1. Decide which tuning or which notes each open string should
play. For most songs, use a tuning of E A D G B E (starting from the
lowest pitched string ). This is called standard or open E tuning.
The word “open” in this case refers to a note played on the guitar
by plucking a string without pressing down on a fret.
2. Find an accurate reference sound source for the notes of each
string. This reference sound can come from an electric piano, a
tuning fork or an
online guitar tuner just to
name a few.
3. Compare your strings to the reference. Pluck one of the
strings starting with number 6 (the lowest pitch), at the top of the
guitar neck. Compare it to the reference sound. Is it higher in
pitch (sharp), lower in pitch (flat) or exactly the same (in tune)?
4. Adjust the tension of the string until it matches the
reference. If it is flat the string needs to be tightened so that it
will vibrate faster to produce a higher pitch sound that matches the
reference. This is accomplished by plucking the string again then
turning the tuning peg that is associated with that string.
If the string is sharp it needs to be loosened to match the
reference pitch. However, do to the mechanical characteristics of
most guitars it is important to first loosen the string until it is
lower in pitch than the reference. Then tighten it up to the
reference. The reason for this is that a freshly loosened
string often will continue to change in pitch after you think it is
in tune. A freshly tightened string tends to be more stable.
Tuning With An
Online
Guitar Tuner
as a reference source
This one has to be seen to be believed. (How’s that for hype?)
Try our FREE
online guitar tuner
as a reference source.
Tuning With A Piano As A Reference Source
Tuning a guitar using a piano is a simple matter of finding and
comparing the notes on the keyboard that correspond to each open
string of the guitar. Since a traditional piano has strings that can
go out of tune it is often more accurate to use an electric piano or
keyboard.
Use the chart below as a guide if you are not familiar with a
piano keyboard.
TIP: The key to this method is finding the middle C key on
the piano. On a full sized, 88 key piano the middle C is four
octaves to the right of the lowest C on the far left of the
keyboard. It is also four octaves to left of the highest C on the
right.
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