Sorting Out the Guitar Tuners That Are Right for You
Introduction
Guitar tuners are essential tools for any guitarist. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, a good guitar tuner can help you keep your instrument sounding its best. Choosing the right guitar tuner can be a daunting task, especially with all the different options available on the market. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a guitar tuner, as well as some of the top options on the market.
Types of Guitar Tuners
The first thing to consider when choosing a guitar tuner is the type of tuner you want. There are two main types of guitar tuners: clip-on tuners and pedal tuners.
Clip-on tuners are small, lightweight devices that attach to the headstock of your guitar. They are easy to use and are great for quick, on-the-go tuning. They typically use a microphone to pick up the sound of your guitar, and display the tuning on a small screen.
Pedal tuners, on the other hand, are larger and more expensive. They are designed to be used on stage or in a studio, and are typically connected to your guitar through a patch cable. Pedal tuners are more accurate and versatile than clip-on tuners, and offer a wider range of features such as tone generators and metronomes.
Features to Look For
Once you've decided on the type of tuner you want, there are several important features to consider. The first is the accuracy of the tuner. A good tuner should be able to accurately tune your guitar to within a few cents (the unit of measurement for pitch accuracy). Look for tuners that offer multiple tuning modes, such as chromatic, guitar, and bass, to ensure that you can tune to any desired pitch.
Another important feature to look for is the display. A clear, easy-to-read display is crucial for quick and accurate tuning. Some tuners also offer a backlit display, which can be useful in low-light situations.
Additional features to consider include a built-in metronome, a tone generator, and the ability to store and recall different tunings. These features can be useful for practicing and performing, but may not be necessary for everyone.
Top Picks
Now that you know what to look for in a guitar tuner, here are some of our top picks.
For a clip-on tuner, we recommend the Korg Pitchblack Mini. This tuner is compact, easy to use, and offers high accuracy. It has a clear, backlit display, and can be used in both chromatic and guitar/bass tuning modes.
For a pedal tuner, we recommend the Boss TU-3. This tuner is a favorite among professional guitarists, and offers unparalleled accuracy and reliability. It has a clear, easy-to-read display, and offers a wide range of features including a built-in metronome and a tone generator.
No matter which tuner you choose, it's important to find one that fits your needs and budget. With the right guitar tuner, you can keep your guitar sounding its best and take your playing to the next level.