Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: The basics of voting
• Tips
• Warnings

A guitar out of tune does not sound like music to your ears. Because strings tend to get out of tune over time due to the slackening of the strings, learning to tune an acoustic guitar should be the first thing beginners are taught to ensure that you learn how to play a guitar that sounds great. You can learn the basics of tuning, how to fine tune your guitar to get it as precise as possible, and some alternative methods of getting your strings to the right pitch. See step 1 for more information.

To step

Part 1 of 3: The basics of voting

1. Let the wood rest. Make sure the strings are about close in tuning and then continue with the fine tuning, especially if you are adding new strings. The strings put a lot of tension (hundreds of pounds) on the neck and body of the guitar, and acoustic guitars are very prone to shifting and settling down, especially older cabinets and different types of wood.
   • Don't get frustrated when you have tuned the guitar perfectly and you can start over a few minutes later. This is normal. Pull the strings while tuning to tighten them and leave them alone for a few minutes before checking again.
2. Tune the guitar harmoniously. With this you won't be able to tune the correct pitch (unless you have absolute pitch), but at least you can tune your guitar so that the strings are in tune with each other by getting the intervals of all the strings correct.
   • When you press the low E string on the fifth fret, you play an A. So, to tune the guitar, you play an A on the E string and tune the A string. This is a good way to check the relationship between all of the strings after consulting an electronic tuner, or simply tune the guitar so you can play or practice on your own.
   • This is true for the relationship between all strings except the G and B. For that interval, press the G string at the fourth fret, which is supposed to be the note B.
3. Use alternate tunings for your guitar. It really isn't always necessary to tune your guitar the same way all the time. Famous guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and John Fahey regularly use alternate tunings for some of their most famous songs, and alternate tunings are great for playing Delta blues or slide guitar styles. Some guitarists like to tune the bottom string down in a D, rather than an E, which makes it easier to play certain chords and certain types of music. This is called Drop-D tuning. Other common alternative tunings are:
   • Irish vote (DADGAD)
   • Open C tuning (CGCGCE)
   • Open D tuning (DADF # AD
   • Open G tuning (DGDGBD)

Tips

• Guitar strings are more likely to detune when they are old, as well as when they are brand new. Strings played excessively are often impossible to keep in tune.
• To extend the life of your strings, clean them after use with a lint-free cloth or a recommended cleaning agent.

Warnings

• If you are learning how to tune an acoustic guitar, remember that straining strings can cause them to break, resulting in injury.