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MyMusic® Guitar School
Lesson 2
Tuning
Tuning is one of the most important techniques that a guitarist can ever learn. It only takes one of the strings to be out of tune for all of the chords that you play to sound wrong.
The guitar has a range of low and high sounds. Pitch is a term used to describe those sounds. Each guitar string is tuned to a specific sound or pitch. The order of this tuning determines the guitar's overall sound.
The tuning keys, which are also called machine heads, are used to tighten or slacken the strings. You will need to get used to the feel of your guitar's tuning keys.
There are a few different ways to tune the guitar. You should know all of them!
Electronic Tuners
These devices offer the easiest way to tune a guitar, especially for beginners.
There is usually a simple instruction booklet to follow.
Electronic tuners show you exactly what the pitch of each string should be.
Most of them have a meter with a needle. You just turn the tuning keys on the guitar until the appropriate reading is achieved.
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Tuning with an Electronic Tuner
Use the diagram and instructions on page 8 to tune your guitar.
Follow the instructions in the tuner's manual to tune the strings of the guitar in the following order: from thickest to thinnest.
It is better to tighten up to the correct pitch rather than slackening to it. This is because the tuning keys will keep the tension of the string more precisely and for a longer period of time.
It is better to tighten up to the correct pitch rather than slackening to it. This is because the tuning keys will keep the tension of the string more precisely and for a longer period of time.
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Open string means that the string is played with no fingers on the fret-board.
The note names and numbers given to the open strings are:
E - 6th string
A - 5th string
D - 4th string
G - 3rd string
B - 2nd string
E - 1st string.
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How Old are Your Strings?
An important thing to consider when tuning is the age of the strings. If they are new, then you may find that the strings need to be re-tuned regularly until they are worn in.
One way to minimize the need for retuning new strings is to tune up once, then, using one of your hands, move the strings about 2 millimeters from side to side, parallel to the neck.
Stretch each string four or five times. Then re-tune and play a little, using the pick
Check the tuning regularly when the strings are new.
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