How to Tune a Guitar With a Computer

PitchPerfect Guitar Tuner

Learning to play the guitar may be a difficult feat, but tuning it to perfection shouldn't. As a beginner, tuning your guitar with diagrams, online tuners, or electric tuners may only cause unnecessary headaches and may not give you the best result. Why go through all the trouble when you can just hook up your guitar to your computer and let some simple pieces of software do it for you with perfect pitch.

Things You'll Need

• Electric or acoustic guitar
• ¼ inch to 3.5mm adapter
• 3.5mm audio cable
• Microphone (optional)
• Computer with line in or mic in
• Tuning Software

Instructions

1. Download and install PitchPerfect Guitar Tuner from here: http://www.nch.com.au/tuner/index.html

2. Once you have downloaded and installed PitchPerfect insert the 1/4 inch to 3.5mm adapter into the guitar.

3. Now insert the 3.5mm audio cable into the adapter and plug in the opposite side of the cable into the mic in or line in of your computer.

4. Run PitchPerfect and click on the option button on the topmost part of the window.

5. Select the input device corresponding to the input where the audio cable is connected. Either mic in or line in and click "OK".

6. Once the sound input has been adjusted; strike each string individually and adjust the knobs to match the current frequency and the target frequency.

7. Once all the individual strings reach their target frequency; the guitar should be completely in tune.

Tips & Warnings

• If the necessary equipment is not available you may use a microphone to tune the guitar, all other steps apply.

• If tunning a guitar with the microphone, make sure them room remains silent.

• Take precautions when adjusting the tuning knobs, too much tension on any one sting may cause it to pop.