Guitar Tuning Frequencies – Complete Guide

A guitar in standard tuning has six open strings tuned to specific frequencies. From the thickest string (6th string) to the thinnest (1st string), the frequencies are: E (82.41 Hz), A (110 Hz), D (146.83 Hz), G (196 Hz), B (246.94 Hz), and E (329.63 Hz).

These frequencies are derived from the equal temperament tuning system and are based on the international reference standard A4 = 440 Hz. Understanding these exact frequencies helps you tune your guitar accurately using a tuner, apps, or even by ear if you know the reference pitches.

The Six Open String Frequencies

The low E string (6th string) vibrates at 82.41 Hz. This is the E2 note—two octaves below middle C. It’s the lowest note typically played on a standard guitar.

The A string (5th string) vibrates at 110 Hz. This is exactly half the frequency of A4 (220 Hz), making it easy to remember: it’s two octaves below the orchestral reference pitch.

The D string (4th string) vibrates at 146.83 Hz. This sits between the A and G strings in the frequency spectrum.

The G string (3rd string) vibrates at 196 Hz. This is the middle string of the guitar and serves as a good reference point.

The B string (2nd string) vibrates at 246.94 Hz. Note that this is not B4 (247.5 Hz in some references)—the difference is negligible for practical purposes.

The high E string (1st string) vibrates at 329.63 Hz. This is the highest note typically played on an open string, roughly one octave below E4 (329.6 Hz) from the reference A4.

The Mathematical Relationship Between Strings

Each string is tuned a perfect fourth (5 semitones) apart from the string below it, except for the B string. The relationship is:

E (82.41 Hz) to A (110 Hz): perfect fourth, with a frequency ratio of 4:3
A (110 Hz) to D (146.83 Hz): perfect fourth
D (146.83 Hz) to G (196 Hz): perfect fourth
G (196 Hz) to B (246.94 Hz): major third (4 semitones), with a 5:4 frequency ratio
B (246.94 Hz) to high E (329.63 Hz): perfect fourth

This tuning arrangement (often called “fifths tuning” except for the B string exception) has been standard since the classical period because it balances playability with useful open-string intervals.

Understanding these frequencies and intervals helps you tune your guitar accurately.

Using a Tuner to Establish Accurate Frequencies

A digital tuner detects the frequency of each vibrating string and compares it to the target frequency. Most tuners default to 440 Hz (concert pitch), which means the target frequencies are automatically calculated for standard tuning.

When you pluck the low E string into a tuner, it measures the frequency and shows you how many cents sharp or flat you are from the target 82.41 Hz. Adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows the string is exactly on pitch.

Repeat for each string. Professional guitars often come with tuning machines that hold the frequency very accurately, but acoustic and cheaper guitars may drift out of tune after playing or as temperature changes.

How to tune your guitar accurately by ear using interval recognition requires knowing these reference frequencies as starting points.

Alternative Tunings and Frequency Changes

Some guitarists use alternate tunings for specific songs or styles. Drop-D tuning, for example, lowers the low E string to D (73.42 Hz) while keeping the other strings standard. This creates heavier, deeper bass notes and changes the chord voicings available.

Open tunings rearrange the strings to create major or minor chords. For example, open G tuning tunes the strings to G-B-D-G-B-G, creating a G major chord when all open strings are played together.

Each alternative tuning changes the frequency relationships between strings. Understanding the frequencies helps you calculate what the new frequencies should be and verify your tuning is accurate.

Temperature, Humidity, and Tuning Stability

Guitar strings go out of tune due to several factors:

Temperature changes cause wood and metal to expand or contract, changing string tension and therefore frequency
Humidity changes affect the wood
String age and wear reduce tuning stability
Playing itself causes strings to stretch, dropping pitch

Professional guitarists retune frequently—often before each song during a performance. Keeping your guitar in a stable environment (consistent temperature and humidity) extends the time between tunings.

Understanding why instruments go out of tune helps you maintain your guitar more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retune my guitar to different frequencies?

Yes, absolutely. You can tune to any frequency standard you want. Some tuners let you set a custom reference (like 432 Hz instead of 440 Hz). All six strings will then be tuned proportionally to that new reference. As long as the intervals between strings remain the same, the guitar will be playable.

What if my guitar won’t stay in tune?

Several factors could cause this: old, worn strings; a guitar that needs a setup; environmental changes in temperature or humidity; or simply playing patterns that stress the strings. New strings help; a professional setup helps more. Environmental stability is crucial.

Are the frequencies I listed exact or approximate?

They’re the theoretical frequencies based on equal temperament tuning and A4 = 440 Hz. In practice, there’s always some variation due to string tension, temperature, and tuner accuracy. But these frequencies are the target, and good tuners will get within 1–2 cents.