Tuning a guitar is easier than it seems and crucial if you want to create lovely tunes. Whether starting fresh or needing a little reminder, help is at hand.
There are a few ways to tune a guitar: an electronic tuner, a smartphone app, or even your ears. Some people prefer online tuners, which you can easily access from your computer’s browser.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the most popular ways to tune your guitar, ensuring your six-string sounds pitch-perfect. Let’s get your guitar sounding amazing immediately—read on and strum along with me!
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.
The Order of Guitar Strings When Tuning
Have you ever wondered how to make your guitar sound just right?
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. 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 other tunings like Nashville Tuning, DADGAD, and Open E Tuning? It’s like finding a whole new world of magic for your guitar!
So, how do you tune your guitar 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 favorite song!
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
Tuning a guitar might seem tricky initially, but with the right approach, it becomes second nature.
There are many ways on how to tune guitar to ensure your instrument sounds right, from using digital tuners to trusting your ear. I find tuning apps incredibly handy, especially when on the go.
Let’s recap the core points:
- Digital Tuners: Use these for the most accurate tuning.
- Tuning Apps: Perfect for those who are always on their phone.
- By Ear: This is a great skill to develop and gives you a deeper connection with your music.
Playing a well-tuned guitar is a joy. It enhances your sound and makes practice sessions far more enjoyable.
Remember, regularly check your guitar’s tuning. It’s worth it!
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.
The sequence you’ve described for tuning guitar strings is exceptionally clear and helpful. This clarification aids beginners in understanding which string corresponds to which note, a fundamental aspect of learning the guitar.
Regarding your section on ‘4 Ways to Tune a Guitar,’ I find it quite comprehensive. However, I believe it’s worth noting the emerging technology in tuning apps that often goes overlooked. The nuances between different types of vibrational tuners are particularly fascinating, indicating how diverse this field has become. It’s indicative of how far we’ve come from ear tuning alone, opening avenues for precision that previously required expensive equipment. Your article excellently bridges the gap for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Using apps to tune guitars is a game changer. Made my life way easier.
Hey Lewis Turner, great article on tuning! I’ve always wondered, with the myriad of tuning methods out there, do you think digital tuners might actually discourage new players from developing their ear for tuning? I get the convenience, especially for beginners, but there’s something about learning to tune by ear that feels crucial for a deeper understanding of your instrument. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Yeah, ToneSeeker, I see where you’re coming from. It’s probably a balance, right? Using tuners to get started but not becoming totally dependent on them.
Interesting point AlexRiffs, but don’t you think those technological aids can actually serve as a good stepping stone? Especially for complete beginners.