How to Tune a Guitar

The first step to playing well is playing in tune. Tuning your guitar is something you might have to do every day, because strings can go out of tune a little every time you play. Even when you're not playing, a change in temperature or humidity can make strings go out of tune, so it's a good idea to become an expert at tuning your guitar as soon as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar
• Electronic tuner

1. Use a reference pitch to tune your low E string. Other instruments that are already in tune can give you the low E, an electronic tuner can get your E in tune or you can use an online tuner such as the one at 8notes.com (see Additional Resources).
2. Press your index finger just to the left of the fifth fret on the low E string and pick both the low E and the string just below it, the A string. Turn the tuning peg on the A string until the two strings make the exact same note.
3. Repeat the same process for the next two strings, the D and the G strings.
4. Tune the B string by pressing your index finger just to the left of the fourth fret on the G string. Pick both the B and the G strings, turning the tuning peg for the B string, until both strings make the exact same note.
5. Sound the high E on the B string by pressing your index finger just to the left of the fifth fret on the B string. Pluck both the B and the high E string and turn the tuning peg for the E string until both strings make the same note.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easier to tune up to the note you are aiming for, rather than down to it from a higher pitch.
• Don't tune your high E string too high, which can make it break.