The right application can make tuning an instrument with your computer simple. While mobile devices boast some of the best tuning apps, Mac alternatives often lack features and functionality. Therefore, we must look to the web for the best browser-based solutions.
Each suggestion has something special to offer, and, within the list, you should find an app that suits your needs. We'll also recommend an offline option for when an internet connection isn’t available. Let’s take a look at the lineup.
1. GuitarTuna
GuitarTuna is one of the slickest tuning apps available. The user interface is visually appealing, the tuner is intuitive and simple to use, and precision is easy to achieve.
You can choose to have the application automatically detect the string you’re tuning, or you can opt for manual selection. When you hit the right note, a confirmation sound plays to complement the visual indicator.
The online app, however, has limitations. Standard EADGBE guitar tuning is the only mode available, which means you’ll need to use a different application for other instruments and styles. The mobile GuitarTuna app does offer additional features, but that doesn’t help those of us wanting to tune on our Macs.
Here are the standout features of GuitarTuna:
- Simple and intuitive
- Attractive user interface
- Quick and precise
- Auto string detection
GuitarTuna is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly tune a guitar in the standard style.
2. Fender Online Guitar Tuner
If you’re seeking a solution for tuning guitar, bass, and ukulele on your Mac, Fender Online Guitar Tuner could be the app for you. The intuitive user interface makes navigating between instruments and tuning styles simple. You can, for example, switch between guitar and ukulele with a single click.
Each instrument comes with a sizeable list of tuning styles, which should satisfy most musicians. However, the app stops short of offering a custom option.
Fender Online also neglects to provide a tuning gauge and instead plays notes out loud. Using this method is great for training your ear, but not ideal if your primary goal is to quickly and precisely tune your instrument. The application also offers a loop option for the note you select, but you’re unable to modify the time between repetitions, which can be frustrating.
Here are the standout features of Fender Online Guitar Tuner:
- Multiple instruments
- Practice tuning by ear
- Functional user interface
- Numerous tuning styles
Fender Online Guitar Tuner is great for tuning multiple instruments by ear in various styles.
3. Tuner-Online
While basic in appearance, Tuner-Online is an application that offers choice. You can either use a gauge or tune by ear, and the app offers a variety of instruments and tuning styles.
The application detects what you’re playing and shows the previous, closest, and next note on the spectrum. You can’t select what string you’re tuning, so you’ll need to know the note you’re aiming for.
Alternatively, you can opt to have the application play sounds out loud to tune by ear. While the app does repeat the selected note until stopped, you can’t adjust the time between repetitions. However, the sounds do repeat at a reasonable rate.
Here are the standout features of Tuner-Online:
- Gauge and by-ear tuning options
- Note detection
- Multiple instruments and tuning styles
- Simple and functional
Tuner-Online is an excellent all-rounder with an array of useful features.
4. Gieson
Gieson provides one of the most versatile by-ear guitar tuners available. The web app boasts a curious user interface that resembles an amplifier, and, while distinct, the layout is functional.
With over 50 options available, the list of alternate tuning styles is vast. From common to obscure, you should have no trouble finding the option you require. When tuning, you have the choice to repeat a single note or to cycle through each string. You can also adjust the time between each repetition, which is a useful feature.
While the tuner is guitar-centric, there are several tones to choose from, including acoustic guitar and sine wave.
Here are the standout features of the Gieson app:
- A massive list of tuning styles
- Keyboard controls
- Unique user interface
- Adjustable delay between note repetitions
For tuning your guitar by ear, Gieson is a highly functional and versatile choice.
5. Get-Tuned
Get-Tuned is a by-ear guitar tuner that offers complete customization. The interface may seem daunting at first glance, but once you familiarize yourself with the layout, the tool is simple to use.
Full customization is a feature few other tuner apps offer. With Get-Tuned, you can also select from a list of common tuning styles that automatically set the note for each string.
Additionally, the app provides useful settings for tone and repetition. However, the option to adjust the time between repeated notes isn’t available.
Here are the standout features of Get-Tuned:
- Complete tuning style customization
- Functional controls
- Built-in tuning styles
- Unique layout and features
Get-Tuned is the ideal application for anyone who wants to customize their tuning style.
6. GarageBand
While the apps mentioned cover almost any situation, sometimes, you'll require an offline solution. Fortunately, Apple’s own GarageBand (free) is up to the task.
The app’s built-in tuner is simple and void of fancy features, but the application does provide a viable offline option when needed. GarageBand is, of course, more than a tuner, and you can use it for many tasks, including recording your guitar and other instruments.
To access GarageBand’s tuner, ensure you’ve got an audio track selected within your project, then click the Tuner icon in the control bar. The interface shows the note you’re playing, and, as long as you know where you’re going, you can use the output to tune each string.
Here are the standout features of GarageBand’s built-in tuner:
- Simple but functional
- Available offline
- The app is more than just a tuner
- Designed for Mac
GarageBand’s built-in tuner lacks the features of other applications but does provide an option for offline use.
How to Choose a Guitar Tuner
Each app offers something unique, and the right tuner for you will be the one that meets your specific needs.
When wanting to tune a guitar in the standard style, GuitarTuna is a quick and easy solution. The app offers automatic string detection and precision tuning that lets you know when you’ve hit the right note. If you require additional instruments and tuning styles, Fender Online Guitar Tuner may be a better choice. You must, however, be capable of tuning by ear or wanting to train that skill.
For a tuner that offers both gauged and by ear options, Tuner-Online is a viable solution. The app is simple but versatile and provides a good selection of instruments and tuning styles to choose from. The Gieson app is a highly functional by-ear tuner. Offering an immense list of styles, the application provides almost everything you could ask for in a tuner of this type.
Customization is a winning feature of Get-Tuned. You can either select from a list of preset styles or create your own custom tuning. Few apps offer this level of control. As an offline solution, GarageBand does the job. The app may not boast the features of other apps, but having a way to accurately tune your instrument without an internet connection is convenient.
When choosing a tuner application, you should first consider which features are important, and the ideal solution should become clear.