Using a proper guitar tuner is the best way to tune your guitar exactly. However, if you don't have one, all you need is to get one single note either from a piano, tuning fork or from someone else's guitar string. Once you get that single note, I will show you how to tune the rest.
To save you money in having to go out and buy an electronic tuner, I have provided you with all 6 notes on each string: E,A,D,G,B,E
Tuning Method 1
Let's say you have already tuned the top string (6th string).
Step 1: Press down on the 6th string at the 5th fret and you will get an A note. This note should correspond to an open 5th string as shown in the diagram.
Step 2: Strike the 6th string, 5th fret and an open 5th string. Both strings should be exactly the same. If not, the 5th string must be adjusted.
A good tip is to hold your finger on the fret and use your other hand to twist the string. Both at the same time. Do this until both strings sound identical.
These 2 easy steps can be repeated for the rest of the strings. With the 5th string, press down on the 5th string on the 5th fret and you will get a D. This note should correspond to an open 4th string. Therefore when you strike the 5th string, 5th fret and an open 4th string, both strings should sound exactly the same. If not, the 4th string must be adjusted.
The 3rd string however must be played at the 4th fret in order to equal an open 2nd string. Many guitarists use this tuning technique when they suspect a string has gone out of tune.
Tuning Method 2
The most accurate way I find of tuning my guitar is by using harmonics. Harmonics are done by not actually holding down a string, but just gently touching it lightly. When you strike the string, it should be hard so you get a clear "ping" out of it and not an actual string note. You have to be spot on when using harmonics otherwise if you are a tiny bit off, it won't come out.
Tuning your guitar using harmonics is very similar to the first method. Again, say you have the top string (6th string) tuned correctly;
Step 1: Place your finger on the 5th fret of the top string.
Step 2: At the same time, place your other finger lightly on the 7th fret of the 5th string.
Step 3: Strike both strings at the same time. They should be the exact same 'ping' sound. If not, one of them is out of tune. Therefore, the 5th string must be adjusted.
Using this technique is more accurate as by striking both strings at the same time, they both produce a very distinct ping sound that is easier to spot if one is out of tune.
Again, this technique works with all the strings, except the 3rd. So, the most accurate way to do this is to use the first tuning method just for this string. The rest are fine to continue on with harmonics method.
Whether you're learning to play the guitar on your own or with a professional, you will surely hear this suggestion: you need to tune your guitar. If you don't, then the sound that you're going to produce will be a total mess. You can't get any sound right, and everything will just remind you of the scratching sound of the chalk on the blackboard.
1. Better listen to the sound real carefully. Tuning is all about making sure that your guitar is on the right pitch. You will never be able to do it properly if you don't try to listen to the sound every time you tune down or up your guitar. It's very important that you can learn to practice how to listen music through your ears.
2. Obtain a reference pitch when you are tuning. A reference pitch can come from another musical instrument. You can also make use of an electronic tuner. However, it would be best that when you're tuning up or down your guitar, the musical instrument where the reference pitch will be coming from should also be the one that you're going to utilize together with your guitar.
3. Tune up, not tune down, your guitar. If you're going to make a choice between tuning up or tuning down your guitar, the best preference will always be to tune up. This means that you have to increase the string's tension. You should do so until the desired tone is achieved. However, if it becomes too tight, you may loosen it and just retune it. Tuning down usually causes wrong pitches for your guitar, and it could be a little more difficult for you to achieve the right tone.
4. Go for standard tuning. The very first thing that you need to accomplish is standard tuning. It means that the notes should be adjusted from low to high. These include, A, B, D, E, and G. You can make use of other tuning strategies, especially when it comes to notes. Nevertheless, if you're still practically new with tuning, it's always best to stick with standard tuning first.
5. Don't try to make any improvisations if you haven't mastered proper tuning. It's normal for guitarists to wish that they can actually go solo with their guitar playing. However, you shouldn't tread in this more difficult aspect unless you really know how to tune your guitar. This is because improvisations usually involve changing notes as well as pitches.
Both Zack Roberts & Eugene W are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Zack Roberts has sinced written about articles on various topics from Guide Guitar, Keyboard Synthesizer and Guide Guitar. Do you love the blues? Want over 50 backing tracks? Visit 50Blues and start. Zack Roberts's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Eugene W has sinced written about articles on various topics from Guide Guitar, Adsense and Guide Guitar. Click to get backing tracks &. Eugene W's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.