If you’re a guitarist, you know that keeping your instrument in tune is essential for producing clear and harmonious sounds. While there are various methods to adjust the tuning of your guitar, using a tuner is one of the most precise and efficient ways to achieve an accurate pitch. This article will guide you through the steps on how to tune your guitar with a tuner, ensuring that your instrument sounds its best every time you play.
Before beginning the tuning process, it’s crucial to have a tuner readily available. There are various types of tuners available, including clip-on tuners that attach directly to the headstock of your guitar and digital tuners that display the pitch on a screen. Once you have your tuner ready, connect it to the input of your guitar. Most tuners feature a standard 1/4-inch input jack, making them compatible with most electric and acoustic guitars. Once the tuner is connected, pluck the open strings one at a time and observe the tuner’s display.
The tuner will indicate the pitch of the string and whether it is sharp or flat. If the tuner displays a green light or reads “in tune,” the string is correctly tuned. If the tuner displays a red light or reads “sharp,” you need to tighten the string by turning the tuning peg clockwise. Conversely, if the tuner displays a blue light or reads “flat,” you need to loosen the string by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise. Adjust the tension of the strings gradually, plucking the string and checking the tuner after each adjustment until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune.
Listening for the Harmonics
In addition to using a tuner, you can also tune your guitar by listening for the harmonics. This method is more challenging, but it can be helpful if you don’t have access to a tuner or if you want to learn to tune your guitar by ear. Here’s how to do it:
1. Harmonics and Natural Harmonics
When you pluck a string at a certain point, you will hear a harmonic. This is a higher-pitched sound that is produced by the vibration of the string at a higher frequency. Natural harmonics are produced at specific points on the string, which are determined by the string’s length and tension.
2. Finding the Harmonics
To find the harmonics, lightly touch the string with your finger at one of the following points:
- 12th fret
- 7th fret
- 5th fret
- 4th fret
- 3rd fret
As you touch the string, pluck it and listen for the harmonic. The harmonic should be a clear, bell-like sound.
3. Tuning the Guitar
Once you have found the harmonics, you can use them to tune your guitar. Here’s how:
- Tune the low E string to a pitch reference using a tuner or a recording of the note. For example, you can use the low E string on a piano or the E note on a tuning fork.
- Pluck the 12th fret harmonic on the A string. This harmonic should be the same pitch as the open E string.
- Adjust the tuning peg for the A string until the 12th fret harmonic and the open E string sound the same.
- Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the D, G, B, and high E strings. Use the following table as a guide:
| String | 12th Fret Harmonic |
|---|---|
| A | Open E |
| D | Open A |
| G | Open D |
| B | Open G |
| High E | Open B |
4. Fine-Tuning
Once you have tuned the strings using the harmonics, you can fine-tune them by ear. Listen for the following:
- The strings should sound in tune with each other. There should be no dissonant intervals between the strings.
- The guitar should sound in tune with itself. The open strings should sound harmonious when played together.
If you need to make further adjustments, use the tuning pegs to fine-tune the strings until they sound in tune.
Loose Tuning Peg
1. Check the Screw Holding the Peg in Place
The screw that holds the tuning peg in place may have loosened over time. Use a small screwdriver to tighten the screw. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as this can damage the peg or the guitar.
2. Clean the Peg and the Hole It Fits In
Dirt and grime can build up on the peg and in the hole it fits into, causing the peg to slip. Use a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol to clean both the peg and the hole.
3. Lubricate the Peg
Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as graphite powder or petroleum jelly, to the peg. This will help to reduce friction and make it easier to turn.
4. Adjust the Tension of the String
If the string is too loose, the peg may not be able to hold it in place. Tune the string to the correct pitch and then tighten it slightly. Be careful not to overtighten the string, as this can damage the guitar.
5. Replace the Peg
If the peg is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced. You can purchase a new tuning peg from a guitar store or online.
Replacing a Loose Tuning Peg
- Remove the old tuning peg.
Use a small screwdriver to loosen the screw that holds the peg in place. Then, pull the peg out of the hole.
- Insert the new tuning peg.
Push the new tuning peg into the hole. Make sure that the peg is fully inserted and that the screw is tight.
- Tune the guitar.
Tune the guitar to the correct pitch. Then, tighten the string slightly to ensure that the peg is holding the string in place.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Screw holding peg loose | Tighten screw |
| Peg dirty | Clean peg and hole |
| Peg worn | Replace peg |
Stretched String
The stretched string is a technique that can be used to improve the tuning accuracy and stability of a guitar. It is a simple method that can be used with any type of guitar and does not require any special tools or equipment.
To stretch a guitar string, follow these steps:
- Tune the string to the desired pitch using a tuner or another reference pitch.
- Hold the string down at the 12th fret with your fretting hand.
- Use your picking hand to gently pull the string up and away from the fretboard, stretching it slightly.
- Hold the string in the stretched position for a few seconds, then release it.
- Retune the string to the desired pitch.
Stretching the string will help to set the intonation and make sure that the string is tuned correctly at all points along its length. The stretching process can also help to remove any unwanted overtones or vibrations from the string.
It is important to note that stretching a string too much can damage the string or the guitar. It is best to stretch the string just enough to bring it into tune and then stop. If the string is still not in tune after stretching, it may be necessary to use a different tuning method, such as using the harmonic at the 12th fret as a reference.
Here are some additional tips for stretching a guitar string:
- Do not stretch the string too much. A little bit of stretch is all that is needed.
- Do not stretch the string too often. Stretching the string too often can weaken it.
- If the string is new, it may need to be stretched more than an older string.
- If the string is old, it may not need to be stretched at all.
By following these tips, you can use the stretched string technique to improve the tuning accuracy and stability of your guitar.
Advanced Tuning Techniques
34. Double Drop Tuning
Double drop tuning is a variation of drop tuning in which two strings are tuned down. The most common double drop tunings are:
- Double Drop D: DADGBE
- Double Drop C: CGCFCE
- Double Drop B: BF#BEAD
Double drop tuning provides a wider range of notes and allows for more complex chords and riffs. It is commonly used in metal and hard rock.
How to Tune Double Drop D
1. Tune your guitar to standard tuning (EADGBE).
2. Tune the 6th (low E) string down to D.
3. Tune the 5th (A) string down to D.
Example
The following riff is played in double drop D tuning:
e|-----------|
B|-----------|
G|------7-9-7-|
D|--5-7-9-----|
A|--5-7-9-----|
D|--3-5-7-----|
35. Open Tunings
Open tunings are tunings in which all or most of the strings are tuned to intervals other than perfect fifths. This creates a unique and resonant sound. Open tunings are often used in folk, blues, and Celtic music.
Common Open Tunings
| Tuning | Strings |
|---|---|
| Open D | DADF#AD |
| Open G | DGBDGB |
| Open C | CGCGCE |
| Open A | EAEACE |
| Open E | EABEAE |
Example
The following chord is played in open D tuning:
e|------2-|
B|------3-|
G|------2-|
D|------0-|
A|--0-2---|
D|------0-|
36. Alternate Tunings
Alternate tunings are tunings that are non-standard and not typically used in traditional music. These tunings can create unique and experimental sounds.
Common Alternate Tunings
| Tuning | Strings |
|---|---|
| Nashville Tuning | EADGBD |
| All Fourths Tuning | CGDAEB |
| DADGAD Tuning | DADGAD |
| New Standard Tuning | C#F#BEADG# |
| High Strung Tuning | F#BEADG#C# |
Example
The following riff is played in DADGAD tuning:
e|-----------|
B|-----------|
G|-----------|
D|------0-2-2-|
A|------0-0-0-|
D|--0-0-0-0-0-|
37. Capo Techniques
A capo is a device that clamps onto the neck of the guitar and raises the pitch of all of the strings. This allows you to play in different keys without having to retune your guitar.
Common Capo Positions
| Fret | Key |
|---|---|
| 1st | G |
| 2nd | A |
| 3rd | Bb |
| 4th | C |
| 5th | C# |
Example
If you place a capo on the 2nd fret, you can play chords in the key of G as if you were playing them in the key of C.
38. Harmonics
Harmonics are notes that are created by lightly touching the string at certain points while playing it. This creates a higher pitched sound that is distinct from the fundamental note.
Types of Harmonics
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural Harmonics | Created by touching the string at the 5th, 7th, 12th, and 19th frets |
| Artificial Harmonics | Created by touching the string at any fret while picking the string above it |
| Pinch Harmonics | Created by quickly pinching the string between your thumb and first finger |
Example
The following riff uses a natural harmonic on the 12th fret of the 5th string:
e|------|
B|------|
G|------|
D|------|
A|--7---|
E|------|
How to Tune a Guitar with a Tuner
Using a guitar tuner is the most accurate and efficient way to tune your guitar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Turn on your tuner. Most tuners have a power switch or button.
- Choose the tuning you want to use. Standard tuning is EADGBE, but there are many other tunings you can use.
- Pluck the lowest string on your guitar (the 6th string, which is the thickest). The tuner will display the note that the string is currently playing.
- Turn the tuning peg for the 6th string until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune. The needle on the tuner should be centered.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining five strings.
- Once all of the strings are in tune, your guitar is ready to play.
