12-String Guitar Standard Tuner (eE aA dD gG BB EE)
Standard twelve-string acoustic/electric concert tuning with octave pairings on the lower 4 courses and unisons on the top 2 courses.
Tap any peg to hear reference tone or pin string
12-String Guitar Standard String Notes & Hertz
Exact acoustic frequencies for each string in 12-String Guitar Standard at standard concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz).
| String | Note | Scientific | Target Frequency | Reference Pluck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | E | E2 | 82.41 Hz | |
| #11 | E | E3 | 164.81 Hz | |
| #10 | A | A2 | 110.00 Hz | |
| #9 | A | A3 | 220.00 Hz | |
| #8 | D | D3 | 146.83 Hz | |
| #7 | D | D4 | 293.66 Hz | |
| #6 | G | G3 | 196.00 Hz | |
| #5 | G | G4 | 392.00 Hz | |
| #4 | B | B3 | 246.94 Hz | |
| #3 | B | B3 | 246.94 Hz | |
| #2 | E | E4 | 329.63 Hz | |
| #1 | E | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
How to Tune to 12-String Guitar Standard
Follow these sequential steps to safely adjust your peg tension into 12-String Guitar Standard.
Tune Course 6 (12th & 11th strings): Low E2 (82.41 Hz) paired with octave High E3 (164.81 Hz).
Tune Course 5 (10th & 9th strings): Low A2 (110.00 Hz) paired with octave High A3 (220.00 Hz).
Tune Course 4 (8th & 7th strings): Low D3 (146.83 Hz) paired with octave High D4 (293.66 Hz).
Tune Course 3 (6th & 5th strings): Low G3 (196.00 Hz) paired with octave High G4 (392.00 Hz).
Tune Course 2 (4th & 3rd strings): Unison B3 (246.94 Hz) on both strings.
Tune Course 1 (2nd & 1st strings): Unison High E4 (329.63 Hz) on both strings.
More Guitar Tunings
The universal concert tuning used across rock, pop, acoustic, blues, and classical guitar.
The 6th string is dropped one whole step from E down to D, enabling fast one-finger power chords.
All strings tuned one full step down, with the 6th string dropped an additional whole step to C.
Every string tuned down one semitone (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) for warmer acoustic timbre and easier bends.
Every string lowered by one full whole step (D G C F A D) for dark, heavy chords.
Modal D suspended tuning renowned for open, ringing acoustic harmonies in Celtic and fingerstyle folk.
Strumming all open strings produces a pure G major triad. The definitive sound of the Rolling Stones.
An open strum rings out a full D major chord (D A D F# A D). Standard for blues slide guitar.
Open strum produces an E major chord. Duane Allman / Derek Trucks slide signature.
An expansive open tuning sounding a deep C major triad (CGCGCE), favored for lush acoustic fingerstyle and drone acoustic.
Both the 1st and 6th outer strings are dropped one whole step to D, creating a symmetrical D-A-D-G-B-D tuning.
An evocative modal minor tuning (C G C Eb G Bb) creating an open C minor 11 chord with haunting, cinematic overtones.
Standard seven-string guitar tuning (BEADGBE) adding a heavy low B fifth below standard low E.
12-String Guitar Standard Frequently Asked Questions
How are the pairs on a 12-string guitar tuned?▼
The lower four pairs (E, A, D, G) consist of the primary fundamental string plus a thinner string tuned one octave higher. The top two pairs (B and High E) are tuned to exact unison.
Why does a 12-string guitar sound like a natural chorus effect?▼
Microscopic phase and pitch variances between each pair of strings create a lush, natural acoustic chorus and sparkling shimmer.