How to Manually Tune an Electric Guitar

Many musicians use a tuning harp or a piano to tune their guitar. Others just tune to the other members of a band or group. To play by yourself, with no instruments involved, you can tune to any key you prefer. Electric guitars are tuned the same way as acoustic guitars. You can tune with the amplifier power turned off or on. Learn how to manually tune an electric guitar.

Instructions

1. Develop an ear for the right level of the E string, which is both the first and sixth string on the guitar. It is the string that must be tuned to your ear if you are doing a manual tune. Train your ear for a manual E note sound by remembering what it sounds like when tuned with a piano. You can also hum a note that you know corresponds to an E and tune to that hum.

2. Learn fret placement for tuning the remaining four strings. The high E string should be in direct tuning with the low E, or tune it to the preceding string.

3. Turn the tuning peg slowly. Always bring the string down first. It is easier to listen to when the key matches the previous note when you are turning the peg up. If you pass the point of harmony, then re-tune the string down slightly and begin moving up again.

4. Play a song or riff that you are very familiar with to double-check your tuning of the electric guitar. Your ear will hear if any of the strings are out of tune. You can go back and adjust one or two strings as necessary this way without starting over.