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The Common Method of Tuning Guitar

This is the most common method taught for tuning a guitar to itself, by comparing a note played one string to an open string.

When you use this method, try to be accurate. The effect of one string being slightly out of tune, compounds with each additional string!

Tune the 6th string to low E. Use the online tuner, a piano, a pitch-pipe, or an in-tune guitar. If none of the above are available try it by ear.

If you have no idea what the low E string is supposed to sound like, check if two or more strings are tuned to each other and start there.

tuning guitar fig1

Tune the open A string to the low E string at the 5th fret.

tuning guitar fig2

Tune the open D string to the A string at the 5th fret.

tuning guitar fig3

Tune the open G string to the D string at the 5th fret.

tuning guitar fig4

Tune the B string to the G string at the 4TH fret.

tuning guitar fig5

Tune the open high E string to the B string at the 5th fret.

tuning guitar fig 6

Another method to tune guitar to itself is by using harmonics. I found that when I tune a guitar using harmonics, it works well on guitars with high action.