A guitar tuner is an essential tool for any guitarist, whether you are a beginner or a professional. A good tuner will ensure that your guitar is always in tune, which is essential for getting the right sound from your guitar.
While many say you should be able to tune by ear, using a tuner is faster and more convenient. There are many different types and styles available, so here we wanted to break down which one you should get. Let’s take a look!
What To Look for in a Guitar Tuner
1. Accuracy
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a guitar tuner is accuracy. A good tuner should be able to detect even the slightest variations in pitch and ensure that your guitar is always in tune.
Look for a tuner that has a wide detection range and is sensitive enough to pick up even the smallest changes in pitch. Modern digital tuners are usually going to be the most accurate.
2. Type of Tuner
There are different types of guitar tuners available, including clip-on, pedal, and handheld tuners. Clip-on tuners attach to the headstock of your guitar and use vibrations to detect the pitch.
Pedal tuners are designed to be used with a pedalboard and allow you to tune your guitar while playing.
Handheld tuners are small and portable, making them ideal for musicians on the go. Choose a tuner that fits your needs and the type of playing you will be doing. A lot of guitarists will have all three of these tuners for different situations.
3. Ease of Use
A good guitar tuner should be easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface that allows you to tune your guitar quickly and accurately. Look for a tuner with a large, easy-to-read display that shows the pitch of each string and provides visual feedback to help you tune your guitar more easily.
4. Calibration Options
Most guitar tuners have options to calibrate to different tuning standards. Some tuners also have the option to tune to alternate tunings, which can be useful for playing in non-standard keys.
Look for a tuner with calibration options that suit your needs and the type of music you will be playing. This is especially important if you plan of switching to different tunings between songs.
5. Battery Life
Another important factor to consider when choosing a guitar tuner is battery life. If you plan to use your tuner on the go, look for a tuner with a long battery life that can be easily replaced or recharged. Some tuners also have a power-saving mode that can help conserve battery life.
6. Price
Finally, consider the price of the tuner. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend on features you won’t use. Look for a tuner that provides the features you need at a price that fits your budget. Thankfully, most tuners are fairly inexpensive so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Final Thoughts
A good guitar tuner is essential for any guitarist. When shopping for a tuner, consider accuracy, type of tuner, ease of use, calibration options, battery life, and price. Once you do that, choosing one will be very easy.