An out-of-tune guitar is definitely not music to the ears. Since stringed instruments tend to get forgotten as the strings become loose, learning to tune an acoustic guitar should be one of the first things that beginners are taught to make sure your guitar sounds great. You can learn the basics of tuning, how to tune your instrument more accurately, and some alternative methods of keeping the strings in tune.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Basic Tuning
Step 1. Learn what the notes of each open string are
It will be difficult to tune the guitar if you don't know which notes they correspond to. Starting with the thickest string and the lowest pitch, the standard string tuning is as follows:
- E (low E)
- A (LA)
- D (RE)
- G (SOL)
- B (YES)
- And (I sing - the thinnest string)
Step 2. Identify the keys corresponding to each string
Follow each string up to the corresponding key to make sure you know which key to turn to tune which note and in which direction. Before consulting a tuner, pluck the string a couple of times and turn the key to tighten it (clockwise) or loosen it (counterclockwise).
Depending on the guitar and how the strings have been assembled, the direction may be different. This is why it is important to check first. In any case, consider this the standard for professional tuning, since it is the most effective for keeping the instrument in tune
Step 3. Pluck each string individually and turn the stick to get the correct note
If you are using an electronic tuner, turn it on and compare the note shown on the display. Repeatedly pluck the string until the two notes match. You can also use an audio track to tune each string by searching for "standard tuning examples" on Google or YouTube.
- If the note is sharp, turn it down by turning the key to loosen it until you get the right one.
- If the note is flat, turn it up by gradually turning the key to tighten the string, until you get the right one.
- At this point, you can use the guitar itself to continue tuning, a piano or any other instrument. For example, if you are playing with a trumpet player, ask for an E and use it as a reference to tune the 6th string (low E).
Step 4. Use the fifth fret of a string to play the reference note of the immediately following string
The 5th fret note of the 6th string should be identical to the 5th note played empty - they are both an A. This system ensures that the intervals between the notes are identical, so even if the guitar is not perfectly in tune, it is still in tune relative to itself.
The only exception is for the 2nd string (SI). To tune it you have to press the fourth fret on the 3rd string (G)
Step 5. Strum a chord or play a few notes to check the intervals
An acoustic guitar is made of wood and the resonance of the strings, even when they are tuned correctly, may not sound exactly perfect. Play a G chord or another in the first position to make sure the guitar is in tune and sounds perfectly. Make small changes if necessary.
The B string, in particular, will usually have to be a little flat to get a perfect ensemble sound. Experiment a little and listen carefully to make sure the guitar is in tune
Step 6. Play the guitar and retune for 15-20 minutes after mounting new strings
Strings need time to settle when new, meaning they forget very quickly. To stabilize them, tune your guitar, then play for a few minutes. Tune and repeat, continuing to play until they settle.
Part 2 of 3: Tune More Accurately
Step 1. Invest in a good quality chromatic tuner
The easiest and most accurate way to properly tune your guitar is by using an electronic tuner that "reads" the notes you play and allows you to see on a display whether the note is flat, sharp, and the direction in which to turn the key for. to correct. It does pretty much everything except turn the keys for you.
These tuners vary in price and quality, from quite inexpensive to more sophisticated ones which can be quite expensive. To get started, get a cheap one or search for free options online
Step 2. Tune the guitar by straining the strings instead of loosening whenever possible
This is an important feature for all acoustic stringed instruments, especially guitars. This allows you to keep the string in more tension and maintain the tuning of the instrument longer.
Even if the note of the string is sharp (which usually does not happen), turn the key to loosen it and then stretch it until you get the correct pitch
Step 3. Use new strings
Old and worn strings will not stay in tune easily. If you have to constantly retune, or if they begin to rust, consider replacing them with new strings that will hold their tune as you play. The guitar will sound better and it will be much more fun to practice.
Step 4. Let them settle
Tune roughly and then gradually more accurately, especially if you're putting together new strings. The strings cause a lot of tension (hundreds of pounds of pressure) on the guitar structure and acoustic guitars need some adjustment, depending on the body and wood used to build them.
Don't get frustrated if you tune your guitar perfectly and forget it within minutes. It's a normal thing. Tug the strings a little to create some extra tension, let it settle for a few minutes and then double check
Step 5. Use your eyes and ears
While it is important to tune precisely and give the electronic tuner the necessary credit, it is also important to learn to really listen to the strings and be able to tell when something is wrong. An experienced guitarist does not need to have a perfect ear or look at the tuner to know that there is some pitch problem. Listen to the notes as you tune and you'll be able to tune more accurately.
Part 3 of 3: Using Alternative Methods
Step 1. Tune the guitar using a piano
If you have a tuned and well-maintained acoustic piano, or keyboard at hand, and are familiar with the notes, an easy way to quickly tune the guitar is to play each note on the piano and use them as a reference to tune the corresponding string.
Step 2. Search for free tuners and apps online
Many note generating devices and e-tuners are available for quick use to tune your guitar. A very effective one is the basic tuner available in the Apple App Store. It's super cheap and super accurate. As long as the phone has enough charge, you can tune your guitar.
Step 3. Use the guitar itself to tune it harmoniously
You may not be able to get the perfect tone, but you can at least make sure the guitar is tuned appropriately while respecting the open string intervals. By pressing the fifth fret of the 6th string you get the note A. So, to tune the guitar, you can use that note to tune the 5th string. This is a good way to check the relationships between strings after consulting an electronic tuner or even just to tune the guitar to itself so you can play or practice on your own.
This is valid for all intervals except for G and B (3rd and 2nd string). For that interval, hit the fourth fret of the 3rd string (G), which should be a B
Step 4. Use alternate tunings
You don't always have to tune the strings the same old way. Famous guitarists like Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and John Fahey have often used alternate tunings to play some of their best-known songs, and alternate tunings are great for playing Delta blues or slide. Some guitarists prefer to tune the lowest string in D instead of E, making it easier to play some chords and some musical genres. This type of tuning, for example, is called Drop-D. Other common alternate tunings include:
- Irish Tuning (DADGAD)
- Open C tuning (CGCGCE)
- Open D tuning (DADF # AD)
- Open G tuning (DGDGBD)
Advice
- Guitar strings tend to get lost more when they are very old, or brand new. If they are too old it may be impossible to keep them in tune.
- To prolong the life of your strings, clean them after each use with a microfiber cloth or approved cleaner.
