Standard Guitar Tuning (EADGBE)
Everything you need to know about the most common guitar tuning.
What Is Standard Guitar Tuning?
Standard tuning is the most widely used tuning for six-string guitar. From the thickest (lowest-pitched) string to the thinnest (highest-pitched), the open strings are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E. This is often written as EADGBE. Nearly all guitar instruction, chord charts, and tab assume standard tuning unless stated otherwise.
String Names and Frequencies
The six strings in standard tuning with their scientific pitch names and frequencies are: 6th string — E2 (82.41 Hz), 5th string — A2 (110.00 Hz), 4th string — D3 (146.83 Hz), 3rd string — G3 (196.00 Hz), 2nd string — B3 (246.94 Hz), and 1st string — E4 (329.63 Hz). The 6th string is the thickest and lowest, and the 1st string is the thinnest and highest.
How to Tune Your Guitar to Standard Tuning
You can tune your guitar using an electronic tuner, a tuner app, or by ear using reference tones. Start with the 6th string (low E) and work your way to the 1st string (high E). Play each string open and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows the correct note. If tuning by ear, you can also use the 5th-fret method: press the 5th fret of one string to match the pitch of the next open string (except for the G-to-B transition, which uses the 4th fret).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is standard tuning called EADGBE?
The name comes from the note names of the six open strings, listed from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest): E, A, D, G, B, E.
Is standard tuning the only option?
No. There are many alternative tunings like Drop D, Open G, and DADGAD. However, standard tuning is by far the most common and is the default for learning guitar.
How often should I tune my guitar?
You should tune your guitar every time you pick it up to play. Temperature changes, string stretching, and normal use cause guitars to go out of tune regularly.
Use this tool
Guitar Tuner