C Standard Guitar Reference Tones — Tune by Ear
In C Standard every string sits two whole steps below Standard EADGBE. Play one reference tone at a time and match each string by ear — nothing makes a sound until you press a button.
| String | Standard | C Standard Target | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (Lowest) | E2 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | A2 | F2 | 87.31 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | Bb2 | 116.54 Hz |
| 3 | G3 | Eb3 | 155.56 Hz |
| 2 | B3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 1 (Highest) | E4 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
C Standard reference tones
Press any button to hear that string's target pitch, then match your instrument to it by ear. The note, the string number and the exact frequency are listed on each button. Audio starts only when you press a button.
No tone playing. Audio starts only after you press a note button.
Tuning to C Standard Step by Step
Work through these steps in order, playing the matching reference tone above before you touch each peg. Match by ear, then confirm with whatever tuner you already own.
Prepare the Guitar & Your Ears
Drop all six strings well below pitch first, so you are always tightening up to the target and the strings stay seated under tension. Play one reference tone so you know the pitch you are aiming at.
Tune the 6th String (C2)
Play the C2 reference tone, then tighten the thickest string until it sounds the same as the tone. Hum along with the reference first if that helps you hear the match.
Tune the 5th String (F2)
Play the F2 reference tone and raise the 5th string to it in small increments. Re-pluck the string after each small turn.
Tune the 4th String (Bb2)
Play the Bb2 reference tone — the same pitch as A#2 — and bring the 4th string up to it.
Tune the 3rd String (Eb3)
Play the Eb3 reference tone and raise the 3rd string to it. If you overshoot, drop back below and approach the target again from underneath.
Tune the 2nd String (G3)
Play the G3 reference tone. This string only drops one whole step, so use very small turns to avoid overshooting.
Tune the 1st String (C4)
Play the C4 reference tone and raise the thinnest string to it carefully. Raise in small steps so you never pull it past the target.
Step 8: Confirm Full Pass
Re-check all strings from 6 to 1 against the reference tones. Changing tension moves the neck, so earlier strings may have drifted. Done when: all six strings match their reference tone on the same pass.
Mistakes to Avoid
Tuning the strings out of order
Always start from the 6th string. Heavy strings carry a lot of tension; tuning them last pulls your thin strings out again.
Approaching the note from above
If you overshoot and go sharp, drop back below the reference tone and come up to it. Approaching from underneath keeps the peg seated under tension.
Adjusting while the string rings
Pluck, listen, then adjust. Turning the peg while the string is still ringing makes the pitch slide, so you end up chasing it instead of matching it.
Ignoring neck stability
Changing tuning across all six strings moves the wood. Play for a few minutes, then re-check every string against the reference tones.
How to match a reference tone by ear
Play the reference tone for the string you are working on, then play the string itself and listen for the beating — the slow wobble you hear when two pitches are close but not identical.
The faster the wobble, the further apart the two notes are. Turn the peg slowly until the wobble slows down and disappears, then stop: the string now matches the reference tone.
C Standard Tuning Checklist
Before you play, verify every string is matched.
Worked through the checklist? Play the six reference tones once more and listen for any string that still wobbles against its target.
Play the Reference TonesFrequently Asked Questions
What are the notes for C Standard tuning on a guitar?
C Standard tuning uses C2, F2, Bb2, Eb3, G3, and C4 from the lowest string to the highest. Every string sits two whole steps below Standard EADGBE.
Do I need a microphone to use these reference tones?
No. The six tones are generated in your browser with Web Audio and played through your speakers or headphones. Nothing is recorded, no microphone permission is requested, and sound only starts when you press a button.
Why does my guitar keep going out of tune in C Standard?
Changing tension across all six strings makes the neck adjust over time. Play for a few minutes and re-check every string against the reference tones until it settles.
Is C Standard tuning bad for my guitar?
No, it is generally gentler because the strings carry less tension. You may still want a setup if you notice fret buzz at the lower pitch.
What is the difference between C Standard and Drop C?
C Standard lowers all six strings by two whole steps. Drop C lowers only the 6th string to C and keeps the others one step higher than C Standard.
How accurate are the reference tones?
Each tone is generated from the exact equal-temperament frequency for that note — for example C2 at 65.4064 Hz — with A4 tuned to 440 Hz. Your speakers or headphones, not the tone itself, are the limiting factor.