It’s funny how this is such a neglected aspect of guitar playing. So much of the time, people grab their guitars because they’re inspired to play only to realise they have been playing out of tune. It’s so important as a beginner to master this vital tip to playing better guitar. Check your guitar’s intonation regularly and build a habit of playing in tune, and it will make a huge difference to your sound. Here are some tips to help you tune your guitar accurately and efficiently:
- Use a Quality Tuner:
- Invest in a reliable electronic tuner (clip-on, pedal, or app-based) to ensure precise tuning.
- Tune in a Quiet Environment:
- Background noise can interfere with the tuning process, especially when using a tuner that picks up sound through a microphone.
- Tune Up to Pitch:
- Always tune up to the correct pitch rather than down. If you overshoot, loosen the string slightly and tune up again. This helps maintain better tuning stability.
- Stretch the Strings:
- New strings tend to stretch and go out of tune easily. After putting on new strings, gently pull each string away from the fretboard and retune.
- Check Intonation:
- Ensure your guitar’s intonation is properly set. If a guitar’s intonation is off, it won’t sound in tune even if open strings are tuned correctly. You can check this by comparing the pitch of an open string to the pitch at the 12th fret (both should be the same note, an octave apart).
- Tune in Sequence:
- Follow a specific sequence to maintain tension evenly across the neck. Common sequences include:
- Standard: E (6th), A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), E (1st)
- Alternate: E (6th), B (2nd), G (3rd), D (4th), A (5th), E (1st)
- Some players prefer tuning from the middle outwards: D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), E (1st), A (5th), E (6th).
- Follow a specific sequence to maintain tension evenly across the neck. Common sequences include:
- Fine-Tuning Techniques:
- Use harmonics for fine-tuning. Playing the 5th fret harmonic on one string and the 7th fret harmonic on the next string can help you tune by ear.
- Check After Playing:
- Guitars can go out of tune during playing due to string bending or heavy strumming. It’s a good practice to check your tuning regularly during sessions.
- Humidity and Temperature:
- Be mindful of environmental changes, as temperature and humidity can affect tuning stability. Keep your guitar in a controlled environment when possible.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Ensure your guitar is well-maintained. Worn-out strings, loose tuners, and a poorly set-up bridge can all contribute to tuning instability.
- Practice Tuning by Ear:
- Developing your ear can be useful for quick tuning without a tuner. Start by tuning one string with a tuner and then tune the other strings relative to it.
By following these tips, you can keep your guitar in tune more effectively, ensuring better sound and performance.