You may be confused about what to look for when it comes to the best electric guitar tuner. There are quite a few products on the market, so it can be confusing, especially if you’re a beginner.
I’ve been playing electric guitar for many years. I’ve gone through quite a few tuners in that time. This guide to electric guitar tuners will help you find something suitable for your electric guitar.
Quick Look: Best Electric Guitar Tuners
★ #1 Best Electric Guitar Tuner Overall: BOSS TU-3 ★
- Best Cheap Electric Guitar Tuner: D’Addario Micro Tuner 2 Pack
- Best Electric Guitar Tuner Under $20: Snark SN5X
- Best Electric Guitar Tuner App: Fender Tune
- Best Clip-on Electric Guitar Tuner: Fender FT-2 Professional
If you don’t know how to tune your guitar by ear, you can run into some real problems. This is why it’s important to have a high-quality tuner, as you want your electric guitar in tune all the time.
What Is an Electric Guitar Tuner?
An electric guitar tuner is simply a device that you use to tune your guitar without doing it by ear. If you don’t know a lot about music, it can be difficult to get your guitar in tune manually.
There are several different types of electric guitar tuners. These devices make it easy to tune your guitar however you wish. This is a device that you should always have in your guitar case.
We’ll be looking at several different electric guitar tuners. From my list, you should be able to find something that works for you.
Types of Electric Guitar Tuners
There are several different types of electric guitar tuners that you should be aware of before you buy. What you get all depends on your needs and preferences.
Chromatic Tuner
The most common type is a chromatic tuner. It allows you to tune your strings to whichever note you want. You don’t necessarily have to tune it your guitar to standard tuning. Most tuners today are chromatic.
Clip-On Tuner
Another type of tuner is the clip-on tuner. This is a tuner that has a small clip so you can attach it easily to your headstock. This is ideal if you play live all the time, as it makes it easy to tune up right away.
Pedal Tuner
A pedal tuner is a tuner that sits on your pedalboard. You can use it as a regular stompbox. Press down on it to turn it on, and it’ll keep your instrument in tune all the time. Refer to it whenever you want to tune a string.
Standard Tuner
A standard tuner is usually one that you hold in your lap. It’s not as handy as a clip-on tuner. Some people prefer the clip-on style to the standard tuner as it’s easier to use.
Guitar Tuner App
Today, there’s a wide variety of tuners that you can use on your smartphone. You can get apps for both iPhone and Android devices. These make it easy to tune your guitar by using your phone.
Polyphonic
A polyphonic tuner is a new type of tuner that lets you tune any note when you strum the open strings. You can spot which strings are out of tune and then get them into tune easily with a polyphonic tuner.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Guitar Tuner
When looking for the best electric guitar tuners, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Here’s what you should be looking for before you buy.
Size
The size of your electric guitar tuner may be important. For example, if you play live, then you might want a clip-on tuner that’s very easy to use. They’re small, and you don’t have to struggle with them all that much.
Some people prefer the larger handheld tuners of the ones that attach to your pedalboard via cables. The size of the tuner you end up buying all depends on your individual preferences.
Display
You’ll want a tuner that has a nice bright display. You want LED lights that shine up, especially in the dark. This is ideal if you play a lot in dark environments, such as a club.
Other Features
Some tuners will come with other features, such as a built-in metronome. This can be handy because you have the benefits of both of tuner and a metronome in one product.
Clip-on vs. App vs. Pedal
A clip-on tuner offers you a lot of convenience. They are small, out of the way, and sit on the edge of your headstock for easy reference.
A pedal tuner, by contrast, is a lot larger. You’ll probably want to hook this up to your pedalboard along with your other stompboxes. It’s still easy to use, but will cost you a lot more.
You can also get an app for your phone that you can use to tune your guitar. You’ll probably want to pay for one, as the free versions tend to have many advertisements that you won’t want.
Price
A basic tuner will cost you around $10 to $20. You’ll spend around $75 to $150 for a decent pedal tuner. It’s certainly better to spend a little bit more, as you’ll get a higher quality product.
Accuracy
You want a pedal that has good accuracy. You want something that will get your guitar in the right tuning. Make sure your tuner always has fresh batteries, as this will ensure that you get the tuning as accurate as possible.
10 Best Electric Guitar Tuners
This guide to the best electric guitar tuners describes ten products for you to choose from. I’ve tried to pick a wide variety of tuners, and I’ve used some of them myself.
I consider all of these tuners to be great options. You’ll also find some cheap electric guitar tuners if you don’t have much money to spend on this type of product.
1. Boss Tu-3 Pedal Tuner
- Type: Pedal
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists with a pedalboard
One of the best electric guitar tuners on the market is the BOSS TU-3. It’s an excellent pedal if you play live all the time because it’s the perfect companion for your pedalboard. You’ll get accurate tuning with this product.
✅ Accurate
✅ Rugged construction
✅ Bright display
✅ Easy to tune
❌ Expensive
❌ Not the best for beginners
Why I Recommend It
If you’re an electric guitar player who’s on stage all the time, the BOSS TU-3 is the one tuner pedal you want to own. It’ll give you accurate tuning, and it has a nice rugged construction so it’ll last a long time.
Beginners can probably go with something a little bit less expensive, but if you have some electric guitar experience, this is an excellent tuner that you should own.
2. Snark SN5X Electric Guitar Tuner
- Type: Clip-on
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy to use tuner
Snark SN5X has a wide range of clip-on tuners that can help you keep your instrument in tune. This product is easy to use and secures onto your headstock. It has a bright display, so you can see it when there’s minimal lighting.
✅ Bright display
✅ Easy to use
✅ Chromatic
✅ Adjustable
❌ Might not be secure
❌ Some quality issues
Why I Recommend It
For those that want a simple-to-use a clip-on tuner, the Snark SN5X is a solid bargain. You won’t spend a lot on this tuner, yet it gives you the accuracy you need. It’ll work on all types of guitars.
I like that it has a nice bright display, so you can use it in minimal lighting, such as when you’re in a dark club. You can adjust this model to different angles to meet your needs.
3. KLIQ 
Tiny Tune Pedal
- Type: Pedal
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that have a pedalboard
If you’re looking for a cheap electric guitar tuner pedal, the KLIQ Tiny Tune Pedal is a good option. This pedal is smaller than some other models, so it’ll fit easily on your pedalboard setup. It has a simple-to-read display that’s bright and clear.
✅ Low cost
✅ Bright display
✅ Easy to use
✅ No noise
❌ Not as rugged as some
❌ Won’t work with some instruments
Why I Recommend It
Electric guitar tuner pedals can cost you a lot of money. This one is on the lower end of the scale, so it’s a perfect beginner option. It’s decently built and should last you a long time.
The display is nice and clear, so it’ll be a breeze for you to tune up your guitar while using it. The pedal will mute the excess noise from your other pedals, so pops and hisses from your amplifier won’t be a problem.
4. TC Electronic Polytune Clip-on Tuner
- Type: Clip-on/polyphonic
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy to use polytune tuner
For those that want to try a polytune tuner, the TC Electronics Polytune tuner is a good option. It has a bright display, making it easy to get your instrument in perfect tune each time.
✅ Bright display
✅ Precise tuning
✅ Adaptive screen
✅ Remembers your settings
❌ Expensive
❌ The clip could be better
Why I Recommend It
This polytune tuner from TC electronics is a solid deal. I like the bright display, so it’s easy to read each time you use it. The device clips onto your guitar and is ready to go when you need it the most.
This is a precise tuner that will ensure that all of your guitars are always in perfect tuning. I like how the memory setting makes it easy to recall your own settings even if the battery drains.
5. D’Addario Mi
cro Guitar Tuner (2 Pack)
cro Guitar Tuner (2 Pack)- Type: Clip-on
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that have several guitars
The D’Addario Micro Guitar Tuner is small, so it’ll be out of the way on your headstock. You get two tuners in one package, so you’ll always have a tuner available if you have multiple guitars. It has a bright and easy-to-read interface.
✅ Two tuners
✅ Bright display
✅ Nice price
✅ Multiple angles
❌ Not as well-made as some tuners
❌ Some had tuning issues
Why I Recommend It
For those looking to save on their tuner purchase, the D’addario Micro Tuner two-pack is a good deal. You get two tuners for your guitar cases. The tuner is reliable and easy to set up on your guitar headstock.
I’ve always been impressed with D’Addario products, and the fact that you get two tuners in one package is a big bonus. They have nice bright displays, which make it easy to get all of your guitars in perfect tune.
6. KLIQ Metropitch
- Type: Standard
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy to use handheld tuner
The KLIQ Metropitch is the ideal tuner to have on hand. Not only can it tune your guitar, but you can use the built-in metronome while you’re practicing. This saves you money on guitar accessories.
✅ Bright display
✅ Metronome
✅ Carrying pouch
✅ Works with multiple instruments
❌ It may be too complex for beginners
❌ A bit expensive
Why I Recommend It
The KLIQ Metropitch is a great tuner because it also comes with a built-in metronome. You get two guitar products in one. It’s easy to tune your guitar and practice after you’ve tuned up.
It has a nice easy-to-read display and a wide range of tuning modes. You can tune your other instruments and your electric guitar. I’ve used one of these before, and I was happy with the results.
7. Fender FT-2 Professional Tuner
- Type: Clip-on
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy to use clip-on tuner
The Fender FT-2 is an excellent low-cost tuner for beginners. It’s easy to attach this tuner to your guitar headstock, so your electric guitar is always in tune.
✅ Good price
✅ Bright display
✅ Clips on
✅ Easy to use
❌ The clip could be better
❌ No extras
Why I Recommend It
I like this Fender electric guitar tuner because it’s easy to use. It has a nice bright display, so you can always read the note you’re trying to tune.
The device attaches quickly to the guitar headstock, so you can tune your instrument whenever you need an accurate tuning.
8. Korg TM60BK Tuner
- Type: Standard
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy-to-use tuner with a metronome
The Korg TM60BK is an excellent tuner for an intermediate or advanced guitar player. It has a nice built-in metronome, so along with tuning your guitar, you can practice at the same time.
✅ Bright display
✅ Metronome
✅ Long battery life
✅ Supports multiple instruments
❌ A lot of buttons
❌ Not for beginners
Why I Recommend It
I like the Korg TM 60BK because it also has a built-in metronome. It has a nice bright display, so you can always see the note that you’re tuning. The device also has long battery life, so you’re not always changing batteries.
Sometimes you have limited space in your guitar case, and this is a nice product to have with the included metronome. There are some extra switches, so it’s not that beginner-friendly, but it’s a good one to pick up if you have some skills.
9. GuitarX X7 Tuner
- Type: Standard
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want a basic tuner
The GuitarX X7 is a nice basic tuner for electric guitar players. It’s simple to use with out a lot of extra buttons. There’s a nice bright display, so you always get an accurate tuning.
✅ Easy to use
✅ Bright display
✅ Accurate
✅ Works with other instruments
❌ A bit basic
❌ Casing could be better
Why I Recommend It
I like the GuitarX X7 because it’s a simple tuner that beginners can use. Far too often, some of these products have more buttons than they need. This one has a simple operation, so you’ll be in tune in no time at all.
Another nice aspect of this product is that it has a built-in metronome, which is also simple to use. If you’re looking for a simple metronome and tuner combination, this is a great product.
10. Peterson Strobe Tuner
- Type: Clip-on
- Chromatic: Yes
- Display: Digital
- Best for: Electric guitarists that want an easy-to-use clip-style tuner
The Peterson Strobe clip tuner is an excellent product for your electric guitar. You can put it at any angle, and the display is easy to read. You’ll always have accurate tuning whenever you need it.
✅ Good clip
✅ Big display
✅ Multiple angles
✅ Accurate
❌ Expensive
❌ Impacted by the sound around it
Why I Recommend It
The Peterson Strobe tuner is excellent, but some people may not want to buy it because it comes with a high price tag. I think it’s worth it because it has a great display and you can easily see the note you’re tuning.
Some clip-on tuners are poorly made, but this one is made to a high quality. It’ll last you a long time and give you the reliable tuning that you need.
Best Electric Guitar Tuner Brands
For the best electric guitar tuner, it’s important to go with the main brands. These are companies that have been in the business for a long time, and they know how to make quality tuners.
You’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and hassle by buying from these companies. Many no-name tuners aren’t all that great. Here are some of the companies that I recommend you purchase from.
Korg
Korg makes a wide range of tuner products. I’ve used their tuners in the past and was always happy with them. You’ll get accurate tuning, and you’ll have a product that lasts a long time.
They’re known for their handheld tuners, although they also have a pedal-style as well as clip-on tuners. It also features tuners with built-in metronomes, so you get two products in one.
Snark
If you’re looking for a dependable and reliable tuner to go on your guitar’s headstock, then you want to try Snark. They have some of the best clip-on headstock tuners in the current market.
They’re well-known for their headstock tuners, so you’ll find a quality tuner when you work with this company. I have used Snark before and find that their tuners are quite reliable.
D’Addario
This company is known for its acoustic and electric guitar strings and other accessories, such as tuners. They make reliable tuner products that will ensure your instrument is always in perfect tune.
It offers a wide range of clip-on style tuners for your instruments. You’re sure to find a high-quality tuner if you work with D’Addario.
KLIQ
This company makes excellent tuner products, such as their Metropitch tuner, which has a built-in metronome. They also have clip-on style tuners and a couple of pedal-style tuners as well.
I’ve used the tuners from this company before and found them to be quite reliable. You’ll have a tuner that will put your guitar in perfect tune time and time again.
BOSS
For those playing live who have an expensive pedalboard, BOSS is the company to work with because they have an excellent pedalboard tuner. It has a couple of standard handheld tuners as well.
I find the BOSS TU-3 pedalboard tuner to be one of the better tuners on the market. It fits nicely with your pedalboard, and your instruments will always be in perfect tune.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions regarding guitar tuners that you need to know about.
How Much Do Electric Guitar Tuners Cost?
Electric guitar tuners don’t cost all that much. Most players use the same type of tuner no matter their playing abilities. There are a few that are a bit more complex that advanced players may want to purchase.
If there are extra features such as a metronome, then the price of your tuner will go up. If you purchase a pedal style tuner for your pedalboard, these are the most expensive.
- Basic tuner: $15-$30
- Advanced tuner: $50-$150
What Are the Best Electric Guitar Tuners?
Here’s a list of the three best electric guitar tuners that you can buy. These are all my personal choices. I find that all of these tuners are quite reliable, and they’re perfect for any electric guitar.
BOSS-TU-3: Best for Professionals
I like this pedal-style tuner because it’s the perfect companion for your pedalboard. The pedal has a nice bright display, and you can easily get any of your strings in perfect tune.
Fender FT-2: Best for Beginners
This Fender clip-on style tuner is a simple product that will have your guitar in tune in no time. It easily attaches to the headstock, and you can adjust it to the angle that you need.
Korg TM60BK: Best for Practice
I like this combination of guitar tuner and metronome. It’s the perfect companion when you’re practicing. You can get your instrument in perfect tune and use it to practice at the same time.
What Is the Best Electric Guitar Tuner App?
One of the best electric guitar tuner apps for your electric guitar is the Fender Tune. I like this particular one because it works with both Android and iOS devices. It’s chromatic, so you can add your own tunings if you want.
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In Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide to the best electric guitar tuners. This is a product that you want to have in your guitar case, so you’ll always be in perfect tune. There should be a product here that can meet your needs.
Please like, comment, or share this article. I look forward to hearing from you again. Now, pick up your guitar tuner and get that electric guitar in perfect tune.
