How to Tune a Guitar

How to tune an electric guitar

In this article, we’ll show you how to tune an electric guitar to the standard electric guitar tuning. This method will also apply to acoustic guitars. It’s very easy to learn how to tune an electric guitar, so follow the sections below to get started.

1. Tune an electric guitar with a tuner
2. Tune an electric guitar by ear

TIP: These tuning methods also apply to acoustic guitars and bass guitars, as well!

Tune an electric guitar with a tuner

If this is the first time you’re learning how to tune your electric guitar, using a guitar tuner will help you quickly tune your electric guitar and get on to making music. Most tuners are automatic and immediately detect which note you are playing. Although there are many styles of guitar tuners to choose from, clip on tuners are great tools to begin with.

The most common electric guitar tuning is called standard guitar tuning. The standard tuning going from the lowest string to highest string is E-A-D-G-B-E. Refer to the chart below to ensure you’re tuning each string to the correct pitch. 

1. Play the low E string (thickest string on your electric guitar, known as the 6th string) and adjust the tuning machine until the tuner reads a perfect E. 
   • The note is “in tune” when the “needle” hovers in the middle of the tuner window. 
2. Next, play the A string (5th string) until the tuner reads A. 
3. Repeat this method for the rest of your strings to its respective pitch. 

Tune an electric guitar by ear

If this is your first electric guitar and you don’t happen to have a guitar tuner on hand, you can still tune it by ear. While it may seem intimidating, tuning an electric guitar by ear is pretty simple. The only thing you’ll need is a reference pitch, which can be found by using a tuning fork, using a keyboard, or finding a reference pitch sound online. The most common reference note is called A440. On your electric guitar, it’s the second thickest string (5th string). You may find it easier using E as the reference note, though.

Guitar tuning tip: Start slightly flat and tune up to the note to minimize the chances of  your tuner gears slipping while playing.

1. Play the reference pitch and use the tuning machine to match the pitch.
2. Hold your finger on 5th fret the low E string, play that, then play the A string. Use the tuning machine on the low E string and adjust it so it’s in tune with the A string.
3. Repeat this method for the rest of your strings to its respective pitch.
   • Hold your finger on the 4th fret on the G string to tune with the B string.

That’s it! Now that the electric guitar has been tuned, be sure to re-tune as strings will stretch and settle during the tuning process.

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