How to Tune a Guitar for Beginners
Learning how to play the guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you be able to play your favorite songs, but studies have shown that playing guitar can benefit your cognitive health. However, you must ensure your guitar is properly tuned before you start jamming.
Tuning a guitar can seem daunting for beginners, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tune your guitar without even having to think about it. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tuning your guitar.
Let’s dive in.
What Type of Guitar Tuner Should You Use?
There are many types of guitar tuners available on the market. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses – choosing the one that’s right for you is very important.
You may want to use a simple chromatic tuner if you’re just starting out. These tuners are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Just clip the tuner onto the headstock of your guitar and pluck the string you want to tune. The tuner will display the note name and indicate whether the string is too high or too low.
If you’re a more experienced guitarist, you may want to use a pedal tuner. Pedal tuners are designed to be used while you’re playing, so they’re ideal for onstage use. Just place the pedal in front of your amplifier and step on it when you’re ready to tune up.
How to Tune Your Guitar
Once you’ve selected a guitar tuner, it’s time to learn how to tune your guitar. Start by turning on your tuner and plucking the low E string. This is the thickest string on the top of your guitar and the one with the lowest pitch. Be sure to pluck the string hard enough that the note registers on your tuner.
If the tuner indicates that the note is lower than E, turn the tuning peg for that string clockwise until it’s in tune. If the note is higher than E, turn the tuning peg counterclockwise until the tuner registers it as the right note. Repeat this process for each remaining guitar string, working your way from the A string down to the high E string.
After you’ve tuned all six strings, it’s a good idea to double-check each one. This is especially important if you’re a beginner at guitar, as it can be easy to make mistakes when you’re a beginner. If any notes sound off, retune that particular string until it is in tune with the others.
How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner
If you don’t have a tuner, there are a few ways you can still tune your guitar. Some of the more common methods include:
Tuning By Ear
One way to tune your guitar without a tuner is by using another instrument as a guide. For example, if you have a piano or keyboard nearby, you can use it to find the right notes for your guitar. Start by plucking the low E string on your guitar and then finding the matching note on the piano.
Once you’ve found the note, turn the tuning peg for your low E string until your guitar matches the sound you’re holding down on the piano. You can then move on to the other strings using the same method.
Using a Tuner App
If you’re looking for a simpler way to tune your guitar without a tuner, you can also use a tuning app on your smartphone. There are many different apps available for both iPhone and Android, many of which are free to download. However, it’s important to note that these apps are often less accurate than a physical tuner.
To use a tuning app, start by opening the app and placing your phone near the guitar. Next, pluck the low E string on your guitar, and let the app listen for the sound. The app will then show you what note you’re playing and whether it’s in tune or not. You can then adjust the tuning peg until the app indicates that the note is in tune.
How Often Should You Tune Your Guitar?
As a general rule, you should tune your guitar every time you play it. This is especially important for beginners, as their ears may not be able to detect when a string is out of tune easily. However, even experienced players should habitually tune their guitar before each practice session or performance.
If you’re playing with other musicians, make sure everyone is tuned to the same note to avoid any notes sounding off-key. To do this, have each musician tune their instrument to a reference note, such as an electronic tuner, piano, or another guitar. Once everyone is in tune with the reference note, you can begin playing together.
Wrap Up
Tuning your guitar correctly is an essential skill for any guitarist. By following the steps in this article, you’ll be able to tune yours quickly and easily, even if you’ve never done it before. Remember to check each string individually and to retune regularly to ensure your instrument always sounds its best.
If you’re interested in learning to play the guitar, Be Natural Music is here to help. We offer a range of guitar lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players. Our classes are designed to help you reach your musical goals and to have fun while doing it.
Contact us today to learn more!
