The guitar locking tuners are an essential component that enables the musician to tune the guitar strings to the desired pitch. They play a crucial role in maintaining the tone and intonation of the instrument. There are many types of guitar locking tuners available, ranging from vintage-style to modern locking systems, each offering unique features and benefits.
New to this? Read Guitar Upgrades Explained: Pickups, Tuners, Necks and What’s Worth It first for the basics, then use the picks below.
The best locking tuners include Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Tuners, Schaller M6 Locking Tuners, Sperzel Locking Tuners, Fender Locking Tuners, and Graph Tech Ratio Tuned Locking Tuners. These tuners feature a high gear ratio, great locks, and are lightweight.
Choosing the best guitar locking tuners can greatly impact playability and overall sound quality. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the 10 best locking tuners for guitar available, each with its own features, specifications, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Related: 10 best electric guitar tuning pegs.
10 Best Locking Tuners for Guitar 2026
- Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Tuners
- Schaller M6 Locking Tuners
- Hipshot Grip-Lock Open Gear Locking Guitar Tuners
- Kluson Revolution G-Mount Locking Tuners
- Gotoh SG381 MGT Locking Tuners
- Sperzel Locking Tuners
- Fender Locking Tuners
- Musiclily Pro 3L3R Guitar Locking Tuners
- Musiclily Pro 6 Inline Guitar Locking Tuners
- KAISH 18:1 Gear Ratio Guitar Locking Tuners
1. Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Grover 502C Roto-Grip locking tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, black, gold, nickel
- Installation: Easy to install with basic tools and minimal modification to guitar
- Locking mechanism: Securely grips guitar string to prevent slippage and ensure precise tuning stability
Advantages:
- Quick and accurate tuning
- Eliminates need for traditional string windings
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string for improved tuning stability
- Easy to install with minimal modification to guitar
- Available in multiple finish options to match different guitar styles and designs
Disadvantages:
- May be more expensive than traditional tuning machines
- Some guitarists may prefer the feel or aesthetics of traditional string windings
- Requires careful installation to avoid damaging guitar headstock or finish
2. Schaller M6 Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Schaller M6 locking tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, black, gold, nickel
- Installation: Requires drilling of larger mounting holes in guitar headstock
- Locking mechanism: Provides secure grip on guitar string for improved tuning stability
Advantages:
- Reliable and accurate tuning
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string
- Available in multiple finish options
- Designed to fit most electric and acoustic guitars
Disadvantages:
- Installation requires drilling of larger mounting holes in guitar headstock
- More expensive than traditional tuning machines
3. Hipshot Grip-Lock Open Gear Locking Guitar Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Hipshot Grip-Lock Open Gear locking guitar tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, black, gold, nickel, satin chrome, satin gold
- Installation: Requires drilling of larger mounting holes in guitar headstock
- Locking mechanism: Provides secure grip on guitar string for improved tuning stability
Advantages:
- Reliable and accurate tuning
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string
- Available in multiple finish options
- Designed to fit most electric and acoustic guitars
Disadvantages:
- Installation requires drilling of larger mounting holes in guitar headstock
- More expensive than traditional tuning machines
4. Kluson Revolution G-Mount Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Kluson Revolution G-Mount locking tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, nickel, gold, black
- Installation: Fits in existing mounting holes in guitar headstock
- Locking mechanism: Provides secure grip on guitar string for improved tuning stability
Advantages:
- Reliable and accurate tuning
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string
- Designed to fit most electric and acoustic guitars
- Available in multiple finish options
Disadvantages:
- May not fit all guitars without modification
- More expensive than traditional tuning machines
5. Gotoh SG381 MGT Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Gotoh SG381 MGT locking tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, black, gold, nickel
- Installation: Fits in existing mounting holes in guitar headstock
- Locking mechanism: Provides secure grip on guitar string for improved tuning stability
Advantages:
- Reliable and accurate tuning
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string
- Designed to fit most electric and acoustic guitars
- Available in multiple finish options
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than traditional tuning machines
6. Sperzel Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Brand: Sperzel
- Model: Trim-Lok
- Tuner Type: Locking tuners
- Gear Ratio: 12:1
- Post Diameter: 6mm
Advantages:
- Improved tuning stability: The locking mechanism eliminates string slippage, ensuring the strings stay securely in tune even with heavy playing or aggressive bending.
- Quick and easy string changes: The locking design allows for fast and hassle-free string changes without the need for winding or tying knots.
- Precise tuning adjustments: The 12:1 gear ratio enables fine-tuning adjustments, allowing for accurate and precise tuning of each string.
- Durable and reliable: Sperzel tuners are known for their high-quality construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Multiple finish options: Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners are available in various finishes, allowing players to choose the one that matches their instrument aesthetics.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners tend to be more expensive compared to standard non-locking tuners, which might be a deterrent for players on a tight budget.
- Installation: Retrofitting existing tuners with locking tuners can require some modifications to the headstock, including drilling and reaming of the tuner holes, which may not be desirable for players who want to keep their instruments in original condition.
- Preference for traditional tuning methods: Some players may prefer the traditional feel and tuning methods of non-locking tuners, and the locking mechanism may take some getting used to.
7. Fender Locking Tuners
Specifications:
- Model: Fender locking tuners
- Type: Guitar tuning machine
- Compatibility: Most Fender electric and acoustic guitars
- Finish options: Chrome, black, gold
- Installation: Fits in existing mounting holes in guitar headstock
- Locking mechanism: Provides strengthened grip on guitar string
Advantages:
- Reliable and accurate tuning
- Locking mechanism provides secure grip on guitar string
- Designed to fit most F