How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar

If you are looking for info on how to tune an acoustic guitar there are basically three methods: relative tuning, reference tuning and electronic tuning. The good thing is that the processes are the same regardless of whether the guitar is acoustic or electric.

Tuning generally is the process of using the tuning pegs of a guitar to loosen or tighten strings so that each string produces proper pitch, or note.

There are various alternate tunings but a good place to start for the beginner generally is the standard guitar tuning. Starting with the thick top string the tuning is E, A, D, G, B and E.

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How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Using Reference Tuning

The process to for using reference tuning is done by tuning the guitar by making use of another source such as a piano that is already in tune. The reference pitch is first played on the other source and then the equivalent pitch (usually an open string) is played on the guitar. The tuning pegs are then adjusted, until the pitch of the string is exactly the same as the reference instrument. This method isn’t idea and is not easy to get right straight away as it takes a good ear to get it right.

How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Using Relative Tuning 

This is the method of tuning the guitar to itself. Chords and notes will sound fine when the guitar is being played on its own and not along with other instruments. However you may find that the pitch of your guitar may be too low or high when comparing its tuning to another instrument. As the name of the tuning suggests it is relative. The way to go about doing this is to play the low E string by holding your finger on the fifth fret, next play the A string open and you’ll notice that the two pitches will be idenitcal. Adjust the tuning of the A string until you find that the two strings both ring at exactly the same pitch. The same method is carried out for the remainder of the strings except for the B string you need to play on the fourth fret of the G string.

How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Using Electronic Tuning 

This is without a doubt the easiest method and would strongly recommend you to use this method to any guitar player regardless of level of skill. Electronic tuners are cheap and can be found at any good music shop. An electronic tuner is used to measure the pitch of each string to let you know how far off it is from the correct pitch.

To do this connect the tuner to the guitar using a cable if electric or otherwise place the tuner near to the guitar. Play the string repeatedly. You’ll note that the tuner indicates sharp or flat. Continue to play the string repeatedly and adjust the tuning peg of the string until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune. This is usually indicated by a green light coming on with most tuners.