Learning How To Tune Your Guitar is a foundational skill every guitarist must master right from the start. An out-of-tune guitar simply won’t produce the sounds you expect, no matter how well you play. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of guitar tuning, whether you’re using a tuner or training your ear. We’ll cover identifying guitar string notes and provide tips to keep your guitar sounding its best for longer. Consistent practice is key to improving your playing, and starting with a properly tuned instrument makes the learning journey far more enjoyable and rewarding.
Understanding Guitar Tuning Basics
Guitar tuning is all about adjusting the tension of the strings to achieve the correct pitch. This adjustment is made using the tuning pegs located on the guitar’s headstock. Turning these pegs alters the string tension, raising or lowering the pitch. Tightening a string increases its pitch (making it sharper), while loosening it decreases the pitch (making it flatter).
How Often Should You Tune Your Guitar?
Ideally, you should tune your guitar every single time before you play. Guitars are sensitive instruments and can easily fall out of tune even when not being played. Playing itself, especially techniques like string bending or extended practice sessions, can also cause your guitar to lose its tuning. It’s a good habit to periodically check your guitar tuning while you are playing. If chords start to sound off, even when you’re confident in your finger placement, it’s a clear sign that your guitar needs to be retuned.
A video tutorial demonstrating guitar tuning for visual learners.
Methods for Tuning Your Guitar
Modern technology has simplified guitar tuning significantly with electronic tuners. However, learning to tune by ear using a reference note remains a valuable skill. Let’s explore both methods.
Tuning with a Chromatic or Pitch Tuner
Clip-on electronic tuners have become incredibly popular for their convenience and accuracy. Unlike older tuners that required plugging in, these devices attach directly to your guitar’s headstock and detect string vibrations. They clearly indicate whether a string is flat (too low), sharp (too high), or perfectly in tune. They work equally well for both acoustic and electric guitars. Affordable and precise, clip-on tuners are an excellent tool, especially for beginners. Many modern beginner guitar amplifiers also include built-in tuners for added convenience.
Tuning Your Guitar Without a Tuner
If you find yourself without a tuner, knowing how to tune a guitar without a tuner is a useful skill. Many situations, like impromptu jam sessions or traveling, might require you to tune by ear.
Fortunately, smartphone apps offer a readily available alternative. Numerous tuner apps are available, many of them free, for both iOS and Android devices. These apps utilize your device’s microphone to detect the pitch of your guitar strings, providing a visual display to guide your tuning. As you adjust the tuning pegs, the app’s display will show you when the string reaches the correct pitch.
Another method involves using a reference pitch from a reliable source like a piano or another guitar that is already correctly tuned.
Tuning by ear to a reference pitch requires a bit more practice. Start by listening carefully to the reference pitch. Then, play the corresponding note on your guitar and compare the two sounds. Adjust your guitar string’s tuning peg until its pitch precisely matches the reference. Once you have one string in tune, you can use it as a reference to tune the remaining strings. This is done by playing a fretted note on a lower string and tuning the next higher open string to match that fretted note.
Identifying Guitar String Names and Notes: EADgbe
A standard guitar has 6 strings. When listed from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), the guitar string notes are E, A, D, G, B, and E.
Diagram of guitar string notes EADgbe for easy string identification during tuning.
To help memorize these guitar string names, use mnemonic phrases like “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie” or “Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears.” The 1st string is the thinnest string, also known as the high E string, and the 6th string is the thickest, or low E string.
Mnemonic phrase 'Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie' as a memory aid for guitar string names.
Beyond standard tuning, exploring alternate guitar tunings can open up new sonic possibilities as you progress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Each Guitar String
Let’s break down the process of tuning each guitar string note individually.
Tuning Your Low E String (6th String)
If you have a reference pitch, begin by tuning your low E string (the thickest string) to that reference. If you don’t have a reference, you can find the E note by playing the 7th fret of the A string (5th string). This fretted note will produce an E.
Tuning Tip for the 6th String (Low E)
Tune the low E string to your reference E note, adjusting the tuning peg to raise or lower the pitch until both notes match perfectly.
Tuning the A String (5th String)
Next, to tune your A string, play the 5th fret of the low E string. This fretted note is an A. Tune your open A string to match the pitch of this fretted note.
Tuning the D String (4th String)
To tune the D string, play the 5th fret of the A string. This fretted note is a D. Tune your open D string until it matches the pitch.
Tuning the G String (3rd String)
Tune the G string by playing the 5th fret of the D string. This fretted note is a G. Adjust your open G string to match this pitch.
Tuning the B String (2nd String)
The tuning of the B string is slightly different. Play the 4th fret of the G string. This fretted note is a B. Tune your open B string to match.
Tuning Your High E String (1st String)
Finally, to tune the high E string, play the 5th fret of the B string. This fretted note is a high E. Tune your open high E string to match.
Once you become comfortable with tuning each guitar string name, you’ll be ready to explore more advanced techniques like reading guitar tabs and playing your favorite songs.
School of Rock summer camps offer guitar lessons and band performance opportunities.
Guitar Summer Camps
Consider enrolling in School of Rock music camps offered during the summer. These camps provide comprehensive guitar instruction, including how to tune a guitar, alongside learning to play songs and perform in a band setting. With workshops covering songwriting and stage presence for guitarists, these summer guitar camps are beneficial for students of all levels.
Tips for Keeping Your Guitar in Tune Longer
After successfully guitar tuning, implement these strategies to maintain tuning stability for longer periods:
- Regularly Change Your Strings: Old strings lose their elasticity and struggle to hold tuning. When your strings sound dull or frequently go out of tune, replace them with a fresh set.
- Stretch New Strings: New strings need to be stretched to stabilize their tuning. Gently stretch them after installation by lightly pulling them away from the fretboard or by playing for a short period. Be careful not to pull too forcefully, as this can cause breakage.
- Proper Guitar Care: Protect your guitar from drastic changes in temperature and humidity. These fluctuations can significantly affect tuning stability. After each playing session, wipe down the strings with a clean, soft cloth and store your guitar in its case or gig bag.
Whether you prefer using an electronic tuner or tuning by ear, following these steps will ensure your guitar is consistently in tune, making playing more enjoyable and productive.
Thinking about purchasing a new guitar? Check out our Guitar Buying Guide!
