Three Major Ways of Tuning A Guitar
Reference Tuning is tuning the guitar’s strings to another source such as a pitch pipe, piano, or another guitar.
The reference pitch is first played and then the corresponding pitch (generally an open string) is played on the guitar. The tuning pegs are then turned either to the left or the right, moving the pitch of the string up or down until the pitch of he reference instrument and the pitch of the guitar are exactly the same.
This is probably the most difficult method and it’s best to have someone who knows how show you a couple of times until you get the hang of it.
Relative Tuning is the process of tuning the guitar to itself.
Notes and chords will sound correct as long as the guitar is playing solo, but the pitch of the entire guitar may be too high or too low when compared to another instrument. Play the low E string at the fifth fret, then play the A string open. These two pitches should be exactly the same.
Move the tuning key for the A string either flat or sharp as necessary until the two strings both ring at the same pitch. Repeat this process for the width of the guitar with the exception of the second, or B, string.
To tune this string you must play on the third, or G, string at the fourth fret. Return to the fifth fret to tune the high E string.
Electronic Tuning is generally the easiest form of tuning for the novice guitarist to master.
This method uses an electronic tuner to locate the correct pitches. Electronic tuners are available at any music store for $20-$35. You generally get what you pay for with these things and, unfortunately, the more expensive tuners tend to be much more accurate and thus, easier to use.
Purchase the best model of tuner that you can reasonably afford – it will pay off in the long run.
Reference Tuning is tuning the guitar’s strings to another source such as a pitch pipe, piano, or another guitar.
The reference pitch is first played and then the corresponding pitch (generally an open string) is played on the guitar. The tuning pegs are then turned either to the left or the right, moving the pitch of the string up or down until the pitch of he reference instrument and the pitch of the guitar are exactly the same.
This is probably the most difficult method and it’s best to have someone who knows how show you a couple of times until you get the hang of it.
Relative Tuning is the process of tuning the guitar to itself.
Notes and chords will sound correct as long as the guitar is playing solo, but the pitch of the entire guitar may be too high or too low when compared to another instrument. Play the low E string at the fifth fret, then play the A string open. These two pitches should be exactly the same.
Move the tuning key for the A string either flat or sharp as necessary until the two strings both ring at the same pitch. Repeat this process for the width of the guitar with the exception of the second, or B, string.
To tune this string you must play on the third, or G, string at the fourth fret. Return to the fifth fret to tune the high E string.
Electronic Tuning is generally the easiest form of tuning for the novice guitarist to master.
This method uses an electronic tuner to locate the correct pitches. Electronic tuners are available at any music store for $20-$35. You generally get what you pay for with these things and, unfortunately, the more expensive tuners tend to be much more accurate and thus, easier to use.
Purchase the best model of tuner that you can reasonably afford – it will pay off in the long run.
comments
Post a Comment