A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the gains of a feedback controller while the process continues to run and the controller continues to operate and control the process is disclosed. A desired closed-loop control bandwidth and a target loop transfer function are specified by the operator, and the tuning is accomplished automatically with minimal operator intervention and without the need for developing a model of the process. The automatic tuner subjects the process to one or more disturbance and the operation of both the process and the controller are monitored.