You can tune a guitar using three methods:

  1. Standard guitar tuning method. It's also called "relative tuning". Done by ear.
  2. Using electronic device (buying a tuner for your mobile device)
  3. Using youtube video

Standard Guitar Tuning Method

Tuning the guitar is vital to sounding good. Here are some simple instructions that explain guitar tuning basics. The open strings of a guitar from the thickest to thinest are as follows:

The most common method for tuning both Electric and Acoustic guitars – and the one you can use when no other instrument or guitar tuner is at hand is:

Step 1: The E String

Tune the bottom E, as accurately as you can. Chances are it’s in tune anyways, being the thickest string it’s the least likely to detune itself than any of the others. If you have another instrument such as a Piano (which stays in tune for years), you can tune it to the 2nd E below middle C (aka C4). If you have no device or instrument handy just try to get it as accurate as possible, what really counts when you are playing is that the guitar is in tune with itself and any other instruments you might be playing with.

Step 2: The A String

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the bottom E string. That's an A note. Keep your finger on that fret. Now pick the fifth and six strings in turn, gently adjusting the fifth string tuning peg until the two notes are the same.

Step 3: The D String

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the A string. That's a D note. Tune the 4th string (the D note) to that.

Step 4: The G String

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the D string. That's a G note. Tune your G string to that note.

Step 5: The B String

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fourth fret (note the B string is the only one that comes from a different position the fourth fret, the rest are from the 5th fret).

Step 6: Tuning the E String

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the B string. That’s a E note.

Using electronic device

One of the easiest (but not the cheapest) ways to tune your guitar is to buy guitar tuner app. You can use our Guitar Tools for tuning your guitar.

Tuning your guitar using a video

Otherwise, just watch video below.

Watch the video