Best pedal tuners: The easiest way to stay in tune

Pedal tuners might just be one of the best guitar inventions of all time. 

They provide a level of convenience, accuracy, and different tuning modes that standard and headstock tuners generally can’t match. Some can even mute your signal, or provide additional routing options. 

Since there are so many to choose from it can present a bit of option paralysis, so we hand picked our favorite pedal tuners to help inform your purchase decision. 

Best pedal tuner overall: BOSS TU-3

If you take a look at the different models of pedal tuners across pedalboards the world over, you’ll undoubtedly see a BOSS TU most frequently. 

One of the best things about the TU-3 is the different tuning options it offers. Most players use it in chromatic mode, which tunes by note name. But a Guitar/Bass mode allows for tuning by string number, and even includes extended range guitars and basses.

Guitar Flat mode accommodates drop tunings, way down to six semitones below A standard at 440Hz. All tuning modes run on the Accu-Pitch function that provides a visual readout of tuning accuracy.

A large format 21-segment LED, glare-free meter comes equipped with a high-brightness mode that just works no matter what kind of setting you’re using it in. 

If you need something specific out of a pedal tuner, like a second-to-none strobe mode, there are better options. But if you want a little bit of everything that just works, BOSS’ TU-3 is the best of all worlds.

Best strobe pedal tuner: Peterson StroboStomp HD

Strobe tuners are the most accurate type, and Peterson has long been the premier manufacturer of the technology. For the longest time it was only available as a rack strobe tuner model, but now you can bring their innovative strobe tuning technology to your pedalboard.

There are over 100 tuning standards on deck, all within the accuracy of .1 cent. Guided tunings correspond to string numbers, so finding home couldn’t be easier. Also included is a healthy set of alternate, drop, and open tuning presets. 

It’s all inclusive to everything from six to nine string guitars as well as four to six string basses, as well as eight, 10, and 12-string guitars. No matter what tunings you incorporate into your repertoire, it can handle Concert A range from 391Hz to 490Hz.

A high-definition full-color LCD display offers a variable-color LED backlight that’s easy to see whether you’re in the dark settings of a show or the direct sunlight of an outdoor gig. 

If you want the accuracy of a strobe tuner with the slimmed down profile that fits onto a pedalboard, this is as good as it gets. Other pedal tuners offer strobe tuning modes, but no one does it better than Peterson.

Best rotational display pedal tuner: Walrus Audio Canvas Tuner

Many times pedalboard real estate is at a premium. Even if you don’t have a guitar pedal chain that runs 30 pedals deep, if you have a small pedalboard you might have to crease and cram to get anything else on there. 

That’s where the Canvas proves itself the better option over alternatives. The display orientation can rotate 90, 180, even 270 degrees. So as long as it can physically fit, you can find a place for it on your board. 

New firmware updates include four new tuning modes like Digital Needle, Strobe, Combo (Needle and Strobe in tandem), and Analog Needle. This amounts to a total of six total tuning modes.

Accuracy is within .1 cent, and the full-color LCD offers backlight brightness that users can adjust to their preference. Multiple tuning modes let you make sure you’re on point whether you downtune, use alternate tunings, or different capo positions.

You can even select different standby screen options, including a picture that users can upload.

Best mini pedal tuner: D’Addario CT-20

A wide calibration range and 32-bit processing fuels the CT-20. This guarantees fast, accurate signal readings so you don’t miss a cent. The enclosure is small and built with a strong aluminum enclosure that stands up to quite a bit of abuse.

The display is full-color and high-visibility and easy to view at any level of light. Mini pedal tuners usually don’t offer battery power, but the CT-20 can run on a 9v battery or external power supply. This opens up options for positioning it on your pedalboard.

Best budget pedal tuner: Ibanez BIGMINI

The technology of pedal tuners has really advanced, and “budget” doesn’t mean low quality anymore. The Ibanez BIGMINI is small format, so it is a pretty easy fit into your pedal chain.

Calibration ranges from 435Hz to 445Hz to accommodate different tuning standards. You can select between needle or strobe tuning modes, and it works just as effectively on guitars as it does bass. 

The accuracy is rated to be within +/- a single cent to provide the best accuracy. A bright backlit LED display provides visibility in the darkest environments.

Budget, versatility, options, and accuracy combine in the BIGMINI.

FAQ

What is a guitar pedal tuner and why should I use one?

It’s a tuner that sits on your pedalboard, and allows you to tune your guitar or bass quickly and accurately. It’s faster and more precise than clip-on tuners and can mute your signal during tuning.

Do pedal tuners work for bass guitars too?

Most modern pedal tuners handle bass frequencies with a high level of accuracy. Some even have bass-specific modes, so bass players have multiple options when shopping for pedal tuners. 

What is strobe tuning, and do I need it?

It’s an extremely precise tuning method that shows the difference between your note and the target pitch on a moving display. Strobe tuners are regarded as the most accurate and used by pros for live and recorded work, as well as for repairs and guitar tech purposes. 

Do tuner pedals work with alternate tunings?

Yes. Most tuners detect pitch chromatically, meaning they’ll recognize any note you play. Many also support alternate things, flat and drop tunings, even custom tuning modes.