How To Tune a Guitar By Ear? – 5 Different Methods To Use | Zager Guitars
Now that you have set your reference let’s get down to tuning the rest of the string by ear
Tuning to the A String
From the single reference note we tuned above, you can tune all other strings based on intervals relative to it.
- Tuning the Low E (6th): You can find an E note on the A string at the 5th fret. Start tuning the low E string until the pitches match with this reference.
- Tuning the D (4th): The D note is on the A string at the 7th fret so tune your open D string to match this pitch.
- Tuning the G (3rd): Tune the G string fretting the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Tuning the B (2nd) and High E (1st): For these strings, you can use the 9th fret for B and the 12th fret for the high E on the A string.
Tuning From the 5th Fret
Here you tune each string relative to another already tuned string.
- Low E to A: First tune your low E string (6th string) and use it as a reference pitch. Once the E is tuned, press down on the 5th fret of this string for the A note.
- A to D: Fret the A string at the 5th fret for a D note and tune your open D string (4th string.)
- D to G: Fretting the D string at the 5th fret produces a G note. Tune your open G string (3rd string) with this reference string.
- G to B: Shift to the 4th fret of the G string to produce a B note and tune the open B string (2nd string).
- B to High E: Finally, fretting the B string at the 5th fret should give you an E note. Tune your open high E string (1st string) to match it.
Tuning with Harmonics
Harmonics are natural overtones produced at specific points along the string. You can use this method to precisely tune your string. This method is particularly effective because harmonics are very clear and sustain longer.
- Tune the through 5th frets: Start by lightly touching the 5th fret of the low E string and plucking it to produce a harmonic. Next, produce a harmonic at the 7th fret of the A string. Adjust the A string until both harmonics sound the same without any beats or wobble.
- Repeat for the other strings: Use this same pattern across the guitar, matching the 5th fret harmonic on one string to the 7th fret harmonic on the next string.
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