Essential Guitar Tuning Tips for Beginners
A well-tuned guitar is key to producing good sound. Furthermore tuning your guitar regularly will make sure you’re playing in harmony with the music, and will help train your ears. As a result you will begin to recognize the sounds of each note. Here’s a quick guide on how to tune your guitar and keep it in tune:
1. Standard Tuning
There are various ways to tune a guitar. You can even come up with one of your own, but the most common tuning is referred to as standard tuning. The strings are tuned to the notes EADGBE, from the lowest to highest string. This means:
- E (6th string – lowest, thickest string)
- A (5th string)
- D (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- E (1st string – highest, thinnest string)
2. Using a Tuner
The easiest way to tune your guitar is to use an electronic tuner. Clip-on tuners are affordable and accurate. Simply pluck each string, and the tuner will indicate if you need to tighten or loosen the string. Use Google Tuner which uses your computer/cellphone microphone to pick up the sounds of the guitar. It works great and it’s FREE!
3. Tuning by Ear
As you gain experience, you can also tune by ear. Play the 5th fret on the 6th string (E), then compare it to the open 5th string (A) and adjust accordingly. Repeat this process for each string except string 2. String 2 is compared to the note on fret 4 of string 3. Although this way of tuning works, it is best to use a tuner as they much more accurate.
4. Keep Your Guitar in Tune
- Temperature and humidity can affect tuning. Store your guitar in a stable environment. For instance, keeping acoustic guitars in hardshell cases limits their exposure to the elements.
- Always stretch new strings because it prevents them from slipping out of tune.
Non-Standard Tuning & Song Examples
Alternate Tunings can add style. For example, check out these songs:
1. Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
- Genre: Rock, metal, grunge
- What it does: Lowers the 6th string to D, making power chords easier and giving a heavier sound.
- Song example: “Everlong” by Foo Fighters – Dive into those driving riffs with one of rock’s iconic anthems!
2. DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
- Genre: Folk, Celtic, rock
- What it does: Creates a hypnotic, droning effect perfect for fingerstyle playing.
- Song example: “Black Mountain Side” by Led Zeppelin – Jimmy Page uses DADGAD here to bring a mystical, folky vibe to life.
3. Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
- Genre: Blues, slide, classic rock
- What it does: Sets up a G major chord for easy sliding and open chords.
- Song example: “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones – Keith Richards’ classic open G gives this hit its unmistakable groove.
4. Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
- Genre: Blues, folk, rock
- What it does: Produces a deep, resonant D major chord for a soulful blues sound.
- Song example: “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell – This tuning shines in Joni’s playful yet pointed tune about environmental issues.
5. Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
- Genre: Heavy metal, hardcore
- What it does: Lowers the guitar’s tuning, giving a heavy, growling tone.
- Song example: “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence – Drop C powers up this track’s intense, heavy sound that’s perfect for rock anthems.
6. Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
- Genre: Progressive rock, post-rock
- What it does: Sets up a C major chord that sounds lush and full—ideal for big, cinematic chords.
- Song example: “Ocean” by John Butler Trio – With its hypnotic riff, Open C is perfect for bringing out those shimmering, atmospheric sounds.
7. Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-D)
- Genre: Folk, rock, grunge
- What it does: Lowers both E strings to D, creating a deep, open sound.
- Song example: “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young – This classic tune gets its powerful sound from Double Drop D’s resonance.
8. Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
- Genre: Rock, blues
- What it does: Lowers each string by a half step, adding warmth and richness.
- Song example: “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan – The blues-rock legend used this tuning to achieve his signature thick tone.
9. Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)
- Genre: Blues, slide, rock
- What it does: Creates an E major chord right off the bat, excellent for slide guitar.
- Song example: “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes – That smooth, haunting slide sound comes from the Open E tuning here.