How to Tune a Guitar

Dec 22, 2010 02:49 AM

  • Assuming you already have strings on your guitar, we will begin with a basic tutorial.
  • I am also assuming you are a beginner or are looking for a new way to tune, since there are several ways and techniques -- I will cover a couple of them here.
  • The thickest string is the lowest sounding string and in standard tuning is called the"E" string. From there, the next string is the "A" and then the "D" then "G" then "B" and finally the higher of the two "E"'s.
  • You can use a tuner or you can use your ear, either way it must be in tune to sound good.
  • To use a tuner, it is quite simple: Simply set the tuner to auto (if it is equipped) and then simply use the nobs, where the strings are wound, and turn to sharpen or flatten the tone depending on which way the needle points, (sometimes a tuner will only have lights depicting which way to turn the nob) until the needle lines up perfectly. You can rely solely on the tuner and not use you ear if you'd like: simply tune all 6 strings to the letter names mentioned previously. If your tuner is not equipped with the "auto" setting, then you must select the letter of the string you are tuning.
  • However, you should learn how to tune by ear. One way is to use the frets to match the tone from one string to the next. For example, the fifth fret on the low "E" string is an "A", the same "A" as the next string. So, simply play both strings at the same time and tune the higher string until it sounds the same as as the lower string. You do this until you have tuned the "D" string. To tune the "B" string (which is a little different to do) simply repeat the process using the fourth fret on the "D" string -- which is a "B". Finally, use the fifth fret on the "B" string to tune the high "E".
  • Congratulations! You have tuned you first guitar, or at least made it sound better. (You may have to go back and fine tune a little if it was way out because the change in tension on the guitar.)

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