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How to Tune a Guitar Using Relative Tuning Methods

 

Tuning A Guitar To Itself

This means that one string is tuned using another string as a reference. When that string is tuned it is then used to tune the next and so on. When all of the strings have been tuned by this method they are said to be in tune relative to each other.

It is worth noting that if the first string is out of tune to begin with then all the other strings are now also out of tune. The beauty of this method is that even though they are out of absolute tune they still can sound good together because they are in tune relative to each other.

This works fine if you are playing by yourself but if you are playing with other band members or even jamming with a CD, you will still be out of tune relative to them. Ideally you should tune the first string to an accurate reference note before tuning the other strings.

Steps for Tuning a Guitar by The “Fret 5” Relative Method:

Step 1. Tune the low E (6^th) string ( the thickest one ) to a known accurate reference note like an electronic tuner or an electric piano.

Step 2. Tune the open A (5^th) string ( 2^nd thickest ), by comparing it to the A note found at the fifth fret of the Low E (6^th) string.

Step 3. Tune the open D (4^th) string by comparing it to the D note found at the 5^th fret of the A (5^th) string.

Step 4. Tune the open G (3^rd) string by comparing it to the G note found at the 5^th fret of the D string.

Step 5. Tune the open B (2^nd) string by comparing it to the B note found at the 4^th fret of the G string.

Note: This string is tuned to the 4^th fret on the G string instead of the 5^th fret. This is different than all of the other strings.

Step 6. Tune the open High E (1^st) string ( thinnest ), by comparing it to the E note found at the 5^th fret of the B (2^nd) string.

Finally, slowly strum a few chords at different places up and down the neck to determine if you are satisfied with the tuning. If not, go back to step 2 and fine tune each string again.

Relative Guitar Tuning Using Harmonics

This is another relative tuning method and commonly thought to be superior to “Fret 5” relative tuning. However, Dan Erlewine, author of the book; “How To Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great”, published by Backbeat Books, strongly disagrees. He states that “A guitar tuned this way will, quite simply, not play in tune”. Dan goes on to give a complicated detailed explanation of why some of the harmonics used as a reference note will produce an out of tune string. Further explanation can be found in his book.

Incidentally, I highly recommend Dan’s book even if you do not plan on setting up or repairing your own guitar. This book is one of those great resources if you are planning to buy, sell, learn to tune or play well. I got mine at Barnes and Noble for $19.95. You can also order online here: http://www.Amazon.com .

Harmonic tuning will most likely be accurate enough for beginners so here are the steps:

Steps For Tuning A Guitar Using Harmonics

Step 1. Learn to play harmonic notes. Start by practicing harmonics at the 7^th fret because it can be easier to produce the effect than on the 5^th fret. Lay the fatty part of your first (index) finger on the low E string exactly above the fret. Do not press down hard. Just let your finger rest on the string.

Next, pick the string firmly with your strumming hand. Immediately after the string is picked remove the finger resting above the 7^th fret. If your touch and timing are just right you will hear a beautiful, full, almost heavenly sound.

Step 2. Tune the open high E (1^st) string (thinnest) to a reference like an electric piano, an electronic tuner or an online guitar tuner.

Step 3. Play the harmonic note at the 5^th fret of the low E (6^th) string and compare it to the open high E (thinnest) string.

Step 4. Tune the harmonic note on the 7^th fret of the A string to the harmonic note found at the 5^th fret on the Low E string.

Step 5. Tune the harmonic note on the 7^th fret of the D string to the harmonic note found at the 5^th fret on the A string.

Step 6. Tune the harmonic note on the 7^th fret of the G string to the harmonic note found at the 5^th fret on the D string.

Step 7. Tune the harmonic note on the 7^th fret of the High E (thinnest) string to the harmonic note found at the 5^th fret on the B string.

This tuning method may not be ideal for beginners because it can be challenge to play harmonic notes. It can also be difficult to hear the difference between two harmonic notes.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter what anyone says about the accuracy of this method, tuning this way will always make you look cool and may help you to rack up style points with your friends.

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