital tuners tend to be accurate within 1-2 cents. The human ear technically can’t tell the difference if the accuracy is anything under 5, so this is more than optimal tuning accuracy for guitars.

If you’re a beginner, you won’t necessarily need an expensive strobe tuner, as an average headstock tuner will be accurate enough to tune your guitar strings. However, professional guitarists might find that a strobe tuner (or a tuner with a strobe mode) is more beneficial for their peace of mind, especially when performing in front of an audience.

What is the best guitar tuning?

Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E)  is the most commonly used guitar tuning. It’s best for beginners, as it’s the most well-known tuning type, and it’ll ensure your instrument sounds great, no matter the song you’re playing.

Alternate tunings involve tuning your guitar in other ways compared to the standard tuning. They can transform the sound of your guitar and help you reach new playing heights, letting you experiment with genre, sound, and tone of music. Alternate tuning can make it much easier to play power chords or riffs. It also opens you up to a world of sound, making your notes fuller and more open. You can even use alternative tuning to get a heavier sound or to help with guitar techniques, such as fingerpicking or slide guitar.

Different models of guitar tuners offer different tuning options. Some might even come with over a hundred alternative modes to help you create the sound you need. For example, one model might offer open D minor tuning, which is known as the saddest guitar tuning type – this is where you strum all six of your strings in the open position.

Are expensive guitar tuners worth it?

In general, cheaper guitar tuners work just fine and get the job done. Although cheap tuners are likely to be less accurate than more expensive ones, you can still get good-quality budget-friendly tuners that will tune your guitar accurately.

Expensive tuners will likely have more features, such as a chromatic mode or a range of tuning options. And although you might not need all the bells and whistles, they can certainly help nurture your creativity.

If you’re looking to save money, we recommend going for a simple, clip-on tuner. A clip-on tuner is discreet, stylish, and helpful, and can be used either in the studio or during live performances. A clip-on tuner will usually clip onto your guitar’s headstock – or even in the hollow of your acoustic guitar.

But if you don’t want to commit to a guitar tuner, at least try an app tuner. You download this type of tuner onto your phone, and it detects whether your guitar is in tune when you play a note. However, these types won’t be as accurate as other tuners that you can physically clip on to your guitar. You can purchase far more accurate tuners at a reasonable price.

Is it worth buying a guitar tuner?

Guitar tuners are essential for any guitarist, whether budding or pro. Not everyone has the luxury of tuning by ear – guitar tuners are perfect for use in noisy environments, such as during the middle of a performance or outside. Tuners also cut down on tuning time when you’re in-studio and working to a deadline, making them perfect for professionals who only have a small window to record. 

They’re also great for both professionals and intermediates who want to try alternate tuning with their stringed instrument. Many models come with alternate tuning modes that’ll help you experiment with your sound and find a style you love. Some tuners can even tune more than one instrument at a time.

Tuners are also important for beginners, as they’ll help them train their ears to know which notes sound right and which sound off. There are many amazing and precise tuners on our list that are perfect for both beginners and professionals alike.

Final Thoughts

Guitar tuners are essential devices in any musician’s kit. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or professional, you can find a range of tuners with different features suited to your setup. Remember, the best guitar tuner for you will cater to your needs. 

We’ve included a range of different options, from pedal tuners to clip-on tuners and more. Whether you’re looking for a simple tuner or something with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. Browse the best guitar tuners above.