5 BEST Clip-on Guitar Tuner in 2022

Keeping your guitar in perfect tune and condition is one of the responsibilities of being a guitarist. It is also among the most important favors you can do to yourself, your instrument, and your audience.

It doesn’t matter if you have the cleanest and most effective techniques when your guitar strings aren’t on par with your performance. Besides, nobody enjoys a guitar’s sound when it’s out of pitch. Good thing that guitar tuners are invented.

Guitar tuners can take many forms, but one of the most convenient and most cost-effective variants available in the market are clip-on guitar tuners. Clip-on tuners are essentially not very difficult to use. Simply attach it to your guitar’s headstock, test a note, check your reading, adjust the tune, and you’re good to go.

A guitar tuner will either register the note via an internal microphone or, more commonly, a sensor that reads the vibrations of an instrument. This makes these tuners ideal to use in an area where there is a lot of external noise like a bar or a band rehearsal.

This comprehensive guide will be taking a look at five of the best clip-on guitar tuners you can buy in the market. It will also explore the benefits of having one in your equipment as opposed to a tuner pedal, a rack-mounted unit, or even a simple tuning fork.

List of Top Clip On Guitar Tuners

Snark ST-2 Multi-Instrument Chromatic Tuner

Pros:
• Tunes Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Basses and All Instruments
• Pitch Calibration
• Tune with Vibration Sensor or Microphone
• Tap Tempo Metronome
• Sturdy Stay Put Clamp
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Peterson StroboClip HD Clip-On Tuner | Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Harp, Brass, Woodwind, Orchestral

Pros:
• True strobe 0. 1 Cent accuracy - accurate to 1/1000th of a Semitone or 1/1000th of a f
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TC Electronic Guitar Tools (966111001)

Pros:
• Poly tune technology - tune all 6 strings simultaneously
• Chromatic ( +/- 0.5 Cent) and extra accurate strobe ( +/- 0.02 Cent) modes
• Ultra-bright and easy to read adaptive display - ensures a perfect readout No matter what orientation clip is attached
• Flat tuning and capo modes
• Elegant yet durable design, with high-quality stainless steel c
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KLIQ UberTuner - Professional Clip-On Tuner for All Instruments (multi-key modes) - with Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Bass & Chromatic Tuning Modes (also for Mandolin and Banjo)

Pros:
• Fast & Accurate: Spend more time playing, and less time tuning. The UberTuners advanced Micro Processor and highly sensitive Piezo Sensor will ensure your instrument is accurately tuned in a flash.
• Super Bright Display: The large color display allows you to easily see if youre flat, sharp, or dead-on from any angle. With 3 points of adjustment, you can position the screen in any way you like.
• Easy to Use: Turn it on, clip it on, and youre ready to tune. Since the tuner detects the pitches directly from your instruments vibrations, ambient room noise will never get in the way.
• Reliable: With a strong and durable design, this tuner was built to last. From light use by the music hobbyist to heavy abuse by the touring road warrior, the UberTuner will get you in tune every time.
• 3-Year Manufacturer Guarantee: In the unlikely event the KLIQ UberTuner stops working, well replace it or give you 100% of your money back, no questions ask
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D'Addario Guitar Tuner - Micro Headstock Tuner - Tuner for Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukelele, Cello, Double Bass & More - Universal Clip On - 1pk

Pros:
• THE STEALTH TUNER - Your audience will never know there is a tuner on your instrument with the highly precise Micro Clip-On Tuner. The lightweight, discrete, compact tuner hides behind the headstock practically blending into the instrument and is small enough to be kept on your instrument while stored in its case. At 1.25, you will want one for each stringed instrument you own.
• EASY TO READ - The easy-to-read, tri-color backlit screen displays the note in red when out of tune, yellow when close, and green when in tune. Powered by a readily available (and included) CR2032 battery, you will enjoy maximum battery life thanks to the tuners auto-off function.
• VERSATILE - Featuring a 360-degree swivel mechanism and adjustable padded clamp, the NS Mini offers optimal viewing angles and maximum positioning flexibility. For left or right-handed instruments with small or large headstocks, it is the ideal choice for acoustic and electric guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, cellos, doubl
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1. Snark ST-2 Super Tight

This is our choice for overall best clip on guitar tuner.

Snark is a well-known brand that features a variety of affordable and colorful clip-on guitar tuners, each with its unique styles. They often have a bright screen that makes readings easier, even in low light conditions.

You can easily clamp the Snark Super Tight model onto any guitar’s headstock. It also features a chromatic tuner that works in two different modes: the microphone mode and the vibration mode.

First, the microphone mode can be used to tune acoustic instruments. Meanwhile its vibration mode utilizes a transducer to interpret an instrument’s vibrations into a reading.

The accuracy of this clip on guitar tuner isn’t shown on its page. But, it is accurate enough for beginners although it can’t compete with more professional tuners like the Peterson or TC Electronic.

This tuner is an excellent choice for novices because it is quick, effective, and accurate enough without the complicated setup. Aside from that, it features a tap-tempo metronome as well, which beginners are sure to make use of.

This tuner is also highly portable as it can easily fit into your bag of jeans. Furthermore, it is one of the highest rating tuners available on Amazon.

 

 

 

2. Peterson StroboClip HD

This is our choice for best clip on guitar tuner for accuracy.

The Peterson StroboClip HD tuner shines with its reliable accuracy rate. Today, it is considered as one of the most accurate tuners in the market, boasting a 0.1 cent accuracy. So, it is an excellent choice for professional players with highly sensitive ears and musicians preparing for performances and recordings.

Also, this clip on guitar tuner model has a huge HD screen, soft rubber jaws, various settings for drop tuning, and capo 50 of the brand’s unique settings. These tunings are inclusive of some of the most popular makes and models of various guitars as well.

This model can also be used with sweetened tunings, which require things such as a Telecaster with a three-saddle bridge’s exceptional intonation and more.

The guitar may be a bit wobbly when you play a chord on the higher notes on the fretboard. But, the Stroboclip can make the necessary adjustments.

Sweetened tunings aren’t really typically used by performers. But, if you’re having trouble with the pitch and the tuning doesn’t really sound right, then it might just be the solution. Of course, sweetened tuning is not easy for novices and beginners, so it would be best to keep that fact in mind.

 

 

 

3. TC Electronic Polytune Clip

This is our choice for best clip on guitar tuner for ease of use.

The TC Electronic Polytune Clip is amazing for players who aren’t looking for a fancy device as it is straightforward and does its job remarkably. Fitted with chromatic, strobe, and polyphonic modes, this model is an amazing choice for any performer, amateur or professional.

When in chromatic mode, this tuner can supply an accuracy of 0.5 cents, a range that is more than enough to beagle to tune your guitar correctly. The strobe mode has an accuracy of 0.02 cents, which is a range that equals one 5000th of a semitone, a timing that is highly satisfying.

The poly tune mode allows you to tune and perfect all of your six strings simultaneously, making the entire process of tuning infinitely quicker. Even though this feature was added way back in 2016, the sheer utility of this mode still has the same possible impression.

Also, this model has a battery life of up to 18 hours. Another handy feature of this model is auto-orientation. For example, if a person is left-handed and uses the PolyTune at the back of the headstock, the display can flip accordingly.

One drawback of this clip-on guitar tuner is that the polyphonic accuracy may be a bit of a hit or miss compared to its pedal counterpart. It is like the tuner says that your tuning is out, but the chromatic mode will say it’s fine.

Its bulky appearance may not be for everyone. But despite these flaws, this clip on guitar tuner is suitable for both novice and professional guitarists with the variety of features it offers.

 

 

 

4. KLIQ UberTuner

This is our choice for best clip on guitar tuner for performance.

The KLIQ UberTuner boasts one of the best performance-value ratios in the current market. Thanks to its enhanced microprocessor and its super sensitive pickup, this model can consistently deliver fast and accurate readings.

Also, this device is highly reliable and will serve you for years with its durable and solid design. The display is impressive as it is visible even against direct sunlight and dark environments.

This model is also straightforward and intuitive. It can pick up vibrations well from the headstock.

It features a 125-degree tilt and a 360-degree turn that provides performers with a highly adjustable device. To top it all, it is one of the lightest tuners on this list, weighing only around 0.017 lbs or 8 grams, making it highly portable.

 

 

 

5. D’Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Universal Clip-On Tuner

This is our choice for best clip on guitar tuner for portability.

This NS Micro Universal is an extremely light clip-on tuner that fits any headstock with its brand-new designed ratchet clip. This model is designed with a 360-degree swivel adjustment and an extendable arm for better positioning to let you see the LCD screen even as you play.

Due to its ultra-lightweight design, this tuner will not hurt your guitar’s headstock even if you keep it on for a long time. This model also has a built-in metronome.

Aside from electric guitars, it also fits acoustic, bass, mandolin, and banjo guitars, along with many other string instruments. It is a compact device that is hardly noticeable whenever it is clipped to the headstock.

You can also adjust the calibration between 410 to 480 Hz if you prefer to experiment with different pitches and frequencies. This NS Micro Universal is one of the cheapest tuners available in the market, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a high-quality product.

Quite the contrary, this model is one of the highest-selling tuners with an excellent feedback rating. It is an excellent choice for any performer who wants to keep things simple, functional, and affordable.

 

 

 

Question and Answers:

 

Are There Different Types Of Clip-On Tuners?

 

There are a variety of available models of tuners in the market. Although all of them work almost the same as the other, each brand still has subtle differences.

More often than not, it is what determines their respective price points. Below are the three main things you should look for in a clip on guitar tuner before deciding to invest in one:

 

The Display

 

The cheapest models often have the most basic displays. Typically, they’re good enough, but they may not be so reliable in extreme situations.

Other models have more comprehensive displays that show different colors with different methods of telling you whether your instrument is in tune. Make sure to consider the type of display you want to have to depend on your budget and environment.

 

Chromatic or Non-Chromatic

 

To figure out what you need, make sure you understand the difference between an achromatic and a non-chromatic tuner first. The achromatic tuner tells you the name of the note of the semitone you are currently closest to in the chromatic scale. A non-chromatic tuner, on the other hand, tells you how close you are to a predetermined note.

In other words, if you’re only aiming to tune your guitar to the standard E-A-D-G-B-E notes, a non-chromatic tuner would work fine for you. But if you’re aiming for more flexible sounds and would like to try experimenting with your notes, a chromatic tuner is your best bet. But, be prepared to spend more in return.

 

Sensor Quality

 

Since clip-on tuners often rely on sensors to pick up vibrations, it goes without saying that you should make sure to look for high-quality sensors to help you in your performances. Cheaper models tend to have less sensitive sensors, so they may not work very well with lower strings in general and bass guitars. Make sure to carefully consider this, especially when you’re looking for a bass tuner.

 

How To Use A Clip-On Tuner?

 

If you’re a novice, one of the first things you may struggle with is tuning your guitar. That being said, using a clip-on tuner is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to tune your guitar.

This simple task determines the difference between an amateur and a professional musician. It is because no matter how good someone plays, no one ever likes the sound of a guitar that is off-key.

 

A Trusty Clip-On Tuner

 

When tuning your guitar, one of the easiest ways to achieve a good tune is by using a clip-on tuner. These handy devices simply “clip-on” to the headstock of your guitar and senses the vibrations of the strings to display the pitch.

 

Start With Standard Tuning

 

Just because you have your tuner setup doesn’t mean you can carelessly crank at the tuning pegs. It is important to note that most songs you learn as a novice are under “standard tuning.”

The strings on your guitar all have names and serve as the basis for their respective standard tunes. Keep these in mind when making the necessary adjustments to your guitar.

 

What Are The Top 3 Clip-On Guitar Tuners?

 

In reality, clip-on tuners are a rather recent fad among guitarists and have not been around for too long. Despite this, they have proven to be incredibly popular mainly because of their ergonomic design as well as their amazing utility. You simply clip it on, and its sensors pick up the vibrations and tell you whether you need to tune your guitar or if you’re good to go.

When talking about ease of use, it doesn’t get much better than the utility offered by a clip-on tuner. Most guitarists often have a habit of simply keeping the tuner on at all times, even when inside the case.

Of course, they can be quite unsightly if you’re using a signature guitar. They may be functional, but they also aren’t the best-looking things to carry around.

In summary, here are three of the best tuners available in the market that can serve from novice to professional musicians.

• TC Electronic PolyTune Clip Tuner – Despite being one of the more expensive clip-on tuners available in the market, the PolyTune offers unmatched quality along with its signature polyphonic tuning mode. It means that you can strum all of your open strings, and the tuner identifies which of the strings are out of tune. Talk about being clever and convenient.
• Snark ST-2 Super Tight – Cheap and cheerful, the Snark brand gives you their unique Snark design and reliability. Being one of the most affordable guitar tuners around, this option is perfect for beginners to seasoned pros alike.
• Peterson StroboClip HD Tuner – Undoubtedly, this brand and model is among the most trusted when talking about guitar runners. Peterson products have always been known for their accuracy. Arguably the most sophisticated tuners in the market, the StroboClip is only for the most fastidious tuning nuts.