Editing Machine head (section)

{{short description|Apparatus for tuning stringed musical instruments}}
{{about|the musical instrument tuning device|the metal band|Machine Head (band)|other uses}}
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[[File:Stemmechanisme ukelele closeup-1.jpg|thumb|right|Open worm type machine head on a ukulele]]
A '''machine head''' (also referred to as a tuning machine, tuner, or gear head) is a geared apparatus for tuning stringed musical instruments by adjusting string tension. Machine heads are used on mandolins, guitars, double basses, and others, and are usually located on the instrument's [[headstock]]. Other names for guitar tuners include pegs, gears, machines, cranks, knobs, tensioners, and tighteners.

Non-geared tuning devices as used on violins, violas, cellos, lutes, older Flamenco guitars, and ukuleles are known as [[Tuning peg|friction pegs]], which hold the string to tension by way of friction caused by their tapered shape and the string pull created by the tight string.