Beginner's Guide To Tuning a Guitar

Tuning your guitar might seem like a small step, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can learn as a guitarist. Playing in tune not only improves the quality of your music but it also trains your ear to distinguish the proper notes. 

If you're new to guitar, this guide will teach you all you need to know about guitar tuning, from understanding the strings to using a tuner and more. 

At Greater Toronto Music School, we believe everyone deserves a strong start. That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you get on the right track with your guitar playing.

Still need to buy a beginner guitar? Click here to read our guide for the best acoustic guitars for beginners and here to read our guide for the best electric guitars for beginners.

The Basics: Why Guitar Tuning Matters

The importance of guitar tuning is simple. Even if you play the correct chords and guitar notes, your guitar will not sound well until it is correctly tuned. Tuning ensures that each string is at the proper pitch, making the notes you play sound clean and precise. 

Guitars can get out of tune due to temperature fluctuations, string strain or just regular use.

That said, learning how to tune your guitar is a basic skill that will help you:

• Sound better when you play,

• Train your ears,

• Play along with others or with recordings,

• Avoid frustration during practice,

• And much more…

  
  

Understanding Guitar Strings and Notes

Now that we understand the importance, let’s break it down. A standard guitar has six strings, and each string is tuned to a specific note. From the thickest to the thinnest string, the notes are:

• 6th string: E (low E)

• 5th string: A

• 4th string: D

• 3rd string: G

• 2nd string: B

• 1st string: E (high E)

A popular way to remember this order is: Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie. These are the notes you’ll aim for when tuning your guitar.

Types of Guitar Tuners

As we mentioned, a guitar tuner allows you to modify each string to the proper sound. There are various types of tuners, and picking one is usually based on your needs and tastes. Some common ones include:

• Clip-on Tuners: Clip-on tuners clip onto the top of your guitar and feel the vibrations to help you tune. They're super easy to use and great for beginners. Our expert guitar instructors recommend the Fender FT-1 Professional Clip-On Tuner.

• Pedal Tuners: Pedal tuners are mostly used by electric guitar players. They sit on the floor and are part of a pedal setup.

• App Tuners: App tuners are apps you can download on your phone. Some are free, and they’re really easy to use.

• Built-in Tuners: Built-in tuners are already built into some acoustic-electric guitars, so you don’t need anything extra to tune.

For most beginners, a clip-on tuner or a tuning app is the simplest way to get started.

How to Tune a Guitar Using a Tuner

Tuning with a tuner is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Turn on your tuner and set it to standard tuning (E A D G B E).

Step 2: Play the thickest string (the 6th string, low E) and look at what the tuner says.

Step 3: If the note is too low, turn the peg to tighten it. If it’s too high, loosen the peg.

Step 4: Do the same for the rest of the strings until all six are in tune.

Your tuner will usually show a needle or light that moves to the center when the note is in tune. Take your time and adjust slowly.

How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner

If you don't have a tuner around, you can use relative tuning to tune your guitar by ear. This strategy requires more work but improves your listening abilities. Here's a simple approach for tuning by ear:

Start by tuning the 6th string (low E) using another tuned instrument. Then match the strings like this:

• 5th fret on 6th string = open 5th string

• 5th fret on 5th string = open 4th string

• 5th fret on 4th string = open 3rd string

• 4th fret on 3rd string = open 2nd string

• 5th fret on 2nd string = open 1st string

Use your ears to match the notes. It takes practice, but you'll get better with time.

Simple Ways to Make Your Tuning Last

Keeping your guitar in tune isn’t just about adjusting the strings, it also comes down to how well you take care of your instrument. Here are a few simple tips that can help:

• When you first put new strings on, stretch them out. New strings frequently slide out of tune.

• Tune up to pitch instead of down, this helps to secure the string in place.

• To minimize temperature and humidity fluctuations, store your instrument in a stable environment.

• Check your tune on a frequent basis, particularly before practicing or performing with others.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuning a Guitar

Q: How often should I tune my guitar?

A: Check your tune each time you sit down to play. Guitars can get out of tune due to weather changes, consistent playing or simply resting in the case.

Q: Can I use a keyboard to tune my guitar?

A: Yes you can! You can play a keyboard or piano to match each string to its proper pitch. Simply locate the correct note on the keyboard and tweak the guitar string to match it.

Q: What's the difference between tuning an acoustic and electric guitar?

A: The process is basically the same. However, with electric guitars, it’s easier to use pedal tuners or plug into a tuner app. Acoustic guitars often work better with clip-on tuners.

Get Tips on Tuning a Guitar at Greater Toronto Music School

Tuning is one of the first and most important skills to learn as a guitarist. It not only helps your music sound great but it also gets your ears used to pitch and tone.

At Greater Toronto Music School, we help beginners build a strong foundation with proper technique and musical understanding. Our guitar teachers show students how to tune confidently, play clearly and overall enjoy the process.

If you're just starting out and want to sound your best, we're here to help every step of the way. Give us a call or fill out a contact form to get started!  

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