What’s the Best Tuner for My Electric Guitar?
As a guitarist, one of the essential tools you will ever need in your arsenal is a reliable tuner. Whether it’s an acoustic or an electric guitar, tuning your guitar correctly is a crucial step in producing quality music. While a pitch-perfect tone might be hard to achieve in the beginning, having the right tools can make things easier. However, with the variety of tuners in the market today, choosing the right one to buy can be daunting. This article is a comprehensive guide on what you need to look for when buying a tuner for your electric guitar.
What is a guitar tuner?
A guitar tuner is a tool used to adjust and calibrate the pitch of each string on your guitar. While human ears can be great tools for identifying when a guitar is in tune, you can achieve accurate tuning using a tuner. Tuners come in different shapes and sizes, but the primary purpose of all tuners is to identify the pitch of each string and get it as close to standard pitch as possible.
Types of Tuners
1. Clip-on Tuners
Clip-on tuners are small, lightweight tuners that clip onto the headstock of your guitar. These types of tuners are incredibly handy, easy to use and usually affordable. Clip-on tuners can detect vibrations coming from your guitar’s body when you play a note. They are ideal for electric guitars as they can work in noisy environments, picking up vibrations, and eliminating background noise. Most models come with tuning modes, which allow you to switch from the standard A440 tuning to alternate tunings.
2. Pedal Tuners
Pedal tuners come in the form of effects pedals that sit within your pedalboard, just like your guitar effects pedals. They provide a sound output that can tune your guitar even when playing in noisy environments. They are typically larger in size compared to clip-on tuners and usually require a power supply, which can add extra costs in the long run. However, they offer greater precision and accuracy than clip-on tuners, making them the go-to option for many professional musicians.
3. Handheld Tuners
Handheld tuners are simple and affordable devices that have a compact form factor. They come with built-in microphones and pick up sound frequencies emitted by your guitar. While handheld tuners require more setup time, they are an excellent option for musicians who want to tune their guitars manually, without any background noise interruptions.
Things to consider when choosing a tuner for your electric guitar
Accuracy
This is one of the essential factors to consider when looking for a guitar tuner to buy. The accuracy of a tuner’s reading is what sets it apart from other options. While all tuners give you an indication of how close or off-pitch your guitar is, some models are more precise than others. So, it’s vital to choose a tuner that can give spot-on readings for each string.
Ease of use
While clip-on tuners are the easiest to use option, some models might require some getting used to, while pedals and handheld tuners require more setup time. Pick a tuner that is easy to read, with clear, bright, and easy-to-understand displays. Complicated settings can easily distract you from your focus, which is to tune your guitar effectively.
Durability
Investing in a tuner can save you a lot of money and time in the long term, so its essential to get a model that is durable and long-lasting. Factors like build quality, resistance to falls and scratches, and lifespan should factor into your buying decision.
Display
Your tuner’s display is one of the essential features to consider when picking a tuner for your electric guitar. Make sure the display is bright, easy to read, and has a good contrast ratio. Some models come with backlighting options that improve visibility in low-light environments.
Budget
Tuners come at different prices, and the most expensive option doesn’t necessarily translate into the best-quality tuner for your electric guitar. You can find a good quality clip-on tuner for as low as $10, while a more sophisticated pedal tuner can cost upwards of $100. Consider your budget and pick a tuner that gives you a good compromise between features and cost.
Top tuners for your electric guitar
1. Peterson Strobe Tuners – The StroboClip HD Tuner
This clip-on tuner is a top-of-the-line model that offers incredible accuracy and build quality. It features a large, easy-to-read display with a backlight that makes it perfect for use in dimly lit environments. It is ideal for musicians who require high precision in their tuning.
2. Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner
The Boss TU-3 is one of the most reliable pedal tuners in the market today. It is known for its accuracy and fast tuning response, making it a top choice for many guitarists. It features a sturdy construction, an easy-to-read display, and a compact design that fits well on any pedalboard.
3. Korg Pitchblack Pro Rackmount Tuner
The Korg Pitchblack Pro is an excellent tuner for those who want a tuner that can handle outdoor and indoor gigs. This pedal tuner is built for heavy use and features excellent build quality and precision. It has a large, bright display, easy-to-understand controls, and great visibility, making it a top choice for touring guitarists.
4. TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini
The TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini is the third version of the company’s popular Polytune lineup. This clip-on tuner is incredibly small, compact, and has a bright, easy-to-read display. One of its unique features is that it can tune all your strings simultaneously, making tuning your electric guitar a breeze.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tuner for your electric guitar can be an overwhelming task. However, with the right information, you can pick the best one that suits your needs. Consider factors like accuracy, ease of use, display, durability, and budget when looking for a tuner. Our top picks for the best tuners include Peterson Strobe Tuners – The StroboClip HD Tuner, Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner, Korg Pitchblack Pro Rackmount Tuner, and the TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini. These tuners offer great features and performance and can help you achieve the perfect pitch and tone on your electric guitar.
Image Credit: Pexels