How to Use Electric Guitar Tuning Devices

Whether you're new to playing electric guitar or you've been playing for years, you need to know the proper methods of tuning. There are many options for tuning your electric guitar and the method you choose will most likely depend on your guitar playing experience and comfort with technology. Here's how to use a few different tuning methods to get your electric guitar in tune and sounding great.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get to know the different tuning options available. They range from pedals that plug into your electric guitar to a simple "A" tuning fork. You can also download free guitar tuning software such as "Digital Guitar Tuner" and tune your guitar with that as well.

2. Choose a tuning method that is the simplest, most reliable and easiest to use. In most cases, this will be the tuning fork since it requires no batteries or electricity.

3. Attach your method of tuning to your guitar according to the manufacturer's directions. A pedal or tuning machine will plug right into your guitar via the amp cable. You may need a microphone to use guitar tuning software.

4. Pluck the "A" string and turn the tuning peg. You should see an LED flash beside the "A" on the pedal or tuning machine types of electric guitar tuners. Stop turning the tuning peg when the LED stops flashing or if you match the tone of your "A" tuning fork or tuning software.

5. Repeat Step 4 with the other four strings. If you use an "A" tuning fork, you'll need to tune to your "A" string.