Collection: Tuners
Guitar Tuners
At Chicago Music Exchange, we carry one of the most complete selections of guitar tuners available. From clip-on guitar tuners and pedal tuners to rack tuners, acoustic soundhole tuners, all-in-one multi-tool tuners, and smartphone-connected tuners, CME offers the most popular, most accurate, and most trusted tuning devices on the market. Whether you’re searching for a Boss TU-3, Boss TU-2, TC Electronic PolyTune, D’Addario NS Micro Tuner, Korg Pitchblack, Peterson StroboStomp, Peterson StroboClip, or Fender Flash Tuner, we have the right model to keep you perfectly in tune.
If your search includes best guitar tuner, guitar tuner pedal, clip-on tuner, chromatic tuner, strobe tuner, acoustic guitar tuner, electric guitar tuner, or professional guitar tuning tools, this page is engineered to help you find exactly what you need—and to help CME win the search session.
Why Guitarists Need Guitar Tuners
Guitar tuners exist because guitars—acoustic, electric, bass, or otherwise—naturally drift out of tune due to:
- temperature changes
- humidity shifts
- string stretching
- playing pressure
- aging strings
- tremolo systems & bending
A precision guitar tuner ensures your instrument stays in perfect pitch, whether you’re performing onstage, recording in a studio, rehearsing, teaching, or practicing at home.
Players rely on tuners for:
- fast tuning
- perfect pitch accuracy
- silent tuning onstage
- alternate tunings (Drop D, DADGAD, Open G, etc.)
- intonation checks
- setup & maintenance
- touring reliability
The right tuner improves tone, increases confidence, and guarantees a professional sound.
A Short History of Guitar Tuners
Before electronic tuners, guitarists tuned by ear or with tuning forks and pitch pipes—unreliable and inconsistent in loud or live environments. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, companies like Boss, Korg, and Peterson introduced the first electronic tuners, giving musicians:
- precise, stable pitch measurement
- visual tuning indicators
- noise immunity
- the ability to tune silently
The invention of the pedal tuner (like the Boss TU-2) revolutionized live performance, becoming the standard stage tool for touring musicians.
Today’s tuners include:
- ultra-accurate strobe tuners
- portable clip-on tuners
- polyphonic tuners (tune all strings at once)
- built-in acoustic soundhole tuners
- pedalboard tuners with buffers
Chicago Music Exchange carries every major advancement in tuner technology.
Popular Types & Styles of Guitar Tuners
Clip-On Guitar Tuners
Clip-on guitar tuners are compact, easy to use, and ideal for both acoustic and electric players who want quick, accurate tuning without extra gear. They attach directly to the headstock and read vibrations rather than external sound, making them reliable even in noisy rooms. Affordable and highly portable, they’re perfect for practice, lessons, and casual gigs. At CME, favorites include the D’Addario NS Micro, Snark models, Peterson StroboClip, the Fender Flash, and Korg clip-on options.
Pedal Guitar Tuners
Pedal tuners remain the gold standard for live musicians, offering fast tracking, bright displays, and rock-solid accuracy onstage. Built to withstand heavy use, they slot seamlessly into any pedalboard and mute your signal for silent tuning during performances. Whether you prefer a classic chromatic pedal or a modern polyphonic design, these tuners deliver dependable results every night. CME carries top choices like the Boss TU-3 and TU-2, TC Electronic PolyTune series, Korg Pitchblack, and Peterson’s ultra-precise StroboStomp.
Strobe Tuners
Strobe tuners are the most accurate tuning tools available, beloved by guitar techs, luthiers, session players, and anyone who demands precision down to fractions of a cent. Their spinning strobe display offers unmatched responsiveness, making them invaluable for intonation work, setup tasks, and studio recording. Peterson leads this category with the StroboStomp HD and StroboClip HD—staples in professional environments.
Rackmount Tuners
Rackmount tuners provide reliable, always-on tuning for touring rigs, backline setups, and recording studios. Built into a durable rack unit, they offer large displays, high accuracy, and integration with complex signal chains. They’re a favorite of techs who need a visible, consistent reference point in fast-paced environments. Popular builds include rack units from Korg and Peterson.
Acoustic Soundhole Tuners
Soundhole tuners offer a discreet, stage-friendly solution for acoustic players who want accurate tuning without drawing attention. Nestled inside the soundhole, they’re invisible to the audience and easy to check between songs. Because they read the instrument’s vibrations directly, they remain precise even in loud venues. D’Addario’s NS Soundhole Tuner is one of the top choices in this category.
Multi-Tool Tuners & Apps
Modern multi-tool tuners and digital tuning apps pack multiple functions into a single device, offering chromatic tuning alongside metronomes, tone generators, alternate tuning modes, and bright multicolor displays. Rechargeable and increasingly smart, these options are great for players who want an all-in-one utility they can keep in their case, bag, or phone. They’re flexible, portable, and perfect for musicians who switch between instruments or styles.
Most Popular Guitar Tuners at CME
- Boss TU-3 Pedal Tuner – the most iconic pedal tuner ever made
- TC Electronic PolyTune 3 – tune all strings at once with polyphonic mode
- D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On – small, invisible, budget-friendly
- Peterson StroboStomp HD – the most accurate tuner on earth
- Korg Pitchblack X – modern, fast, bright, dependable
- Snark Clip-On Tuners – high-demand, affordable options for beginners
CME stocks these tuners in multiple configurations and price points.
Famous Artists & Influencers Who Use Guitar Tuners
Tuners are essential tools for all musicians, including:
- Legendary Artists
- John Mayer – Boss TU-3
- Jack White – PolyTune
- Dave Grohl & Foo Fighters – Boss tuners on all pedalboards
- St. Vincent – PolyTune
- The Edge – rack tuners & pedal tuners
- Keith Urban – D’Addario clip-ons & pedal tuners
Influencers & YouTubers
- Rhett Shull
- Paul Davids
- Mary Spender
- Marty Music
- JHS & Josh Scott
- Music Is Win
- JustinGuitar
Their pedalboard breakdowns and tuner reviews generate massive search volume.
Price Points for Guitar Tuners
- $12–$25: Entry-level clip-on tuners (Snark, Fender)
- $15–$29: D’Addario clip-on & soundhole tuners$49–$99: Mid-range pedal tuners (Korg, PolyTune Mini, standard clip-on strobe tuners)
- $99–$149: Boss TU-3, PolyTune 3, Korg Pitchblack X
- $129–$199+: Peterson strobe tuners (StroboStomp, StroboClip)
CME carries all tiers—from beginner to pro-level strobe accuracy.
Why Buy Guitar Tuners from Chicago Music Exchange?
One of the largest tuner selections in the country
- Top brands: Boss, TC Electronic, Peterson, D’Addario, Korg, Snark, Fender
- Expert staff that uses these tuners daily on pedalboards and in repair setups
- Fast worldwide shipping
- Guaranteed authenticity
- Best guitar tuners available—curated for accuracy and durability
- CME helps every player—from beginners to touring pros—find the perfect tuning solution.
FAQ: Guitar Tuners
What is the best guitar tuner?
- For accuracy: Peterson StroboStomp HD
- For live use: Boss TU-3
- For affordability: D’Addario NS Micro
- For polyphonic tuning: TC Electronic PolyTune 3
Are pedal tuners better than clip-on tuners?
Pedal tuners are more accurate and ideal for stage use. Clip-ons are portable and great for acoustic or at-home practice.
What’s the most accurate guitar tuner?
The Peterson Strobe series is considered the most precise.
Can I use a guitar tuner for bass?
Yes—many tuners like the Boss TU-3, PolyTune, and Peterson support bass tuning.
Do professional musicians use tuners?
Absolutely. Nearly every touring guitarist and bassist uses a pedal tuner onstage.
What tuner should beginners buy?
Clip-ons like the D’Addario NS Micro or Snark are perfect for beginners.
Effect Pedal Tuners
Electric pedal tuners are the unsung heroes of every stage and studio setup—quietly doing the essential work that keeps everything else sounding right. This collection gathers the most reliable, road-ready tuners from trusted makers, each designed for accuracy, speed, and visibility under pressure. Whether you’re building your first board or refining a pro-level rig, you’ll find bright displays, true-bypass options, strobe precision, and durable housings that hold up night after night. These pedals anchor your signal chain with confidence, helping you tune quickly, silently, and consistently so you can focus on performance. Clean, simple, dependable: the way tuning should be.
Clip On Tuners
Clip-on tuners offer immediate, no-fuss tuning wherever you play—at home, backstage, in rehearsal, or between songs on an acoustic set. This collection features compact, highly sensitive tuners designed to read vibrations directly from your instrument, delivering accuracy even in noisy environments. Lightweight builds, adjustable screens, and fast tracking make these tuners a favorite for players who want tuning that’s intuitive and always within reach. Whether you're a beginner or a working musician, clip-ons give you portable, battery-friendly reliability without taking up space on your pedalboard. Simple, discreet, and essential for every gig bag.
Guitar Accessories
Guitar accessories are the small tools that shape the feel, function, and flow of your playing life—and this collection brings them all into one thoughtfully curated space. From strings, capos, and straps to cases, maintenance kits, and everyday essentials, these are the pieces that support your sound behind the scenes. Each item is selected for quality, durability, and practicality, whether you’re outfitting your first instrument or refining the details of a professional setup. Explore accessories that enhance comfort, improve reliability, and keep your gear performing at its best. It’s everything a guitarist needs to stay inspired, organized, and ready to play.