Introduction to Guitar Tuning

Tuning a guitar is essential for playing music accurately. Even expert musicians must tune their instruments before performances to ensure the best sound quality.

The standard tuning for a six-string guitar, from lowest to highest, is E-A-D-G-B-e. Each string corresponds to a specific pitch when played open.

You can tune your guitar using a chromatic tuner, a tuning app, or a piano. Clip-on tuners provide convenience, while apps offer portability and pianos a traditional approach.

Relative tuning involves matching the pitch of five strings to the sixth string, which is assumed to be in tune. It's handy when you don't have a tuner.

When using relative tuning, the 5th fret of one string should sound the same as the next open string, except for the 3rd and 2nd strings, where you use the 4th fret.

Advanced players use harmonics for precise tuning. Lightly touching the string at the 12th fret while plucking creates a harmonic, which can be tuned to match another string's harmonic.

Always tune up to a note, not down, to maintain tension. Check tuning after adjusting each string, as changing tension can detune other strings. Replace old strings regularly.