Best Electric Guitar Tuner: Top Picks for 2023

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Written By Gary Daws

Chief Music Officer

Electric guitar tuners are an essential accessory for any guitarist looking to keep their instrument in tune. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, having an accurate and reliable tuner can make all the difference in your playing. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve researched and tested some of the best electric guitar tuners available to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

When it comes to choosing an electric guitar tuner, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to consider the type of tuner you need. There are clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and even smartphone apps that can help you tune your guitar. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your playing style and needs.

Another important factor to consider is the accuracy of the tuner. You want a tuner that can accurately detect even the slightest changes in pitch, so you can be sure that your guitar is in tune. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a tuner that is easy to use and read, with a clear display that shows you exactly what you need to know.

After researching and testing various electric guitar tuners, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top performers. Whether you’re a gigging musician or a bedroom player, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into our top picks for the best electric guitar tuners on the market.

Best Electric Guitar Tuners

If you’re a guitar player, you know how important it is to keep your instrument in tune. Electric guitar tuners are essential tools for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best electric guitar tuners to make your search easier. Check out our top picks below.

Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner

Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use clip-on tuner, the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a great choice.

Pros

  • The dual-hinged design allows you to mount the tuner on either side of your instrument’s headstock.
  • The color LCD screen with easy-to-read tuning needle makes it easy to tune your instrument in any lighting condition.
  • The tuner handles noisy environments with ease thanks to its built-in vibration sensor.

Cons

  • The tuner may not be as accurate as some other high-end tuners on the market.
  • The battery life could be longer.
  • The tuner may not fit all headstock shapes and sizes.

The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a compact and unobtrusive tuner that is perfect for use on stage or at home. The tuner features guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, and chromatic tuning modes, making it versatile enough to use with a variety of instruments. The color LCD screen with easy-to-read tuning needle is a great feature, as it makes it easy to see how close to pitch each note is. The dual-hinged design allows you to mount the tuner on either side of your instrument’s headstock, making it easy to use for both right- and left-handed players.

One of the best features of the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is its built-in vibration sensor. This sensor allows the tuner to handle noisy environments with ease, ensuring that your instrument is always in tune. The tuner has a tuning range of B0 – B7 and A440 calibration, making it a great choice for a wide range of instruments.

While the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a great choice for most players, it may not be as accurate as some other high-end tuners on the market. Additionally, the battery life could be longer, and the tuner may not fit all headstock shapes and sizes. Overall, however, the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a reliable and easy-to-use tuner that is perfect for players of all skill levels.

TC Electronic Polytube 3 Mini Tuner

TC Electronic Polytube 3 Mini Tuner

If you’re looking for a tiny, polyphonic tuner that gives you accurate tuning and a high-quality tone tool in a single unit, then the TC Electronic Polytube 3 Mini Tuner is worth considering.

Pros

  • The polyphonic mode tunes all your strings at once, which makes tuning your guitar faster and easier.
  • The chromatic and strobe tuning modes are lightning-fast and accurate, so you can tune your guitar precisely.
  • The built-in Bonafide buffer keeps your tone crisp through long cables and large pedal boards.

Cons

  • The product does not come with a power cable, which means you’ll need to purchase one separately.
  • The screen on the unit may get scratched and pitted during shipping, so be sure to inspect it carefully when it arrives.
  • Some users may prefer a larger tuner with more features, but the Polytube 3 Mini Tuner is perfect for those who want a compact and reliable tuner.

The TC Electronic Polytube 3 Mini Tuner is a versatile and accurate tuner that can help you tune your guitar quickly and easily. The polyphonic mode is especially useful, as it allows you to tune all your strings at once. The chromatic and strobe tuning modes are also lightning-fast and accurate, so you can tune your guitar precisely. The built-in Bonafide buffer is a nice touch, as it keeps your tone crisp through long cables and large pedal boards.

However, the product does not come with a power cable, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. The screen on the unit may get scratched and pitted during shipping, so be sure to inspect it carefully when it arrives. Some users may prefer a larger tuner with more features, but the Polytube 3 Mini Tuner is perfect for those who want a compact and reliable tuner. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality tuner that won’t take up much space on your pedal board, the TC Electronic Polytube 3 Mini Tuner is definitely worth considering.

D’Addario Nexxus 360 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner

D'Addario Nexxus 360 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient guitar tuner, the D’Addario Nexxus 360 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Quick and accurate tuning
  • Rechargeable battery with up to 24 hours of tuning time per charge
  • 360-degree rotation for easy viewing

Cons

  • Can be difficult to attach to some headstocks
  • Display may be too small for some users
  • May not work well in extremely loud environments

The D’Addario Nexxus 360 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner is a great choice for any guitar player who wants a reliable and convenient tuning solution. The tuner is quick and accurate, making it easy to get your guitar in tune in no time. Additionally, the rechargeable battery means that you won’t have to constantly replace batteries, and you can enjoy up to 24 hours of tuning time per charge.

One of the standout features of the Nexxus 360 is its 360-degree rotation, which allows you to easily view the display from any angle. This is especially helpful if you’re playing in a dimly lit environment or if you have a guitar with an unusual headstock shape.

However, the Nexxus 360 may not be the best choice for players with certain types of headstocks. Some users have reported difficulty attaching the tuner to certain headstocks, so you may want to double-check that your guitar is compatible before making a purchase.

Additionally, the display on the Nexxus 360 is relatively small, which may be a drawback for some users. While the display is bright and easy to read, some users may prefer a larger display for easier viewing.

Finally, the Nexxus 360 may not work well in extremely loud environments. While the tuner is generally accurate, it may struggle to pick up your guitar’s signal in very loud settings.

Overall, the D’Addario Nexxus 360 Rechargeable Guitar Tuner is a great choice for any guitar player who wants a reliable and convenient tuning solution. With its quick and accurate tuning, rechargeable battery, and 360-degree rotation, this tuner is sure to make tuning your guitar a breeze.

D’Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner

D'Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner

If you’re looking for a compact and accurate tuner for your stringed instrument, the D’Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner is a great choice.

Pros

  • The tuner is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
  • The tri-color backlit screen allows for easy reading of the note, even in dark or bright environments.
  • The tuner is accurate and can pick up the vibrations of the instrument, rather than the sound.

Cons

  • The clip may not be strong enough for some instruments.
  • The battery life may not be as long as some other tuners.
  • Some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the tuner.

The D’Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner is a discreet and accurate tuner that can be easily attached to your instrument for tuning on the go. The tuner is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your case or gig bag. The tri-color backlit screen is easy to read, even in dark or bright environments, and the tuner is accurate and can pick up the vibrations of the instrument, rather than the sound.

One potential downside of the tuner is that the clip may not be strong enough for some instruments, so it may fall off during use. Additionally, the battery life may not be as long as some other tuners, so you may need to replace the battery more frequently. Finally, some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the tuner, so it may not be the best option for professional musicians who require the highest level of accuracy.

Overall, the D’Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and accurate tuner for their stringed instrument.

Donner Tuner Pedal

Donner Tuner Pedal

The Donner Tuner Pedal is a must-have for any electric guitar player who wants to stay in tune.

Pros

  • The wide range tuning feature is impressive, with fast and precise strobe mode with +/- 1 cent accuracy.
  • The two modes tuner pedal is versatile, allowing you to cut off all signal output and adjust your guitar in tuning mode, or revert back to the amplifier with no loss of tune in bypass mode.
  • The LED beads are specially adjusted to match the mini LCD screen, making it easy to see on large stages and outdoor performance venues.

Cons

  • The power adapter is not included, so you need to purchase one separately.
  • Some users may find the size of the pedal a bit bulky.
  • The pedal may not work well with certain types of guitars.

The Donner Tuner Pedal is a fast and accurate tuner that is perfect for any electric guitar player. The wide range tuning feature is impressive, with fast and precise strobe mode with +/- 1 cent accuracy. The two modes tuner pedal is versatile, allowing you to cut off all signal output and adjust your guitar in tuning mode, or revert back to the amplifier with no loss of tune in bypass mode. The LED beads are specially adjusted to match the mini LCD screen, making it easy to see on large stages and outdoor performance venues.

One downside to the Donner Tuner Pedal is that the power adapter is not included, so you need to purchase one separately. Some users may find the size of the pedal a bit bulky. Additionally, the pedal may not work well with certain types of guitars.

Overall, the Donner Tuner Pedal is a great investment for any electric guitar player who wants to stay in tune. It is reliable, accurate, and easy to use.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best electric guitar tuner, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Accuracy

Accuracy is the most important feature of an electric guitar tuner. A good tuner should be able to detect the pitch of the string accurately and quickly. Look for a tuner that has a wide range of detection and can accurately identify different notes.

Display

The display of a tuner is also an important feature. A clear and easy-to-read display makes it easier to tune your guitar accurately. Look for a tuner with a bright and clear display that is easy to read in different lighting conditions.

Calibration

Calibration is the process of adjusting the tuner to match the pitch of your guitar. A good tuner should have a calibration feature that allows you to adjust the pitch to match your guitar’s tuning.

Modes

Different tuners have different modes that allow you to tune your guitar in different ways. Some tuners have a chromatic mode that allows you to tune to any note, while others have a specific guitar mode that is designed for tuning a guitar.

Size and Portability

The size and portability of a tuner is also an important factor to consider. If you plan to take your tuner with you to gigs or rehearsals, look for a tuner that is compact and easy to carry.

Overall, when choosing the best electric guitar tuner, look for a tuner that is accurate, easy to use, and has a clear display. Consider the different modes and calibration features that are available, and choose a tuner that is portable and fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated electric guitar tuners?

There are several highly-rated electric guitar tuners available in the market. Some of the top-rated electric guitar tuners include:

  • TC Electronic PolyTune 3
  • Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner
  • Peterson Strobe Tuner
  • Korg Pitchblack Pro
  • Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner

How do I choose the best electric guitar tuner?

When choosing an electric guitar tuner, consider the following factors:

  • Accuracy
  • Speed
  • Display
  • Durability
  • Price

Make sure to choose a tuner that suits your needs and budget.

What are the advantages of using a strobe tuner?

Strobe tuners are highly accurate and can detect even the slightest changes in pitch. They are ideal for professional musicians who require precise tuning.

Are clip-on tuners suitable for electric guitars?

Clip-on tuners are suitable for electric guitars as they can be easily attached to the headstock. They are also affordable and easy to use.

What is the most accurate tuner type for electric guitars?

Strobe tuners are considered to be the most accurate tuner type for electric guitars. They use a flashing light to indicate the pitch and can detect even the slightest changes in pitch.

Can I use a tuner app for my electric guitar?

Yes, you can use a tuner app for your electric guitar. However, make sure to choose a reliable app that offers accurate tuning.