Tuning Methods
There are many different methods to use to tune the guitar with some methods being more accurate than others. Some methods are relatively simple to use but some methods can be quite difficult and require a great deal of practice. The most popular methods of tuning the guitar will be covered in detail throughout the following pages.
Using a Tuner
The easiest and most accurate way to tune your guitar is by using an electronic tuner. We suggest you either purchase an electronic tuner from a music instrument store or download a tuning app onto your smartphone or tablet. There are many paid and free app options and we recommend Cleartune by BitCount (Android/ iOS) or PolyTune by TC Electronic (iOS).
An electronic tuner allows you to tune each string individually to the tuner, by indicating whether the notes are sharp (too high) or flat (too low). There are basically two types of electronic tuners. One type uses the position of a needle to indicate the correct pitch of a note and the other type uses a row of lights to indicate the correct pitch of a note. Most electronic tuners are relatively inexpensive and simple to operate.
Acoustic Guitars
If you have an acoustic guitar, the tuner will have an inbuilt microphone. All you will need to do is place the tuner close to the body of the guitar and pick each string. Pick each string cleanly. Do not pick the string aggressively as an incorrect reading will be given.
Sometimes the needle of the tuner’s meter or the lights will move unevenly and make the tuner difficult to use. This can be caused by several things;
- The inbuilt microphone is not picking up the sound of the string enough. Experiment with the distance between the tuner and the body of the guitar.
- The tuner could be picking up other sounds in the room. Ensure the room is quiet.
- Make sure the battery is fully powered. It is easy to forget to turn off a tuner and as a battery gets flat a poor reading will be given.
- Check that you are tuning the correct note, sometimes a string can be so out of tune that the tuner will mistake it for the wrong string.
Electric Guitars
If you have an electric guitar you can plug it directly into the tuner. The tuner has a normal guitar input jack that enables you to connect your guitar lead. Most guitar tuners also have an extra hole allowing you to connect your tuner inline between your guitar and amplifier.
Ensure that your guitar is plugged into the input jack and not the output jack that goes to the amplifier. Other things to consider when using an electronic tuner are:
- The volume control should be turned up, otherwise the tuner will not receive any signal and not register. Experiment between the volume of your guitar and how strongly you pick the string. Some tuners prefer not to receive a signal that is too strong.
- Set your pick-up switch. Use your pick-up that is closest to your neck and not the bridge.
- As you pick a string, try to stop the other strings sounding by touching them lightly with your left hand. This will stop the tuner hearing any ‘overtones’ from the other strings.
