How the chromatic mode works
Press Start tuner and allow the microphone, then play one note and hold it. The tuner finds the note’s frequency, names the nearest note of the equal-tempered scale (for example F♯3), and shows how far off it is in cents: a hundredth of a semitone. Green means within ±3 cents, amber within ±10. Under the note name you see the frequency it hears, so you can also use it as a frequency meter for a steady tone.
There are no string buttons in this mode: the tuner doesn’t know what the note is supposed to be, only which note is closest. When the hint says Tune up 20¢, the note is 20 cents below the one shown.
When to use it instead of a string preset
- Instruments not on the list: mandolin, banjo, harp, a harmonica reed, a bell or a tuning fork.
- Custom tunings: tune each string to the note you want while watching the name.
- Winds and brass: the tuner shows concert pitch, the sounding note.
- Checking a reference: hold a tuning fork near the microphone and read its frequency.
Getting a clean reading
Play one note at a time and let it sustain. A chord, two strings ringing, or a lot of room noise gives the tuner several periods to choose from, and the reading flickers or disappears. Bring the microphone closer to the instrument rather than playing louder. For the six strings of a guitar, the guitar tuner picks the string for you; to produce a note instead of measuring it, use the tone generator.