Tuning the Guitar to Itself
The methods outlined on the previous pages involved comparing each individual string to another note. However it is essential that you are able to tune the guitar to itself, meaning it is important to be able to check each string with the other strings on the guitar.
The following method requires the sixth string to be already in tune. If it is not possible to have the sixth string in tune using one of the previous methods discussed then it may be necessary to seek assistance with getting the sixth string as close as possible to concert pitch. It is acceptable to tune the guitar to itself, though not be at concert pitch, i.e. in tune with other instruments.
The most important thing to consider with this method is that the pitch of your sixth string must not be too far below or too far above concert pitch. Remember that if your guitar has already been correctly tuned and you have followed correct maintenance procedure as outlined earlier then your strings should only require minor tuning. Therefore your guitar should not be too far below or above concert pitch.
Once you are satisfied with the pitch of the sixth string the following steps should be followed;
Step 1 Tuning the 5th String to the 6th String
Place a left hand finger on the 6th string at the fifth fret, and play the string. Play the open 5th string (an A note). If this note sounds the same as the note you played on the 6th string at the fifth fret, the open 5th string is in tune. If the open 5th string sounds higher, it means that it is sharp.
Turn the tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction therefore lowering the pitch of the note. If the open 5th string sounds lower, it means that it is flat. Turn the tuning key slowly in a counter-clockwise direction thus raising the pitch of the note. Note: Ensure that you are turning the correct tuning key and listen to the string change pitch as you turn the tuning key. Play the two strings again and compare the notes. Keep doing this until the open A string sounds the same as the A note at the fifth fret of the 6th string.
Step 2 Tuning the 4th String to the 5th String
Place a left hand finger on the 5th string at the fifth fret, and play the string. Play the open 4th string (a D note). If this note sounds the same as the note you played on the 5th string at the fifth fret, the open 4th string is in tune. If the open 4th string sounds higher, it means that it is sharp.
Turn the tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction therefore lowering the pitch of the note. If the open 4th string sounds lower, it means that it is flat. Turn the tuning key slowly in a counter-clockwise direction thus raising the pitch of the note. Play the two strings again and compare the notes. Keep doing this until the open D string sounds the same as the D note at the fifth fret of the 5th string.
Step 3 Tuning the 3rd String to the 4th String
Now place a left hand finger on the 4th string at the fifth fret, and play the string. Play the open 3rd string (a G note). If this note sounds the same as the note you played on the 4th string at the fifth fret, the open 3rd string is in tune. If the open 3rd string sounds higher, turn the tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction to lower the pitch of the note.
If the open 3rd string sounds lower, turn the tuning key slowly in a counter-clockwise direction to raise the pitch of the note. Play the two strings again and compare the notes. Keep doing this until the open G string sounds the same as the G note at the fifth fret of the 4th string.
Step 4 Tuning the 2nd String to the 3rd String
Now place a left hand finger on the 3rd string at the fourth fret, and play the string. Play the open 2nd string (a B note). If this note sounds the same as the note you played on the 3rd string at the fourth fret, the open 2nd string is in tune. If the open 2nd string sounds higher, turn the tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction to lower the pitch of the note.
If the open 2nd string sounds lower, turn the tuning key slowly in a counter-clockwise direction to raise the pitch of the note. Play the two strings again and compare the notes. Keep doing this until the open B string sounds the same as the B note at the fourth fret of the 3rd string.
Step 5 Tuning the 1st String to the 2nd String
Finally, place a left hand finger on the 2nd string at the fifth fret, and play the string. Play the open 1st string (an E note). If this note sounds the same as the note you played on the 2nd string at the fifth fret, the open 1st string is in tune. If the open 1st string sounds higher, turn the tuning key slowly in a clockwise direction to lower the pitch of the note.
If the open 1st string sounds lower, turn the tuning key slowly in a counter-clockwise direction to raise the pitch of the note. Play the two strings again and compare the notes. Keep doing this until the open E string sounds the same as the E note at the fifth fret of the 2nd string.
