Tuning basics
Guitar String Frequency Chart: Standard Tuning Explained
Reviewed and updated August 10, 2026
Use this standard guitar tuning chart to match every string with its note, octave, and target frequency, from low E2 to high E4.
In standard tuning, a six-string guitar is tuned E–A–D–G–B–E from the thickest string to the thinnest. The two E strings share a note name but sit two octaves apart, so their frequencies are very different.
| String | Note | MIDI | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th — thickest | E2 | 40 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5th | A2 | 45 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4th | D3 | 50 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3rd | G3 | 55 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2nd | B3 | 59 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1st — thinnest | E4 | 64 | 329.63 Hz |
Why the octave number matters
A note name repeats every octave. Moving up one octave doubles the frequency; moving down one octave halves it. That is why the low E2 at 82.41 Hz, E3 at 164.81 Hz, and high E4 at 329.63 Hz all sound like E, while clearly occupying different registers.
Example: the tuner says E, but the string is still wrong
If the sixth string is close to 164.81 Hz, the tuner may label it E3. That is an E, but it is one octave above the correct E2 target and the string is under dangerously high tension. Stop tightening and tune down toward 82.41 Hz.
How frequencies are calculated
Modern tuners normally use twelve-tone equal temperament. Starting from A4 = 440 Hz, each semitone changes frequency by the twelfth root of two. The relationship can be written as:
frequency = 440 × 2^(semitones from A4 ÷ 12)
A2 is 24 semitones below A4, so its frequency is 440 × 2−2 = 110 Hz.
Frequency versus cents
Frequency is measured in hertz, while cents describe the musical distance between two pitches. One semitone contains 100 cents. A tuner can therefore show how far a played frequency sits from its target even though the number of hertz represented by one cent changes across the instrument’s range.
| Reading for A2 | Approximate position | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 108.42 Hz | −25 cents | Tighten slightly |
| 110.00 Hz | 0 cents | In tune |
| 111.60 Hz | +25 cents | Loosen slightly |
A reliable tuning sequence
- Start with the sixth string and work toward the first: E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4.
- Pluck one string at a time with a moderate, consistent attack.
- Wait for the initial sharp transient to settle before judging the reading.
- Approach the target from below whenever possible, which helps remove slack around the tuning post.
- Repeat the full sequence because changing one string slightly changes overall neck and bridge tension.
Does acoustic and electric guitar use the same chart?
Yes. A standard six-string acoustic guitar and a standard six-string electric guitar use the same E2–A2–D3–G3–B3–E4 targets. String material, scale length, and pickup type affect tone and feel, not the intended standard frequencies.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a plucked note move after the first moment?
A firm pick attack briefly stretches the string and can make the first reading sharp. As vibration decays, the pitch settles. Use a moderate attack and judge the stable part of the note.
Should every guitar use A4 = 440 Hz?
A4 = 440 Hz is the most common concert-pitch reference and the default for this tuner. An ensemble may deliberately use another reference, but every player must use the same one.