Guitar Tuning
There is no excuse for not tuning a guitar properly. Nothing sounds worse than a flat or sharp note where it isn't supposed to be. And if you want to learn how to play lead guitar then you have to be comfortable with guitar tuning.
Guitar tuning is simple even without a tuner. You can use your ear and some basic knowledge of the relationship between each string.
Standard Guitar Tuning
Starting from the heaviest (lowest tone) string to the lightest (highest tone) the strings are numbered 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. For standard guitar tuning, those same strings are tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E.
Also, remember that strings 6, 5, 4 and 3 are tuned in fourths from each other. The exception is string 2, which is tuned to a third of string 3. String 1 is then tuned to a fourth of string 2, same as the first 4 strings.
Another way to think of it is by starting at the low E string (6). In the key of E, the fourth note or degree is A. So string 5 is tuned to A. In the key of A, the fourth note or degree is D. So string 4 is tuned to D. In the key of D, the fourth note or degree is G. So string 3 is tuned to G.
Now here is the twist. This relationship of fourths changes after string 4. Think of the third note in the key of G. That would be B. So string 5 is tuned to B. The relationship then goes back to fourths. In the key of B, the fourth note is E. So string 6 is E.
How To Tune A Guitar By Ear
If you tune a guitar by ear you can only ever tune the rest of your guitar in reference to the first string you choose to tune from. So if we use string 6 as our reference point and it is not tuned exactly to E, even if we tune the other strings perfectly, they will be referenced to it.
Use a tuning fork to tune the E string to E. If you have never tried to tune a guitar by ear, it's quite easy but you must be in a quiet room and be relaxed so that you can actually feel the note. Some of you may actually tune a guitar much better when your eyes are closed and use your ears and mind to see the frequency waves of the string come into pitch with the tuning note.
When the string reaches the same pitch as the tuning fork you will hear a pure tone in stereo rather than two competing frequencies. It will be instantaneous. It's a very subtle thing but once you detect it you will forever remember the sound and will be able to instantly recognize when two strings are vibrating at the same frequency.
Having tuned string 6 perfectly to E, move your left index finger and depress the E string at the 5th fret and strike the string. This will now create an A note, which you can use as the tuning reference for string 5. Tune string 5 until the two strings are in perfect pitch together. You have now tuned string 5 to A. Pat yourself on the back.
Move down the strings and repeat this process for string 4 and 3.
To tune string 2, depress string 4 (G) at the 4th fret so that it sounds a B note. Hold the note and strike the open string 2. Tune string 2 until both strings are in perfect pitch. String 2 is now tuned to B.
To tune string 1, depress string 2 at the 5th fret and strike the string. This will sound an E note, which you can use as the tuning reference for string 1. When you have brought the two strings into pitch with each other, string 1 will be tuned to E. You now know how to tune a guitar and are ready to go. Congratulations!
Using An Electric Tuner
It's important to be able to tune a guitar without the aid of a tuner. Being able to do so trains your ear and ultimately makes you a better musician. It also allows you to be completely self sufficient no matter where you are. But once you have mastered the skill of guitar tuning, the convenience of an electric tuner can't be beat.
You can use an electric tuner in audio mode where it detects the frequency of the note through sound or if you are using an electric guitar or a pick up in your acoustic, it can detect notes electronically regardless of any extraneous noise around you. Great when you are together with friends and there is lots of noise going on.
If you jam a lot a foot pedal tuner is invaluable, the one I use is the Boss TU2 Chromatic Tuner and its very high quality. And Fender makes one
Fender PT10 Chromatic Pedal Guitar Tuner also which is very good. Check them out for yourself.
A great tuner that I use is Korg GT3 - Digital Guitar Tuner which is reasonably priced and gives a visual reading with a meter so you can see how close you are to the precise frequency while tuning. It also can be used to tune a guitar in half steps up or down (sharp or flat) if you prefer and can easily be used for alternate tunings.
The nice thing about a small tuner like this is it is so small it can easily go wherever you go so you are never out of tune.
Using An Online Guitar Tuner
Online guitar tuners are great because they can run off of your computer, which is also usually an integral part of your home recording studio! Just click on the string and listen to the note. Tune your string to the same frequency and you're off and running.
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