New Standard Tuning

New Standard tuning is C G D A E G, from string 6 to string 1. Tune each string with the online tuner below, or tap a string on the headstock to hear its note.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • 6 strings
  • Lowest note C2
  • Mic stays on your device
New Standard A4 440 Hz

Press Start tuning, then play a string

0/6 tuned

New Standard notes

A4 = 440 Hz
String Note Frequency
6 C2 65.41 Hz
5 G2 98.00 Hz
4 D3 146.83 Hz
3 A3 220.00 Hz
2 E4 329.63 Hz
1 G4 392.00 Hz

About New Standard tuning

Robert Fripp’s tuning in fifths, with a high G on top.

  • Also called NST.
  • Open strings: C six-nine (C6/9).
  • Range: C2 (65.41 Hz) to G4 (392.00 Hz).

Intervals between strings

  • C → G perfect fifth
  • G → D perfect fifth
  • D → A perfect fifth
  • A → E perfect fifth
  • E → G minor third

How to tune from Standard to New Standard

5 of the 6 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time.

String Standard New Standard Change
6 E2 C2 Lower 4 semitones
5 A2 G2 Lower a whole step
4 D3 D3 No change
3 G3 A3 Raise a whole step
2 B3 E4 Raise 5 semitones
1 E4 G4 Raise 3 semitones

Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.

How to tune your guitar to New Standard

  1. Start the tuner – New Standard Tuning

    Start the tuner

    Press Start tuning and allow microphone access. The tuner is already set to New Standard.

  2. Play one string at a time – New Standard Tuning

    Play one string at a time

    Let a string ring and watch the needle. Auto mode finds the closest string in New Standard tuning for you.

  3. Turn the peg until green – New Standard Tuning

    Turn the peg until green

    Needle on the left means flat (too low), so tighten. Needle on the right means sharp (too high), so loosen. Green means the string is in tune.

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of New Standard tuning?

From string 6 to string 1, New Standard tuning on the guitar is C2, G2, D3, A3, E4, G4.

What are the string frequencies of New Standard tuning?

At the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz, the strings are tuned to C2 65.41 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, A3 220.00 Hz, E4 329.63 Hz, G4 392.00 Hz. If you change A4 in the tuner settings, every target changes too.

How do I get from Standard tuning to New Standard tuning?

5 of the 6 strings change. Work through the table one string at a time. Tuning this far down makes the low strings loose. Thicker strings (a heavier gauge) keep the tension, tone and tuning stable.

What chord do the open strings of New Standard tuning make?

If you strum the open strings, they play C six-nine (C6/9). Lay one finger flat across any fret and you get the same chord, one semitone higher for each fret.

Can I tune to New Standard tuning without a microphone?

Yes. Tap a string on the headstock to hear its note and match it by ear. You can also switch on Repeat to hear the note every few seconds while you turn the peg.

Similar tunings

All guitar tunings