1.2 How to Tune a Guitar

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Contents
................1.2.1 Standard E Tuning
................1.2.2 Using an Electronic Tuner
................1.2.3 Alternative Method of Tuning
................1.2.4 Drop D Tuning

1.2.1 Standard E Tuning

The first thing you should know is what the strings should be tuned to, which is shown below:

Guitar Tuning

There are several options when it comes to achieving this tuning:

1.2.2 Using an Electronic Tuner

A very easy way of tuning your guitar. You either connect the guitar to the tuner via a cable, or use the in-build microphone. The tuner will then tell you whether the string is sharp or flat etc... Some tuners however seem to fluctuate a lot, which makes it difficult. Tuners come relatively cheap so it's worth the investment. You could also consider using our online guitar tuner.

1.2.3 Alternative Method of Tuning

If you tune the bottom E string correctly (for example by using a piano), the other strings can be tuned using this method:

Play the 5th fret on the E string and tune the A string to this note.
Now play the 5th fret on the A string and tune the D string to this note.
Now play the 5th fret on the D string and tune the G string to this note.
Now play the 4th fret on the G string and tune the B string to this note.
Finally play the 5th fret on the B string and tune the e string to this note.

1.2.4 Drop D Tuning

The guitar can in fact be tuned in many other different ways, on of the most common being drop D tuning, in which the E string is tuned down to a D. This can be achieved from a guitar tuned to E by tuning down the E string until the 7th fret on this string plays an A.

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