12 String Guitar Tuning Chart

This handy little widget acts as a kind of virtual tuner for the twelve string guitar. The widget displays six courses in their traditional arrangement and also gives you audio tones so you can hear where your instrument needs adjusting. Use either your computer keyboard or your mouse to click around on the widget and play.

Six cards is displayed in the main area which correspond to the string courses from lowest to highest pitch. Each card depicts the note of the main string, and indicates the pitch of its partner. The lower four courses comprise octave pairs, with the second string sounding an octave higher then the first. The upper two courses are unisons, and is tuned to the same pitch. Tap on any card to play a reference tone for that course. You will hear the sound of the partner pitch played together with the main pitch so you can hear the characteristic shimmer.

How to Use the Guitar Tuning Widget

Above these string cards you have some tuning presets to choose from. These include Standard, where the default is EADGBE. There are also alternatives to go down a step and a half, which lowers the tension on the guitar neck. You can also use Open G for playing slide, or Drop D if you want the sixth string a bit lower. Selecting one of these changes the string cards accordingly and instantly changes the reference tones too.

The fret section below contains instructions for tuning by ear as well. It shows the fret that needs to be matched to an open string on the lower thicker string below it. So in the case of the fifth string for instance, it may say fret the sixth string at the fifth fret. That will match the open fifth string. You can tap the step and it’ll play the intended pitch to help you get there. If you don’t have a tuner available then this lets you tune relative to your lowest string. The exception is normaly the fourth step. It highlights the different fret position, which is why it is highlighted.

The playback controls are completely under your command. On the left-hand side, the Play all button plays the complete tuning sequence in one go. It starts at the bottom (lowest) course and progresses through to the top. It’s a handy way of listening to the general balance of the instrument. To adjust the volume, simply move the volume slider on the far right of the control bar. It will affect the playback sequences, all individual reference tones, and the output level.

The widget is accessible with just a keyboard, and includes accessibility features as well. Use the Tab key to move from control to control; use Space (or Enter) to engage buttons and settings that are toggled on and off. Focused elements will be easy to see with focus indicators. Furthermore, you can even expand the widget into full screen, which gives you an even bigger picture of the tuning chart. To go fullscreen, simply click the Fullscreen button in the header. To exit fullscreen mode, click again.

The widget has a built-in help panel and provides a brief overview of what’s in there. There’s even a how-to play button that reveals a summary including tips on use, plus some tuning patterns. The help panel is hidden which keeps the interface clean until you want to see the details. It tells you about unison and octave pairs, and reminds you to tune the main string first, then adjust the partner string.

It’s not easy to tune a twelve-string as there is much tension on the neck. It takes time too! You want to gently pull the strings up into tune without breaking them. The main strings are thicker and easier to stretch than the thinner partner strings. Always get your main string to pitch correctly before tuning its partner string to match. Remember also, with a dropped tuning, the neck may now be more stable with lower tension.

The fret method part also gives a good test of how accurate your tuning is. You need no additional equipment for this. Simply listen out for the beat that occurs when the reference sound meets the sound of your guitar string. If you hear the two sounds blend together without any pulsation then you’re tuned. This works for all the tunings listed above. It also works for their open and drop variants. Follow the instructions and work through the lowest string upwards to the highest.

Before beginning, adjust the volume to your comfort level using the slider. Be aware that reference tones may get quite loud in a quiet environment. If you’re practicing in a shared space, dial back the volume. Match the pitches, then increase the volume as desired. The audio engine will restart whenever you use any part of the widget.

Responsive design: It’s clear on any screen size. If your window is narrow, the strings wrap nicely into cards. You don’t have to zoom in because everything is readable. No need to scroll horizontally to get a view of all the tuning info. Everything has been laid out with the notes and pairs first so you can stay focused on the task at hand.

Have a play with each of these tunings and choose one that fits how you want to play. Some people find the half step down really good as it takes the strain off an older guitar. Try it to see if it makes the tuning easier. The Open G tuning introduces new voicings for chords and works well in a rock or folk style. Switch between different tunings easily so you can hear the difference.

As you tune, remember the partner strings. These should sound like a perfect octave higher than the main string; in other words, they must be completely in unison. You’ll notice if they are not in step because it will make the whole thing wobble slightly. Gently adjust the fine string until the beating ceases. This attention to detail creates the rich, chorused sound of a twelve-string guitar.

These digital reference tones create very accurate pitch. They won’t wander around like some mechanical ones will. Treat these as a solid reference point for your tuning. Play all to listen through the whole scale. If you pick up a wrong string that is flat or sharp, this will help you quickly identify it and can save time. It also gets you ready to play ahead of the game.

It’s very easy to use with a keyboard or mouse too. It visually walks you through the tuning process. As you select items, it highlights them green. It also shows what is currently being played. In the fret method it draws your attention to the odd fourth fret interval with yellow markers. You don’t have to read all of the labels as the colors keep you on track to where you are in the process.

After a while of getting used to how things work, you may want to remove the help panel. It frees up some space for your tuning steps (and if needed for the string cards). There’s not much else to distract you here, the interface is intentionally minimal. Forget about fiddling around with complex controls, focus instead on the pitch and the sound.

The widget handles standard tuning tasks as expected. The fret method steps are your best friend if you want to learn how to tune by ear. This replicates the old school method of tuning and has been used by guitarists for decades. Each step provides the name of the string. It tells you what fret to press. Finally, each step tells you where to go next. You match the pitch through the audio feedback. It’s a satisfying method and one that helps you become in tune with the instrument.

What happens after you tune? The widget will remember what volume level you had set as long as the page stays open. So if you want to lower the volume while listening to something, it will stay that way. It helps if you’re listening in a quiet room or somewhere else where you don’t want to be blasting the music out of your computer speakers. When you go back to another tuning, no need to fiddle with the slider each time: it will still have the settings from the last time. As long as the page remains open, it will stay like that.

Are you on a small device? Try fullscreen mode. Fullscreen mode maximizes the widget to use the entire screen, making the buttons more accessible. There’s no crowding of the interface. The screen fills. This also increases the size of the string cards, making them even easier to tap. It’s simple, but makes using it better on tablets or phones.

The tuning chart includes notes for both sharps and flats depending on the key. It depends on what key is chosen; therefore, there are notes available for each of these. It matches the selected tuning and automatically selects the correct symbol from the chart, which also contains sharps and flats. There’s no issue with enharmonic equivalents. It stays clear and you can easily read it. This clarity helps you avoid confusion during quick tuning sessions.

You should practice tuning regularly as it will help develop your ear. Use the reference tones as a guide. As time progresses you will discover that you have to hear less of the audio and more of your guitar. This is where the widget helps you with this development and also has both ear training tools and audio aids. It’s a versatile companion and suitable for all types of guitarist.

Firstly choose a tuning that matches your song. Tap on the first string card and you will hear the base pitch. Tune the guitar string until it matches this. Do this for each of the courses in turn. Continue working your way up the neck and then tune all strings. Use the Play all button to check the whole set. Soak up the richness that a twelve string guitar has to offer.

It’s all about getting it tuned properly, and once you do you’ll be able to get the best out of it. The pairs in octaves make for added depth, while the pairs in unisons add brightness and clarity to the upper end of the strings. Use this tool to maintain the best sound from your instrument.

It is instantly available when you want to check it out. You do not need to set anything up or download/install anything. Runs within your browser. Only requires an internet connection. Access from any device with an internet connection. Open the widget on another screen while tuning. It saves time. It reduces frustration.

The reference tones are accurate to pitch and should be trusted. The tones are produced at the correct frequency. That means that your guitar will be tuned accurately as well as in tune with others. That is critical when you’re jamming with a band. You want to be in tune with your fellow musicians and the widget helps you stay in sync. It lines you up with your other players.

Be patient when tuning. Out-of-tune instruments happen, as do strings snapping if you rush. Remember that this instrument responds to changes in string tension. It’s sensitive. A little goes a long way. Really listen for the beat frequencies. They will guide you directly to the target pitch and let you know just how close you’re getting.

Should you find yourself at a loss for how to proceed, refer to the help panel. There you’ll find an explanation of the fundamentals, including the octaves and unison pairings. You can even remind yourself about the correct tuning order. Whenever in doubt, just refresh your memory with the help panel. Everything is concise and to the point. All the key points are covered and will guide you through the use of the widget.

Try all of them out, play some more music. They all have their own sound characteristics. Open G is great for melodic playing. It opens up doors to new possibilities. Drop D beefs up the bottom end, adds weight. Try different things to keep your playing interesting and fresh. It is also easy to do, just try. It’s simple.

It’s easy to use. It follows common web conventions. Navigation is simplified. The keyboard support makes it usable by anyone. It provides immediate visual feedback. It gives clear visual feedback. You will know exactly what to do next. It is a streamlined tool for a specific task.

So, treat that tension with care and look after your guitar. Take care of the guitar and you’ll avoid any damage from regular use and the strain of a dozen strings. Tuning it correctly also reduces the chance of a potential neck warp. Try the dropped tunings to take some of the weight off the strings and only apply them if you are going to be playing for some time.

It’s a helpful tool that you actualy use on a day to day basis It saves time and eliminates having to refer to individual tuning charts. It provides visual cues as well as audible feedback, making the whole process of tuning smoother. It is very valuable. It is an asset for all players So go on get out there now and play.

Play confidently as your guitar will be tuned correctly. Use this widget. It’s easy to use. It’s a great tool to help you get your tuning right. You hear the pitch clearly and it works. Have fun making music and enjoy the sounds.