How to Fine Tune a Guitar

How to fine tune your guitar using harmonics rather than fretted notes. Similar to the traditional 5th fret method it tunes the guitar to itself. A great tool to help get the best sound out of your guitar. Very detailed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. In order to tune with this method you must first understand how to correctly produce harmonics*. I will also be referring to each string by name rather than number*. Before fine tuning you must first have the low E string tuned correctly preferably with a chromatic tuner, but it will also be helpful to have the rest of the strings tuned closely as well. If you are familiar with the 5th fret method of tuning you will want to use that then go back over A through high e with this method.

2. To begin fine tuning, you pop a harmonic on the 5th fret of the low E string and quickly pop another harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string, letting both harmonics ring out. The two tones should sound exactly the same or extremely similar. Your ears will tell if you if it’s out of tune because you will hear a warbling sound. Adjust the tuning peg of your A string slightly to sharpen or flatten the note until both harmonics are in unison and there is no longer a warbling sound. If you have trouble hearing whether they are in tune or not simply detune the A string slightly so that you know it is flat. Then pop the harmonics again and slowly adjust the peg until you hear both harmonics ring true. The easiest way to do this is to form a power chord position with your index and ring or pinky fingers: rest your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string and rest your ring or pinky finger on the 7th fret of the A string. Now, pluck the low E string then quickly pluck the A string and release your index and ring/pinky fingers respectively. Practice getting both harmonics to ring together before attempting to tune the strings and remember not to adjust the low E as it is your reference string.

3. Once you have successfully tuned the A string, simply move the power chord position down to the 5th fret of the A string and 7th fret of the D string and again adjust until the harmonics produce a unison tone. You will essentially be keeping your hand at the same position on the neck, just moving the fingers down a string each time as you progress. So, for the G string, move the position down again using the 5th fret of the D and 7th fret of the G.

4. Now as with the traditional 5th fret method, there is an alteration for tuning the B string. This can prove to be difficult for some because the two notes produced are an octave apart, so they're not "exactly" the same tone. The position of the fingers may also prove difficult because you can't use the traditional power chord position as before. In order to tune the B string using this method you pop a harmonic on the 7th fret of the low E string (top string not the high e) and without interrupting the note, pop a harmonic on the 5th fret of the B string then adjust the B until both ring true. This produces a harmonic in the key of E on both strings. You may find it easier to use somewhat of a reverse power chord position, placing your ring or pinky finger on the low E and your index on the B. After the B string we’re left with the high e string, which is the same as tuning A through G. Place the power chord position on the 5th fret of the B and 7th fret of the high e string and tune accordingly.

5. If you take the time to master this method of tuning you will undoubtedly notice a difference in how true your guitar sounds. There are other factors involved in making your guitar sound its best such as intonation and pick-up height, but the use of fine tuning methods is a great way to get a better sound out of your guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• Harmonics are high pitched notes achieved by resting your finger directly over either the 5th, 7th, or 12th frets, plucking the string, and releasing your finger. You must not push down on the fret, this is very important. They are best heard on an electric guitar and plucking the string close to the bridge will help produce a more pronounced tone.
• String reference is as follows: low E = top string, A = 2nd string down from top, D = 3rd string down from top, G = 3rd string up from bottom, B = 2nd string up from bottom, high e = bottom string

[sploar]

on 3/27/2009 I dont think tuning by harmonics takes into effect the pitch change when the string is pushed down upon the frets, so I think the typical tuning method is better.