Tips for tuning a guitar correctly

You've just bought a guitar (or picked it up from the cellar), you want to get started and then — ugh. Somehow it all sounds a bit... wrong. The good news: You are most likely not the problem, but the fact that your guitar needs to be tuned. And before you think, “Help, I have no plan how to do that”: You don't need to study music, have perfect pitch and don't need expensive equipment. What you need is a few minutes, a bit of patience — and this article.

Here you can learn how to tune your guitar step by step. So that it sounds really good afterwards — and makes you really want to keep playing. A standard guitar has six strings. From the thickest (top) to thinnest (bottom), they are called: E — A — D — G — B — E. You can remember that with a little saying like:
Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually. Charming, isn't it?

And this is how it works (for beginners):

1. Grab the tuner — The easiest way is with a digital tuner or an app (e.g. “GuitarTuna” or “Fender Tuner”, but also in the MyGroove app there a is wonderful tuner included. Learning and tuning in one program!). This shows you whether a string sounds too high or too low.
2. One string at a time — For example, you play the low E string (the thickest) and slowly turn the swivel at the top of the guitar until the tuner shows you “E” and “green.” Then continue with A, D, G, B and E (the thinnest).
3. Fine-tuning — When you have tuned all strings, check them again. Sometimes when tuning one string, the tension of the other strings change a bit. Go through once — done!

A little tip: Spin slowly! Too much at once can make the string snap — and of course we don't want that.

Why is tuning so important anyway?

It's very simple: When a guitar is out of tune, even the nicest chord sounds like a broken alarm clock. You may be making the right moves — but it still sounds wrong. That can be frustrating, especially at first.

The guitar is a string instrument. Your strings are tuned to specific notes, and only when these notes are right, do all the other notes you pick up go together. Tuning is therefore like setting the correct base frequency — so that everything sounds harmonious afterwards.

The basics: What you should know about guitar strings

A classical or western guitar has six strings. And each of these strings has a specific pitch to which it should be tuned — from low (thick string) to high (thin string):

• 6th string (at the very top, the thickest): E
• 5th string: A
• 4th string: D
• 3rd string: G
• 2nd string: B
• 1st string (at the very bottom, the thinnest): E

The two outer strings are therefore called the same (E) but sound at different heights.

What do you need to tune?

The great thing is: You don't need much. Here are a few options:

1. Tuner (clip-on or digital): The simplest tool. You clip it to the headstock of your guitar, hit a string — and the device tells you whether the tone is too low (flat), too high (sharp) or correct (in tune).
2. Tuning apps: There are lots of free apps — all work in a similar way to a digital tuner. Super handy when you don't have a device at hand. (Note: the MyGroove app for learning instruments also includes a guitar tuner - everything in one app!)
3. Online voice aids or YouTube videos: You can also use sound samples as a guide. This is a bit more difficult because you then have to hit the sound “by ear” — but it's possible with practice!
4. A piano, keyboard, or other tuned guitar: If you have another instrument that is well tuned, you can also compare with it.

A little tip: Especially at the beginning, a digital tuner or an app is your best friend. Quick, accurate and easy to use.

Step by step: How to tune your guitar

Step 1: Remember string names

Before you get started, look again at the order of the strings (from top to bottom if you hold the guitar correctly):

String: E (low)

String: A

String: D

String: G

String: B

String: E (high)

Hold your guitar as usual, turn on your tuner or app — and you're good to go.

Step 2: Tune the 6th string (low E string)

Hit the thick string (the one at the very top). Your tuner shows you a letter — ideally “E”.

If it is too deep , the device shows, for example, “D#” or “Eb” — then you have to turn upwards.

If it is too high, the device shows, for example, “F” or “F#” — then you have to turn down.

Pay attention to turn slowly, and replay the string regularly.

As soon as the device shows “E” — and maybe a green light — the string is tuned.

Step 3 through 6: Proceed to A, D, G, B, E

Repeat the process for each of the strings. Each string has its own vertebra — and sometimes it takes the ears a moment to get used to the new sound.

Tuning without a tuner — is that possible?

Yes, sure. But it requires a bit more practice. Here is a method if you don't have a device at hand:

1. Voice the low E string e.g. with a reference sound (YouTube or app).
2. Then grab the sound in the 5th fret on the 5th string — that should sound like the empty 6th string.
3. Here's how you go on:

5 fret of the 5th string = open D (4th string)

5 fret of the 4th string = open G (3rd string)

Attention: 4th fret of the 3rd string = open B (2nd string)

5 fret of the 2nd string = open E (1st string)

This method is called Tune after yourself — it works when one string is tuned correctly.

You can do it!

Tuning the guitar sounds technical at first, but it's totally doable. And once you've done it a few times, you realize: It's not witchcraft at all. On the contrary — it is the first step to a really good sound. And nothing motivates more than when your favorite song suddenly sounds really good.

So: Tuner or app on, guitar on your lap — and off you go.

FAQ

What you should pay attention to when tuning:

• Always turn slowly! If you turn too fast or too hard, a string may snap.
• Tune regularly. Even if you have only used the guitar a short while ago, temperature, humidity and movement can quickly detune it.
• Don't forget to retune. Once you've tuned all the strings, go through them again briefly. Tuning one string often changes the tension of the others.
• New strings must be set. If you've just put on new strings, you'll have to retune more often — they stretch a bit at first.

How often should I tune my guitar?

Honestly? Preferably every time before you play.

Even though you tuned yesterday, it may be slightly out of tune again today — especially if the guitar was in the suitcase, stood by the window, or you transported it. Temperature and humidity have an effect on the wood and strings. But don't worry: The more often you do it, the faster it goes — and soon you'll only need a few seconds.

What to do if it doesn't work at all?

If you're not even sure what sound you're making, or if the tuner shows something completely unexpected (such as “C#” on the E string), then:

• Check that you're playing the correct string. (Sounds ridiculous, but it happens really often.)
• Compare with a video or an app. Listen to the right tone and roughly play “by ear.”
• Take a break. Sometimes you need a fresh head. Tuning is not a competition.

What notes do you tune a guitar to?

A guitar is usually used on the standard tuning E-A-D-G-B-E voted. This means that the strings are tuned from thickest to thinnest in E (6th string), A (5th string), D (4th string), G (3rd string), B (2nd string) and E (1st string).

What are the 6 guitar strings called?

The 6 guitar strings are called:

• String: E (low E string)
• String: A
• String: D
• String: G
• String: B
• string: E (high string)

What voices are there on a guitar?

There are various tunings for the guitar. In addition to the standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), there are some common alternative tunings:

• Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
• Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
• DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
  
  
  These alternative tunings expand the possibilities for composition and playing techniques and enable different timbres.