How to Tune a Guitar

Tuning is one of the most important aspects of having a good sound when playing guitar.  If the guitar isn’t in tune then the chords you are playing will never sound correct.  Tuning should be checked prior to each practice.  As you tune your guitar, you will continue to get faster.

What Is The Best Tuning Method?

The most accurate tuning method is by using an electronic tuner.  This will provide a consistent reading and allow you to tune the same every time.  You can also perform a relative tuning where you tune 5 of the strings relative to the 6^th string.  This works well if you are playing by yourself.  If you are playing with one or more people, you will want to make sure your guitar is in tune with the other instruments, usually the piano/keyboard or other guitars.

How to Tune

The method we are going to provide here is relative tuning the 1^st thru 5^th strings to the 6^th string.

Step 1: Tune the 6^th string, which is the largest string, to a E.  If you are playing with a group, use the piano or another guitar to tune this string.

Step 2: Tune the 5^th string to an A by playing the 6^th string at the 5^th fret.  The two notes should sound the same.  If they do not, tighten or loosen the 5^th string, to raise or lower the note until the two notes sound the same.

 Step 3: Tune the 4^th string to a D by playing the 5^th string at the 5^th fret.  The two notes should sound the same.  If they do not, tighten or loosen the 4^th string, to raise or lower the note until the two notes sound the same.

Step 4: Tune the 3^th string to a G by playing the 4^th string at the 5^th fret.  The two notes should sound the same.  If they do not, tighten or loosen the 3^th string, to raise or lower the note until the two notes sound the same.

Step 5: Tune the 2^th string to a B by playing the 3^th string at the 4^th fret.  The two notes should sound the same.  If they do not, tighten or loosen the 2^th string, to raise or lower the note until the two notes sound the same.

Step 6: Tune the 1^th string to an E by playing the 2^th string at the 5^th fret.  The two notes should sound the same.  If they do not, tighten or loosen the 1^th string, to raise or lower the note until the two notes sound the same.

At first it may seem difficult to hear the difference in the two notes but with practice this will get easier.