How to Tune a Guitar by Hand

The first and most essential step to playing guitar is knowing how to tune it. If you are playing for your own enjoyment, the guitar must at least be tuned with itself for any song to sound correct. When performing with a band or accompanying instruments, it is crucial to be in tune with all other instruments. Always start with the low E string, as it is the thickest and least likely to fall out of tune. Once the E string is tuned correctly, you will be able to tune the rest of the strings without assistance from an electronic tuner or other instrument; however, you may use these tools to confirm your own accuracy.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic guitar tuner
• Piano (or any other instrument that consistently stays tuned)

Instructions

1. Determine if the low E string, also referred to as the sixth string, is in tune. Use an electronic guitar tuner or play the E note below middle C on a piano.

2. Press down on the fifth fret of the low E string. This is an A note, which is the note of the next string. Adjust the tuning peg for the fifth string, or A string, to match what you are playing on the E string.

3. Press down on the fifth fret of the A string. This is a D note, which is the note of the fourth string. Adjust the tuning peg for the fourth string, or D string, to match what you are playing on the A string.

4. Press down on the fifth fret of the D string. This is a G note, which is the note of the third string. Adjust the tuning peg for the third string, or G string, to match what you are playing on the D string.

5. Press down on the fourth fret of the G string. This is a B note, which is the note of the second string. Adjust the tuning peg for the second string, or B string, to match what you are playing on the G string.

6. Press down on the fifth fret of the B string. This is an E note, which is the note of the first string. Adjust the tuning peg for the first string, or E string, to match what you are playing on the B string.

7. Double-check your tuning. Go back through the motions of Steps 1 through 6 to make sure you did not forget a note. If available, use a guitar tuner or piano to verify the tuning is complete.

References

• How to Tune a Guitar: Tuning