So, you’ve got your hands on a shiny new guitar, and you’re eager to start strumming away, but there’s just one small hitch – you need to find out how to tune a guitar.
This article will guide you through the seemingly daunting task of tuning your guitar to perfection, so you can play confidently and sound amazing.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply need a refresher, you’ll find this guide extremely engaging, easy to follow, and, most importantly, jargon-free. We’ll cover everything from standard beginner tuning methods to handy tips that keep your guitar sounding fantastic.
So, hold onto your plectrums and dive into the world of guitar tuning – let’s transform you from a tuning novice to a pitch-perfect pro!
Are all Guitars Tuned the Same Way?
Generally, musicians and guitar players use standard tuning, E-A-D-G-B-E, for a guitar with six strings. But did you realise there’s a range of alternate tunings out there? Imagine the musical possibilities!
Have you heard of the open string tunings? These are some funky variations where the strings are tuned to a specific chord, making it easy to play chords by strumming the open strings. Slide guitarists love these! Then there are dropped tunings which involve lowering the pitch of one or more strings.
Metal and rock enthusiasts, we’re looking at you!
And what about other types of guitars?
Bass guitars, for example, have only four strings tuned E-A-D-G, like the bottom four strings of a regular guitar.
So, are all guitars tuned the same way? The short answer is no. While called standard tuning pattern is widely used, the door is wide open for creativity and experimentation.
How to Know if Your Guitar is Out of Tune
One way to tell if your guitar is out of tune is to check by playing the same note on different strings. For example, the sixth string can be checked by playing the same note on 5th string, the fifth string (seventh fret) or the fourth one (second or fifth fret). If it sounds off, you’ve got a string out of tune!
But what if more than one string is out of tune? Ooft!
Don’t fret (pun intended); it’s time to grab a trusty guitar tuner. A precise guitar tuner will help each string find its perfect pitch, making your guitar sound harmonious again.
Here’s a cheeky question: have you ever tried using a capo? Placing poorly can pull your strings down or across the neck and fretboard, putting your guitar out of tune. Next time, remember to attach and remove your capo with caution – so you won’t muck up your beautifully tuned guitar.
Lastly, watch your guitar’s intonation – it’s crucial for proper tuning. You might need to adjust your truss rod to resolve poor intonation issues. So remember, my guitar-slinging pal, a little tender love and care will keep your instrument in tip-top shape!
The Order of Guitar Strings When Tuning
Ever wondered how to get your guitar to sound just right?
First things first, you need to know the names of the strings. It’s as simple as learning a new catchy phrase – “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie.” From top to bottom, that’s your low E, A, D, G, B, and high E strings. Pretty easy, right?
Now, let’s talk about standard guitar tuning. It’s the most common tuning, and it’s EADG. But did you know there are alternative tunings like Nashville Tuning, DADGAD tuning, and Open E Tuning? It’s like discovering a whole new world of magic for your guitar!
So, how do you have your guitar tuned properly? Start with the low E string, then work your way up – A, D, G, B, and finally, high E. It’s as easy as strumming along to your favourite tune!
The Basics of Guitar Tuning
So you’ve got your hands on a lovely guitar, but before you start strumming, let’s make sure it’s in tune! Here’s where the magic happens…
Check for the string's tuning first.
Before diving into tuning, listen to each string’s pitch. Are they close to the desired notes or way off the map? You’re the detective here – familiarising yourself with each string’s sound is essential. Come on, put on your listening ears!
Tune your guitar.
Time to adjust those tuning pegs! Remember, turning them counterclockwise raises the pitch, while clockwise lowers it. Here are the steps to tune your guitar:
Start by getting a guitar tuner. You can use a physical tuner or a smartphone app.
Turn on your tuner and place it where you can see it easily.
Play the sixth/thickest string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The sixth string should be tuned to E.
Play the fifth string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The fifth string should be tuned to A.
Play the fourth string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The fourth string should be tuned to D.
Play the third string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The third string should be tuned to G.
Play the second string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The second string should be tuned to B.
Play the first string (the thinnest and last string) and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows it’s in tune. The first string should be tuned to E.
Once you have tuned all the strings, play a few chords and ensure everything sounds good. If you hear any notes that are out of tune, adjust the corresponding tuning peg until it sounds right.
Lastly, always check how it is tuned.
Once you’ve adjusted all the strings, it’s time for the moment of truth.
Strum a chord and listen closely – do all the strings sound in harmony? If one is slightly off, don’t worry – give it a little retune until you get the right and same pitch.
And there you have it! With your guitar sounding as fabulous as you, you’re all set to rock the world. Let the good times roll!
4 Ways to Tune a Guitar
Let’s dive into a world of exciting and efficient guitar tuning methods! With each approach, you’ll be closer to sounding like a true maestro.
1. Tuning Guitar by Ear
Do you trust your instincts? Tuning the guitar by ear might be your go-to technique. It involves matching the pitch of your strings to an external source, such as a piano or a pitch pipe. But remember, practice makes perfect!
2. Using Tuner for Tuning a Guitar
Electronic tuners are a lifesaver in a noisy environment. They’ve made tuning guitar notes quick and easy. There are a few types you can choose from:
Microphone-based tuners
Ideal for an acoustic guitar, this electronic tuner both captures the sound and detects the pitch of your strings through a built-in microphone. You simply need to play a string, and the tuner will show you if you need to tune it up or down.
Some of these tuners even have a jack input to plug your electric guitars in for a more accurate reading.
Vibration-based tuners
Also known as clip-on tuners, these tools quickly and accurately detect the pitch of the string based on its vibration. This is a great option for live performances, as it eliminates background noise interference. Vibration-based tuners are also more accurate than traditional tuners and are easy to use.
Plug-in/Pedals
Electric guitarists, this one’s for you. Plug your guitar into these tuners for a direct and focused tuning experience. To use one, simply plug the instrument cable from your guitar into the tuner’s input jack. You don’t need to plug anything into the tuner’s output unless you want to. If you choose a pedal tuner, connect the pedal at the front of your signal chain (a cable in the output and a cable in the input).
This ensures you get the cleanest signal into the pedal, giving you the most accurate tuning.
3. Using Apps for Guitar Tuning
Using guitar tuning apps is a popular and convenient method for tuning your guitar. Many guitar tuning apps are available that use your device’s microphone to detect the pitch of the guitar string and provide visual feedback on whether the guitar strings are in tune.
Some apps also offer additional features such as alternate tuning modes and educational resources for improving your guitar playing skills.
4. Following a Different Instrument for Tuning
Following a different instrument for tuning involves using a reference pitch from another instrument, such as a piano or another guitar, to tune your own guitar. This method requires a good ear and some musical knowledge to match the pitch of the reference instrument to the corresponding guitar string.
While this method can be effective, it may not be as precise as using a tuner or tuning app and may require some practice to master.
Tips on How to Keep Guitars Stay Tuned Longer
Ready to cut down on tuning time and spend more time jamming? Let’s dive in!
Did you know that kinking the string can help it stay in tune? Simply post the string through the tuning peg, wrap the tail backwards, kink the rear, and wind it around. This method creates a neat and secure starting point for your tuning!
Keeping the finger and nut slot smooth is essential in avoiding tuning issues. So, if you feel any resistance or hear a popping sound when pulling the string out of the nut slot, it might be time to re-cut or lubricate it.
Did you realise that changing guitar strings and gauges can impact your guitar’s tuning stability and require adjustment in intonation? So choose the right strings for your guitar and playing style.
Here’s a rhetorical one: Did you think locking strings would improve tuning stability? Well, it does! When restringing your guitar, “locking” the strings can make a difference, as it prevents unwinding and slipping when playing guitar.
To keep your guitar in tune for longer, focus on proper string winding, smoothing out your nut slot, choosing appropriate string gauges, and locking your strings. Give these hacks a go, and watch your guitar-tuning woes vanish into thin air!
Tools for Guitar Tuning
DESIGNED FOR: bass, acoustic, and electric guitar players
FEATURES: With an enhanced display for simple reading and rapid, accurate tuning
OTHER INFO: Accommodates dropped tunings and 7-string guitars
Korg GA-50 Guitar Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with a memory backup
- Has great battery life and may be used for up to 135 hours
- Dependable with excellent functionality
- Gives accurate tunings
- Does not have a built-in metronome
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: acoustic guitar players
FEATURES: Has a very sensitive piezo transducer
OTHER INFO: Designed with a soundhole clip that won't leave a mark
D'Addario NS Micro Soundhole Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With a vivid, multicolour display
- Has a calibration range of 435 to 455 Hz
- Made to fit inside the acoustics soundhole and offer a concealed tuning
- Provides exceptionally accurate tuning
- Not suitable to use in noisy environments
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: all guitar players
FEATURES: With a vintage Fender design for precise and accurate tuning
OTHER INFO: Equipped with a powerful LED screen
Fender Original Clip-On Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a 360-degree adjustable swivel for convenient tuning
- Portable and simple to use
- Enables effortless tuning even in the darkest environments
- A bit pricey in comparison to other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How To Tune A Guitar
Summary
So, you’ve made it to the end of our adventure in guitar tuning, haven’t you? By now, you should feel like a tuning master ready to take on the world—or at least your six-stringed companion!
Isn’t it fascinating how a simple tuning can make a difference in your playing experience? Remember to keep that trusty tuner handy or hone those ear-tuning skills. Who knows where this newfound knowledge will take you?
Feel free to revisit this cheeky guide anytime you need a refresher—after all, practice makes perfect. And with that, happy tuning and even happier playing!
Hold on, what about capo’s? If you don’t have a capo and would like to find out which ones are the best, look at our article Best Guitar Capos here.
