How to Properly Tune Your Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your guitar in tune is one of the most essential habits for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. A well-tuned guitar sounds great, inspires creativity, and makes practice much more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tuning your guitar, from different tuning methods to tips for keeping your instrument in tune for longer.
Why Tuning is Important
Tuning ensures that each string on your guitar is at the correct pitch. Even the smallest changes in pitch can drastically affect the sound of your music. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity, as well as regular playing, can cause your guitar to drift out of tune. Learning how to tune your guitar quickly and accurately is a foundational skill that will improve your playing and overall sound quality.
Standard Tuning for Guitar
Most guitars are tuned to what’s called standard tuning. In this tuning, the strings are tuned to the following notes from lowest to highest:
• 6th string (low E) – E
• 5th string (A) – A
• 4th string (D) – D
• 3rd string (G) – G
• 2nd string (B) – B
• 1st string (high E) – E
A helpful mnemonic for remembering the standard tuning is Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie (EADGBE).
Tuning Methods
There are several ways to tune a guitar, each with its own advantages. Let’s go over some of the most common methods.
1. Using an Electronic Tuner
An electronic tuner is one of the easiest and most accurate ways to tune your guitar. There are different types of tuners available, including:
• Clip-On Tuners: Attach to the headstock and detect pitch through vibration. These are highly portable and work well even in noisy environments.
• Pedal Tuners: Popular among electric guitar players, pedal tuners sit on your pedalboard and allow you to tune silently during performances.
• Tuner Apps: Many smartphone apps provide tuning functionality and are great for quick adjustments on the go.
How to Use an Electronic Tuner:
1. Turn on the tuner and select “Guitar” mode (if applicable).
2. Pluck the low E string and watch the tuner. If the tuner shows that the string is flat (below pitch), tighten the string by turning the tuning peg clockwise. If it’s sharp (above pitch), loosen the string by turning the peg anti-clockwise.
3. Continue tuning each string until the tuner shows that they are all at the correct pitch.
2. Tuning by Ear (Using the Fifth Fret Method)
Tuning by ear is an essential skill that will help you develop a strong sense of pitch. One common way to tune by ear is the fifth fret method, where you tune each string relative to the previous one.
Steps for Tuning by Ear:
1. Start with the low E string (6th string). Tune it to an external reference pitch, like a piano, another guitar, or a tuning fork.
2. Tune the A string (5th string) by placing your finger on the 5th fret of the low E string (which is an A note). Pluck both the 6th and 5th strings and adjust the 5th string until they sound the same.
3. Tune the D string (4th string) by pressing the 5th fret of the A string (which is a D note) and adjusting the D string until both strings sound the same.
4. Tune the G string (3rd string) by pressing the 5th fret of the D string (which is a G note) and adjusting the G string.
5. Tune the B string (2nd string) by pressing the 4th fret of the G string (which is a B note) and adjusting the B string.
6. Tune the high E string (1st string) by pressing the 5th fret of the B string (which is an E note) and adjusting the high E string.
This method works well for tuning relative to itself, though it requires you to have at least one string in tune for accuracy.
3. Tuning with Harmonics
Advanced players often use harmonics to fine-tune their guitar, as harmonics can be more precise than standard fretting.
Steps for Tuning with Harmonics:
1. Play a harmonic on the 5th fret of the low E string.
2. Play a harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string. Adjust the A string until the two harmonics match.
3. Repeat this process for the A and D strings (5th fret of A, 7th fret of D), the D and G strings (5th fret of D, 7th fret of G).
4. For the B string, play the harmonic on the 7th fret of the low E string and match it to the open B string.
Harmonic tuning is especially useful when recording or for players who need ultra-precise tuning.
Tips for Staying in Tune
• Stretch Your Strings: After installing new strings, gently stretch them by pulling upward while tuning. This helps prevent your guitar from going out of tune as the strings settle.
• Tune Regularly: Check your tuning before each practice or performance. Temperature, humidity, and string age can affect tuning, so regular adjustments are key.
• Maintain Proper String Care: Wipe down your strings after each playing session to remove sweat and oils, which can corrode the strings and cause tuning instability.
• Check Intonation: If your guitar is in tune when playing open chords but sounds off higher up the neck, you may need to adjust the intonation. This is done by adjusting the bridge saddles to ensure each string plays in tune along the entire fretboard.
• Use Quality Strings: Cheap or worn-out strings are more likely to slip out of tune. Invest in good-quality strings that match your playing style and guitar type.
Alternate Tunings
While standard tuning is the most common, many songs and styles of music require alternate tunings. Some popular alternate tunings include:
• Drop D Tuning: Lower the low E string down to D. (DADGBE)
• Open G Tuning: DGDGBD
• DADGAD: Popular in Celtic and folk music.
Exploring alternate tunings can open up new creative possibilities for songwriting and playing different genres of music.
Conclusion
Properly tuning your guitar is essential to producing a great sound, and there are many methods to help you achieve perfect pitch. Whether you’re using an electronic tuner or tuning by ear, regularly checking your tuning will keep your guitar sounding its best. With practice, tuning will become second nature, allowing you to focus on what really matters—playing and creating music!