There are not many instruments that are as versatile as the guitar. Along with its smaller size, it is one of the most portable instruments too. However, it doesn’t matter how easy it is to carry or play if it isn’t tuned properly.
As with all stringed instruments, a guitar requires proper tuning to sound, well, good. Before you play your guitar, you must ensure it is tuned properly. The good news is that tuners make this job a lot easier.
Let’s get into it!
How to tune a guitar without a tuner
Whether it’s an online tuner, a phone tuner, a built-in tuner, or a clip-on physical tuner, you can find the right pitch immediately and precisely. Then, all you need to do is turn the tuning pegs to match the strings with the tuner’s pitch.
However, tuners are not always at hand. If you pick up an untuned guitar and want to show off at a party, you’ll want to tune it first. Chances are, however, that no tuner will be present.
If your guitar is in need of good tuning but you have no tuner nearby, you will need to learn the basics of tuning a guitar by ear.
In this article, we are going to show you how to tune your guitar without a tuner. We will go through some tips and tuning methods so you will never have to play an out-of-tune guitar ever again.
Things you need to tune a guitar
To tune your guitar by ear, all you need is your guitar and yourself. Once the instrument is in your hands, you will want to familiarise yourself with its features and facets.
Features of a guitar
- The strings – A regular, typical guitar has six strings. The thickest to the thinnest are E, A, D, G, B, and E (standard tuning – we’ll explain this more below). These strings run from the neck of the guitar to the bridge.
- Tuning keys – The tuning keys are found on the head of the guitar. Each of the six strings is attached to its own tuning key. When they meet the key, the strings usually enter a small hole and wrap around the key as you tighten it.
As you turn these keys, the strings can become tighter or looser which, in turn, changes the pitch of the string. If the string is tighter, it will produce a higher-pitched note while a looser string will have a lower-pitched note. - The frets – These are the metal ridges that run horizontally across the neck of the guitar. When you press down a string onto one of these frets, the string’s length changes which produces a different note when you strum or pick the strings.
Related Article: How to clean a fretboard
Tuning your guitar by ear
There are actually numerous ways to tune a guitar. The first thing you need to decide is what kind of tuning you want to achieve from the instrument.
Both electric and acoustic guitars sound great with different tunings such as open tunings where you can strum all of the strings together to make a very pleasing sound.
Each tuning lends itself to certain genres of music such as jazz, classical, or even flamenco. However, we are going to focus on the most used tuning today: standard tuning.
When no tuner is available, this is the tuning most guitarists will go to, and what most popular songs you hear use.
Standard tuning
When you tune your guitar to a standard tuning, the highest and lowest (thickest and thinnest) strings will both be an E note. Between these E strings, you will find two octaves.
In other words, your notes from the highest to the lowest follow a structure of E-A-D-G-B-E. Quick tip – You can remember these strings by memorizing “Every-Animal-Does-Good-Before-Eating.”
Generally, you should start tuning your guitar from the low E string. A guitar’s strings are numbered from one to six. The highest note begins this sequence while the low E string is the sixth string.
This is also the thickest string meaning it is much easier to tune than others. Once you tune this string, you can learn to tune the rest of the instrument to a perfect pitch.
Tuning your guitar
So, now it’s time to tune your guitar without that trusty tuner.
Deep breath and let’s go!
Steps
- Begin with the sixth string (the low E string). This is the thickest of the six strings.
- Find the fifth fret, counting from the guitar’s head end. The fret refers to the space between the metal ridges along the neck of the guitar.
- Place your finger just before the metal ridge that meets the sixth fret and press the E string down. Now, gently pick or strum the string
- This note you hear is an A. Simply adjust the next string down by turning the tuning peg until the pitch equals the A note.
- Continue to do this until you reach the 4th string (G string). Here, you will need to press down on the 4th fret. This will play a B note.
- Again, strum the string and adjust the tuning peg on the 5th string to match the B note.
- Once this is tuned, press down on the fifth fret of the 5th string (B) and tune the 6th string (E) to this pitch.
You can also play an open low E string (not frets being pressed down) and match the high E string with this tune.
Once you have done all of these steps, your guitar should be tuned! You may have to tweak a few strings over again but you should be close to pitch-perfect!
In Summary
To check if your guitar is properly in tune, you can buy or find a tuner and test it with it. Electronic tuners work with both electric and acoustic and are the best ways to get a perfectly tuned guitar.
But, with a little practice and patience, you can enjoy a tuned guitar every time you play from then on. And don’t be afraid to play around with tunings as you become more experienced.
The possibilities are almost endless!
FAQs
How do I tune my guitar by ear if I am a beginner?
If you’re a beginner, tuning your guitar by ear can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice, it will become easier.
You can start by using a reference pitch, such as a piano or another guitar, and tuning the low E string to the reference pitch. Then, tune the other strings relative to the low E string.
Another method is to use harmonics to tune your guitar. This method requires a bit more practice, but it is a more precise way of tuning your guitar.
To do this, lightly touch the string at the 12th fret and pluck it, producing a harmonic. Then, compare the harmonic with the harmonic produced by the same note on the next string, and adjust the tuning accordingly.
Can I use a smartphone app to tune my guitar without a physical tuner?
Yes, there are many guitar tuning apps available for smartphones that you can use to tune your guitar. These apps use the microphone on your phone to detect the sound of each string and give you feedback on whether the string is in tune or needs to be adjusted.
Are there any online resources or videos that can help me learn how to tune my guitar by ear?
Yes, there are many online resources and videos that can help you learn how to tune your guitar by ear. YouTube is a great place to start (see below), as there are many tutorials available that can walk you through the process step-by-step.
You can also search for articles and blogs that provide detailed instructions and tips for tuning your guitar by ear.
How often should I tune my guitar without a tuner, and how can I tell if it needs to be tuned?
You should tune your guitar every time you play it, regardless of whether you have a tuner or not. Guitars can go out of tune quickly, especially if you’re playing a lot or if you’re traveling with your guitar.
You can tell if your guitar needs to be tuned by playing a chord or a few notes and listening carefully to see if the sound is off. If the notes sound out of tune or if the chords don’t sound right, then it’s time to tune your guitar.
In general, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of tuning your guitar before each practice or performance, even if you’re using a tuner.
This will help ensure that your guitar sounds its best and that you’re playing in tune with the other musicians you’re playing with.
YouTube video guide: How to tune a guitar without a tuner?
Happy Playing!
