How to Choose a Guitar Tuner

A guitar tuner is a device that assists the guitar player in obtaining the perfect tension, and subsequent pitch, for each of the guitar's stings. Choosing a guitar tuner is not as simple as going to a store and randomly selecting one. A guitar player must know which type of tuner is right for him and his specific guitar. The options include analog tuners, digital tuners, ones with LCD displays, ones with jumping needle displays, or simply tuning by ear. It is important to know which one is right for you.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar

Instructions

1. Identify what type of guitar you will be tuning. If it is an electric guitar, then a digital tuner that runs through your amp and pedalboard is probably the best option. However, if you are tuning an acoustic guitar, then you can choose either type. What is most important is how easy the tuner's display can be read by you.

2. Select an analog tuner that is equipped with a jumping needle if you want to have the option of a tuning range. The needle on the tuner will jump when a string is plucked, resting directly up and down when it is in perfect tune. However, some guitarists like for it to be a little higher or lower than perfect, and if that is you, then a jumping needle display is one you need.

3. Select a digital tuner if you have an electric guitar or a pedalboard that you use. Digital tuners can be used along with any other guitar pedal without needing separate inputs. These tuners will have a series of LCD lights that range from red to green, and back to red. When you pluck a string, the display will light up red if you are out of tune and light up green when you have hit the correct tune.

4. Tuning your guitar by ear is another type of guitar tuner---and one you do not need to buy. After you have played the guitar for awhile, you start to develop an ear for the sound. If this is you, try tuning your guitar by ear first before spending the money on a tuner. This works extremely well on an acoustic guitar.

5. Place your finger on the fifth fret of the sixth string, low E. Now pluck the open fifth string; when this string is tuned correctly it will sound exactly like the fifth fret of the sixth string. Continue this for all the strings, tuning them so that the string you are tuning sounds exactly like the fifth fret of the string that preceded it. The only exception is that the second string will sound like the fourth fret of the third string instead of the fifth.