Guitar Fret Frequency Calculator
Calculate the exact frequency in Hz of any guitar fret from open string tuning and fret number.
Returns note name, octave, and cents deviation.
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.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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