A guitar in tune instantly sounds better – and you can hear much more clearly whether your chord is working. So: tune briefly every time you practise. After a few weeks it takes less than a minute.
Standard tuning from thickest to thinnest string is E – A – D – G – B – E. The low E sounds two octaves below the high E.
With a tuner
- Open the tuner and allow the microphone. Everything stays on your device.
- Pluck one string on its own and let it ring.
- If the needle points left, the string is flat: tighten the tuning peg slowly. If it points right, loosen it a little.
- When the needle sits in the middle, that string is in tune. On to the next one.
By ear: the 5th-fret method
Once the low E string is in tune, you can tune the others to it. Fret one string at a certain fret and compare it with the next open string. Both should sound the same.
- Low E string at the 5th fret = open A string
- A string at the 5th fret = open D string
- D string at the 5th fret = open G string
- G string at the 4th fret = open B string (the exception!)
- B string at the 5th fret = open high E string
When it just won’t work
- New strings stretch for a few days and need retuning often. That’s normal.
- Keep plucking while you turn so you can hear what’s happening – and check you’re turning the right peg.
- Strings break more easily when tuned far too high. Turn in small steps.
How to fit new strings and look after your guitar is covered in changing strings and care.