How to Tune a Guitar Using Harmonics

Most guitar players have experienced the frustration of tuning a guitar via the standard 5th fret method only to find the guitar still slightly out of tune. The best way to tune is by using harmonics. All notes on the guitar contain a harmonic overtone. This tone confuses the ear drum because it is different than the actual note. Harmonics isolate the note's overtone so that one can hear the notes better. When you synchronize the overtones, the strings will all be in perfect tune.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Play a Harmonic: A harmonic is easily pulled off of the 5th, 7th and 12th frets, so we will use those for this tutorial. Other notes may require an effects processor to isolate the overtones. To play a harmonic, place your finger directly over the fret. You finger should be touching the string, but you should not be pushing down on it. Pluck the string and immediately remove your finger from the string. A long, high-pitched sound should occur. This is the harmonic overtone.
2. Tune the Low E string: Tune the low E using the 7th fret harmonic. Tune this to pitch pipes, an electric tuner, or a piano. The 7th fret harmonic is a B note. If you are playing by yourself, you can skip this step as long as you think it is close.
3. Tune the A string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the A sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the Low E string. Tighten the machine head for the A string until the pitch is synchronized with the E string. When it comes close, you will hear a wavering in the pitch. Keep going until the wavering is gone. That is the point when it is in perfect tune.
4. Tune the D string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the D sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the A string. Tighten the machine head for the D string until the pitch is synchronized with the A string (until the wavering is gone).
5. Tune the G string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the G sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the D string. Tighten the machine head for the G string until the pitch is synchronized with the D string (until the wavering is gone).
6. Tune the B string: Pluck the 12th fret harmonic on the B sting and the 7th fret harmonic on the Low E string. Tighten the machine head for the B string until the pitch is synchronized with the D string (until the wavering is gone).
7. Tune the High E string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the high E sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the B string. Tighten the machine head for the E string until the pitch is synchronized with the B string (until the wavering is gone).

Tips & Warnings

• Double Check your tuning on all strings.
• This method can be used for bass guitars, too. If you have a low B, treat it the same as the high B in step 6.
• If the string you are tuning is not in tune, or the note starts to diminish in volume, pluck them again. The notes start to go flat as they ring out.
• Before tuning a string loosen it 180 degrees. The increase in overall string tension during the tuning process will cause it to stay in tune better. Similarly, if you loosen the string to bring it into tune, it decreases the overall tension which will cause it to fall out of tune, so avoid loosening whenever possible.
• NOTE: The 5th fret harmonic is 3 octaves above the string's open note. The 7th Fret harmonic is 2 octaves, plus a perfect fifth above the string's open note. The 12th fret harmonic is 2 octaves above the string's open note. You can use this information to design ways to tune your guitar for alternate tuning, such as drop D.