An electronic or electric tuner is often a small, light weight,
inexpensive device that listens to a plucked open string, compares
it to an internal reference data base, then provides a visual
indicator if the note is sharp or flat. As you loosen or tighten the
string it gives you constant feedback until the string is in tune.
These wonderful devices should definitely be a part of any
guitarist’s tool chest because many people have greater visual than
auditory acuity. They can be especially helpful if you have not yet
developed an ear for sensing small differences between pitches.
The down side is that there is always a small but sometimes
significant margin of error. Learn to use what you hear as a double
check. This can be done in a couple of ways:
1. Play a few chords. Sometimes a string that may seem in
tune according to the device may actually be out of tune relative to
the other strings. A word of caution however, if you tune the guitar
so that one chord sounds perfect you can bet lots of other chords
will then be out of tune. Slowly strum chords across the entire neck
of the guitar and find a compromise that best fits them all, (or at
least the chords of the songs you intend to play).
2. Double check the tunings by using the “Fret 5 Relative
Tuning” Method as described below.
Types
Of Electronic Guitar Tuners
Electric tuners can be categorized by how they
sense sound waves. Here are the main categories:
Sensing Sound vibrations in the air through a small built
in microphone. Often this type has a socket for directly
plugging in an electric guitar. The least expensive models are
usually battery operated and offer just standard tuning options.
This can be the perfect starter combination for beginners.
Sensing vibrations by touching the guitar. This type is
useful in a noisy environment since it is deaf to sounds in the
air. However, I have found that these tuners can be a bit slow
to produce a read out. They are also not effective when used
with a solid body electric guitar.
Direct plug in for electric guitars or acoustic guitars
with amplification pick ups. Some models have an input and out
put socket so that you can leave them plugged in and still use
the amplifier. Some variations are designed to act like an
effects foot switch for easy operation during a concert. This
type of tuner is useful for quick and convenient tuning in a
noisy environment.
Sensing by light waves bouncing off the vibrating string.
This type is called a strobe tuner. It is often thought to be
the most accurate and also the most expensive. This is used most
often by advanced players or professionals.
