TuneTuning is the first thing to do every time you pick up a guitar. It takes under a minute once you know the routine.
1. Know the six notes
From the thickest string to the thinnest, standard tuning is E A D G B E. The thickest is the 6th string, the thinnest is the 1st.
2. Tune with a tuner
Open the guitar tuner, press Start, and pluck the 6th string. If the bar is left of center the string is flat; tighten it. If it's right of center, loosen it a little below the note and tighten back up. Repeat for each string.
3. Check by ear
Press the 6th string at the 5th fret: it should match the open 5th string. Do the same up the neck, except the 3rd string, where you press the 4th fret to match the open 2nd string.
4. Keep it in tune
- Stretch new strings gently and retune several times.
- Let the guitar adjust to the room's temperature before tuning.
- Tune again after the first few minutes of playing.