D standard tuning
D G C F A D · the tuner below is already set to D standard. Tap Start tuner and play a string.
Play a string
Tune with your microphone
We listen through your microphone to hear the pitch. Audio stays on this device: nothing is recorded or sent.
Allow the microphone
Your browser is asking for permission. Choose “Allow” in its prompt and the tuner starts listening.
The microphone is blocked
The browser did not let the tuner hear you. You can allow it again in a few taps, or tune by ear with the reference notes.
Chrome or Edge on a computer
Click the icon to the left of the address bar (a slider or a padlock), switch Microphone to Allow, then reload the page.
Safari on a Mac
Open Safari › Settings for This Website (or Safari › Settings › Websites › Microphone), set this site to Allow, then reload.
iPhone or iPad
Open Settings › Safari › Microphone and choose Ask or Allow. In Chrome for iOS: Settings › Chrome › Microphone. Then come back and tap Try again.
Android
Tap the icon next to the address, open Permissions and allow Microphone. If it is still blocked, open Android Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions › Microphone.
Firefox
Click the microphone icon with a slash in the address bar, remove the block for this site, then reload the page.
No microphone found
Plug in a headset or use a phone or laptop with a built-in microphone. Until then, the reference notes let you tune by ear.
Another app is using the microphone
Close the call, recorder or other tab that holds the microphone, then try again.
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All strings in tune. Happy playing!
Reference notes
Tap a note, play the same string and turn the peg until the two sounds stop “beating” against each other.
Notes and frequencies in D standard
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D₂ | 73.42 | 38 | −2 |
| 5 | G₂ | 98.00 | 43 | −2 |
| 4 | C₃ | 130.81 | 48 | −2 |
| 3 | F₃ | 174.61 | 53 | −2 |
| 2 | A₃ | 220.00 | 57 | −2 |
| 1 | D₄ | 293.66 | 62 | −2 |
Frequencies in equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz. If you calibrate A4, the tuner shifts every target with it.
From standard tuning to D standard
- Lower every string by a whole step: E₂ → D₂, A₂ → G₂, D₃ → C₃, G₃ → F₃, B₃ → A₃, E₄ → D₄.
- Check every string once more with the tuner: changing the tension of some strings pulls the others slightly.
About D standard
D standard (also called “one step down”) lowers all six strings by a whole step: D G C F A D. The intervals between strings are the same as in standard tuning, so every chord shape and scale pattern you know still works, only sounding a whole tone lower. The looser strings are easier to bend and give a darker, heavier sound, which is why it is popular in rock and metal and with singers who prefer lower keys. Thicker strings (11s or 12s) keep the tension firm.
Tuning tips
Switching back and forth between tunings does no harm to the guitar, but the strings drift more right after a change. Retune after the first song, and once more after ten minutes of playing.
Use Auto mode: the tuner already knows the notes of D standard and picks the nearest string. If a string is far off, tap its chip to lock it in Manual mode, then turn the peg until the needle centres.