If you play anything outside a standard preset, a custom tuner saves time. It is useful for:
- 7-string and 8-string guitars
- odd drop tunings and open tunings
- baritone setups
- experimenting with new string pitches for songwriting
This guide shows you how to set up a custom tuning in TunerHub, save it, and share it.
Quick CTA:
- Open the tool: Open the custom tuner
- Prefer presets? Browse tunings: Browse all tunings
What the custom tuner does (in plain terms)
The custom tuner lets you choose:
- how many strings you have
- the target note and octave for each string
- whether the tuner auto-detects which string you are playing
Then you can:
- save the tuning name to your browser
- load it later with one click
- share a link that loads the same tuning
Quick start: build a tuning from scratch
Open the tool:
1. Set the string count
Pick the number of strings that matches your instrument (4, 5, 6, 7, etc.).
If you set more strings than you started with, the tool adds extra strings with sensible defaults. You can change each one.
2. Set the target note for each string
For each string:
- Select the string.
- Choose the target note and octave (for example, E2).
- Repeat until every string matches your tuning.
If you are copying a known tuning, write it down low to high first. Example for Drop D on guitar:
D2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
3. Start listening and tune
- Tap "Start listening" and allow microphone access.
- Pluck one string cleanly.
- Adjust until the needle centers and the cents readout is close to 0.
If auto-detect is on, the tuner will try to match the string you played. If it struggles, turn off auto-detect and select the string manually.
Use cents offsets when you need small detunes
Some sounds come from small pitch offsets rather than a different note name.
Examples:
- a slightly flat string for a chorus effect
- matching a track that sits a few cents off A = 440
The custom tuner lets you set a cents offset per string. Small values are enough. If you go extreme, the instrument can feel unstable.
Save your tuning so you can reuse it
Once you have the tuning set:
- Give it a name (example: "7-string drop A" or "Open C writing").
- Save it.
Saved tunings live in your browser storage. That means:
- it is fast
- it does not require an account
- it may not sync across devices
Share a tuning with a bandmate
If you want someone else to use the same targets, use the share option to copy a link. When they open it, the custom tuner loads the string list for them.
This is useful before rehearsal:
- you send one link
- everyone tunes to the same notes
Common issues (and fixes)
The tuner picks the wrong string
- Pluck one string at a time.
- Mute the others.
- Turn off auto-detect and select the string manually.
The note name is right, but it still sounds wrong
Check the octave. E2 and E3 are different pitches.
If you are not sure what octaves your tuning uses, compare against a known preset tuning page for your instrument.
It works on laptop but not on phone
Phone mics can be more sensitive to background noise. Move closer, face the sound source toward the mic, and tune in a quieter spot.
FAQs: custom tuner
Can I save multiple tunings?
Yes. Save each tuning with a clear name so you can find it later.
Does the custom tuner replace the preset tuning pages?
It complements them. Preset pages are fastest for common tunings, and they include extra guidance. The custom tuner is for everything else.
Do I need to create a login?
No. Saved tunings are stored locally in your browser.
Can I tune ukulele or bass with the custom tuner?
Yes. Set the string count and notes to match your instrument.
Next step: open the tool and save your first tuning
Build one tuning you use often and save it so you never have to re-enter the notes:
If you want a ready-made preset instead, start here: