How to Tune a Jazz Guitar

Jazz, or archtop, guitars are tuned the same as any other guitar, but the bridges on some models are not fixed. This means taking a few precautions when changing strings and tuning them to pitch.

Tuning a jazz, or archtop, guitar involves the same process as any tuning any other type of guitar, with one major difference: Some of these instruments have floating bridges, meaning that only string tension holds the bridge to the surface of the body. Before changing strings or fitting new ones on such models, take a few precautions in order to avoid misplacing the bridge, which can make it difficult to tune the strings properly.

Things You'll Need

• Tape (drafting tape or low-tack masking tape)
• Pitch pipe, electronic tuner or tuning fork
• Safety glasses

Instructions

Changing Strings

1. Secure the instrument, face up, on a level work surface.

2. Cut four pieces of tape, then place each strip as closely as possible along the outside corners of the feet of the bridge. The tape will serve as a guide to reattach the bridge in the event that it moves.

3. Remove the old strings, one string at a time. Replace with a new string and tune to pitch before proceeding to the next.

4. Remove the tape once you have all strings in place and tuned to pitch.

Tuning the Guitar Using a Tuning Fork

1. Most tuning forks produce a tone of 440 cycles per second (Hz), or two octaves above the fifth string open A note on a guitar. This pitch will serve as the basis for tuning all the subsequent open strings on the guitar. Grasp the fork handle between fingers, then strike one tine on a hard surface. Quickly place the ball end on the guitar's bridge or on the top of the body, which should produce an amplified sound two octaves higher than the target note of an open A string.

2. Repeat the process as often as necessary to provide a reference tone. Pluck the fifth string. Note the pitch, and turn the tuning machine (usually in a clockwise motion) until the pitch from the open string produces a single, clear note with no wavering or beating sound while you press the vibrating tuning fork against the guitar.

3. To tune the D string, press a finger onto the fifth fret of the A string and pluck the string. Tune the open D string to this note. Repeat this fretting process, using the note produced at the fifth fret on the D string as the reference for the open G string.

4. Fret the fourth note on the G string to produce the open B reference note for the second string. Fret the fifth note on the B string to produce the reference note for the open E, or first, string.

5. Tune the low E, or sixth string, by plucking the A string while tuning up the sixth string and periodically checking its pitch at the fifth fret until you produce the same pitch as that created by plucking the open A string.

6. Check the accuracy of the notes at various points on the neck; sound the tuning fork, then play the A string at the 12th fret, the D string at the seventh fret, the B string at the 10th fret, and the high and low E strings at the fifth frets. You should hear A notes at all of these frets.

Tuning the Guitar Using a Pitch Pipe

1. Blow the pitch on the pipe corresponding to the string you wish to tune while sounding the open string.

2. Check the accuracy of the notes at various points on the neck; sound the tuning fork, then play the A string at the 12th fret, the D string at the seventh fret, the B string at the 10th fret, and the high and low E strings at the fifth frets.

3. Repeat this process until you can hear no beating or wavering sound produced when sounding the string and pitch pipe simultaneously.

Tuning the Guitar Using an Electronic Tuner

1. Follow the instructions included with the device. Typically, a needle or LED display indicates the correct pitch.

2. Check the accuracy of the pitches at various points on the neck; sound the tuning fork, then play the A string at the 12th fret, the D string at the seventh fret, the B string at the 10th fret, and the high and low E strings at the fifth frets.

3. Repeat this process until the tuner display indicates the pitches are correct. Double check by listening for a beating or wavering sound produced when sounding the string and a test tone from the tuner (if applicable) simultaneously.

Tips & Warnings

• Strings can stretch over time, causing them to lose their capacity to hold tuning.

• If storing an instrument for an extended period, unwind each string slightly to relieve tension on the guitar's neck.

• Wear safety glasses---particularly when tuning older strings, which are more prone to breaking than new strings.

References

• "The Guitar Handbook;" Ralph Denyer; 1982
• "Guitar Player Repair Guide, 3rd Edition"; Dan Erlewine; 2007
• "The Complete Guide to Guitar and Amp Maintenance"; Ritchie Fliegler; 1994