Keeping your guitar in tune is crucial if you want it to sound great every time. These simple guitar tuning instructions will help you tune when no tuner or other instruments are available.

 

First, learn the names of the open guitar strings from the thickest to the thinnest.

 

These are listed below for reference:

 

*E (low or bottom) string is the thickest, lowest sounding string a.k.a. 6th string.
*A string is the 5th string.
*D string is the 4th string.
*G string is the 3rd string.
*B string is the 2nd string.
*E (high or top) string is the thinnest, highest sounding string a.k.a. 1st string.

 

Tuning the Low E String

 

The bottom E string should be tuned as accurately as possible. It's most likely already in tune since it is the thickest string, but you should always make sure it is in tune before tuning the others. If a piano is available, you can tune this string to the 1st E below the middle C for accuracy. The guitar needs to be in tune with other instruments if playing in a group, or at least with itself when playing solo.

 

Tuning the A String

 

The A note can be tuned by placing your first finger on the bottom E string behind the fifth fret. While keeping your finger steady on this fret, pick the fifth and sixth strings interchangeably while adjusting your fifth string tuning peg. Repeat until these two notes sound identical.

 

Tuning the D String

 

Guitar tuning for the D string can be accomplished by placing your first finger on the A string behind the fifth fret. This is a D note, and you will tune the 4th string to this note until they sound the same.

 

Tuning the G String

 

The G note can be found by placing your first finger on the D string behind the fifth fret. Tune the G string (3rd string) to this note.

 

Tuning the B String

 

The B string can be found by placing your first finger just behind the fourth fret.  Notice this is the fourth fret instead of fifth like the other notes.

Tuning the High E String

 

This high E string can be tuned by placing your first finger on the B string behind the fifth fret (not the fourth fret). This creates the E note, so you'll adjust it until these two sound the same.

 

What about Alternate Tunings?

 

Alternate guitar tuning is used to tune a guitar higher or lower than it is meant to be tuned. Tuning the guitar lower will usually cause premature wear and tear on your guitar strings, but won't harm your guitar. Tuning higher, however, can hurt your guitar and break the strings. A tip for higher alternate tunings is to lower the overall tunings and then place a capo on the second or third fret to create a higher tune type sound.

 

Tuning using this method is great for quick checks when needed at the last moment, but it's always best to use a tuner, piano, or pitch pipe. When buying a new guitar, make sure it is properly tuned before leaving the store. This will save many headaches later, especially if you're a beginner. Also, after any tuning exercise, strum a few chords to be sure all the strings sound normal.

 

While guitar tuning may seem tiresome, it's well worth it to get the great sound you desire!