Things You'll Need:
- tuning fork or other tuned instrument (your voice if you can do it)
- a quiet environment
- a good ear
- patience
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Step 1
Tune the low string to E using a tuning fork, digital or analog tuner, other in-tune musical instrument, or your own voice if you are able to do so.
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Step 2
Tune the high string to E as well. When the pitch is exactly several octaves above your low E string, the tone will sound interesting and pleasant and it is then time to move on to step 3.
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Step 3
As the strings in between (A, D, G, B) are tuned, these outer E strings will change pitch slightly, as the tension of the wood in the neck will be dispersed differently now.
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Step 4
Tune your E strings precisely again, and then bring the whole set of strings into fine tune. You want all of your strings to not only be in tune, but in tune with each other. There are complex harmonic overlays that occur when you have six or more strings vibrating simultaneously.
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Step 5
Instead of tuning the fifth fret to the next open string up (or fourth fret in one case) instead go up to the sixth fret and use the first fret of the next string up. This will help make sure your guitar is in tune when the strings are being pressed, as well.
