Learning to tune your acoustic guitar is a critical part of playing music. Trust us, everything sounds better in tune. We’re here with simple instructions and an easy to follow How-To video to show you how.
How Often Should I Tune My Guitar?
You’ll want to tune your guitar every time you pick it up. As you play, you’ll naturally bend and stretch the strings so it slightly comes out of tune. If you’re playing for a long period of time, it’s normal to need to tune again. Eventually, you’ll become familiar with the notes and be able to easily identify when your guitar needs tuning.
What Are the Notes?
While there are many advanced tuning options, the most common guitar tuning scheme is called ‘E standard.’ The notes are E-A-D-G-B-E.
Sharp Notes
When a note is sharp, this means that the note is higher in pitch than it should be.
Flat Notes
When a note is flat, this means that the note is lower in pitch than it should be.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Guitar
Watch our friend Mike Adams as he walks us through tuning a guitar.
- Grab your tuner — we recommend one that clips on to your headstock.
- Pluck the low E string and observe the color on the screen of your tuner. If the note is flat, you need to tighten your tuning peg. If the note is sharp, you’ll need to loosen your tuning peg.
Note: It’s always best to tune up to the note rather than tune down. When a note is sharp and you tune down, the guitar is more likely to come out of tune.
- When the tuner is green, that means the note is in tune!
- Repeat steps 2–3 for all 6 strings.
______
If you’re still having trouble, feel free to email us at hello@orangewoodguitars.com. And check out our Care & Maintenance page for more How-To tips and tricks.
