How do you tune a guitar? Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie!
How do you tune a guitar? Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie
Tuning a guitar involves adjusting the tension of its strings so that they produce the correct notes when played open (without pressing down on the fretboard). Here's a step-by-step guide to tuning a standard six-string guitar to EADGBE tuning, which is the most common tuning:
Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie
Elephants, And, Dogs, Grow, Big, Ears
1. Know the Standard Tuning
6th string (thickest): E (Low E)
5th string: A
4th string: D
3rd string: G
2nd string: B
1st string (thinnest): E (High E)
2. Use a Tuner
The most accurate way to tune your guitar is by using an electronic tuner. There are several types: clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and smartphone apps.
I use 3 tuners, I’ll post a link in show notes to each one.
Gigs - Boss TU-3 - https://amzn.to/3yM0lQW
Daily - TC Electronic UNITUNE CLIP - https://amzn.to/3KtHI72
Out and about - Fender Tune app
Here’s how to use one:
Turn on the tuner and set it to “guitar” mode if it has multiple modes.
Play the 6th string (low E) and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune.
Repeat for each string: A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and E (1st).
3. Tuning by Ear (Using a Reference Pitch)
If you don't have a tuner, you can tune by ear using a reference pitch (like another tuned instrument or a pitch pipe):
Rush - Tom Sawyer - Low E
Tune the 6th string (low E) to the reference pitch if you can,
Tune the 5th string (A): Press down on the 5th fret of the 6th string (which is an A note) and adjust the 5th string until it matches this pitch.
Tune the 4th string (D): Press down on the 5th fret of the 5th string (which is a D note) and adjust the 4th string until it matches this pitch.
Tune the 3rd string (G): Press down on the 5th fret of the 4th string (which is a G note) and adjust the 3rd string until it matches this pitch.
Tune the 2nd string (B): Press down on the 4th fret of the 3rd string (which is a B note) and adjust the 2nd string until it matches this pitch.
Tune the 1st string (high E): Press down on the 5th fret of the 2nd string (which is an E note) and adjust the 1st string until it matches this pitch.
4. Fine-Tuning
After tuning all strings, play some chords to ensure they sound in tune. I typically tune up 2 or 3 times. If any strings sound off, make minor adjustments as needed.
5. Regular Maintenance
Regularly check and adjust the tuning, especially before playing. Strings can go out of tune due to temperature changes, humidity, and stretching.
Tips:
Stretch new strings: Gently pull on new strings to help them settle and stay in tune.
Tune up, not down: When tuning a string, tune below the desired pitch and then tighten up to the correct pitch to help maintain tension.
Keep a tuner handy: It's always useful to have a tuner available for quick adjustments.