Tuning a Guitar by Ear

Tuning a guitar by ear is a basic skill for musicians, and creates a deeper connection with the instrument and enhances pitch recognition. Electronic tuners are convenient, but tuning by ear helps build pitch recognition, which is useful when you don't have a tuner. The standard tuning for a 6-string guitar is EADGBE, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. A popular method for tuning without a tuner is the 5th-fret method.

The Low E or 6th String (Top)

Begin with the low E string (6th string). It is helpful to use a reference pitch from a tuning fork (typically A440), a piano, or another tuned instrument to set this string to the right pitch of E2. If no reference is available, approximate it based on memory or a familiar song, though this risks tuning the guitar relative to itself rather than concert pitch. Once the low E is set, the other strings are tuned relative to it.

The A or 5th String

To tune the A string (5th string), press the 5th fret of the low E string, which produces an A note (A2). Pluck this note, then pluck the open A string, adjusting its tuning peg until the pitch aligns. Listen for a smooth sound without wavering or beating.

The D or 4th String

Next, tune the D string (4th string) by pressing the 5th fret of the A string to produce a D note (D3). Match the open D string to this pitch, turning the peg slowly to match the sounds.

The G or 3rd String

For the G string (3rd string), press the 5th fret of the D string to get a G note (G3), then adjust the open G string to match the sound.

The B or 2nd String

The B string (2nd string) requires a slight variation: press the 4th fret of the G string to produce a B note (B3), as the interval between G and B is different from the previous strings. Tune the open B string to this note.

The High E or 1st String (Bottom)

Finally, tune the high E string (1st string) by pressing the 5th fret of the B string to get an E note (E4), then adjust the open high E string accordingly.

To verify your tuning, play open chords like G (3-2-0-0-0-3) or C (0-3-2-0-1-0). These should sound clear and in harmony. If they sound off in some way, go back to each string pair mentioned above, as small errors can compound across strings. Another check is to compare the open low E string with the high E string; they should be two octaves apart, but produce a rich, resonant sound when played together.

Using Harmonics

For greater precision, you can use harmonics, which are clearer and easier to match. To play a harmonic, touch the string just on top of the 5th fret or the 7th fret or even the 12th fret, in a muted fashion, just touching the string. Pluck the string while simultaneously releasing the finger from the string. A harmonic of the string should be produced when plucked correctly.

For example, play the harmonic at the 5th fret of the low E string and then while the first harmonic is sounding, play the 7th fret of the A string; they will produce the same pitch and should sound identical. When played together, there will be a waviness in the sound until they are tuned precisely together. When played together, turn the tuning peg until the waviness is smoothed out. Repeat this process for other string pairs where possible. This process will not work between the G string and the B string.

Keep Practicing your Tuning

Practice is key to mastering tuning by ear. Over time, you’ll develop a sense for pitch, making the process fast and reliable. If you’re struggling, tune one string with a tuner to establish a reference, then proceed by ear. This method not only ensures your guitar is in tune but also develops your musical ear, enhancing your overall playing skills.