Guitar Fret Frequency Calculator
Calculate the exact frequency (Hz) of any note on a guitar fretboard from string tuning, fret number, and scale length.
Guitar Fret Frequencies and Equal Temperament
Every fret on a guitar raises the pitch by exactly one semitone in the 12-tone equal temperament (12-TET) system. The frequency of each semitone is a fixed mathematical ratio above the previous one.
The Fundamental Formula
f_n = f_0 × 2^(n/12)
Where:
- f_0 = open string frequency (Hz)
- n = fret number (0 = open, 1 = first fret, etc.)
- 2^(1/12) ≈ 1.05946 — the semitone ratio
Each fret multiplies the frequency by approximately 1.0595. Every 12 frets exactly doubles the frequency (one octave up).
Standard Guitar Tuning (E Standard)
| String | Open Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (low E) | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 5 (A) | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 (D) | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 (G) | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 (B) | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 (high e) | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Common Alternate Tunings
| Tuning | Low E string |
|---|---|
| Standard (E) | 82.41 Hz |
| Drop D | 73.42 Hz (D2) |
| Eb / D# (half step down) | 77.78 Hz |
| D Standard | 73.42 Hz |
| Open G | 98.00 Hz (G2) |
| Open D | 73.42 Hz (D2) |
The 12th Fret Rule
The 12th fret always plays exactly one octave above the open string — double the frequency. The 7th fret plays a perfect 5th (ratio 3:2, close to 2^(7/12) ≈ 1.498). The 5th fret plays a perfect 4th (ratio 4:3, close to 2^(5/12) ≈ 1.335).
Cents Deviation
In equal temperament, the perfect 5th is slightly narrower than the pure 3:2 ratio — by about 2 cents. This compromise allows all keys to sound equally in-tune, unlike just intonation.