How To Tune Your Classical Guitar

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Tuning your guitar isn’t just about precision; it’s about setting the stage for a performance as unforgettable as your last internet date – full of surprises and, hopefully, ending on a good note. Let’s dive into the world of guitar tuning, where the right twist can mean the difference between a melody and a malady.

The Standard Tuning: EADGBE

Standard tuning is like a reliable friend who’s always there for you, no matter how many alternative tunings you flirt with. Here’s the lowdown on getting it just right:

1. E (6th string): This is your foundation, the base from which all your musical flights of fancy will take off. Use a reference pitch from another instrument, a tuning fork, or a digital tuner. This string should vibrate at 82.41 Hz for that perfect low E.
2. A (5th string): Press down on the 5th fret of the E string, and you’ll find your A pitch. Tune the A string until it matches this note. It should resonate at 110 Hz when tuned correctly.
3. D (4th string): Moving to the A string, press the 5th fret again to find D. Adjust the D string until it’s in harmony with this pitch, which should be at 146.83 Hz.
4. G (3rd string): Hit the 5th fret on the D string for G, and tune the G string accordingly. A well-tuned G string should oscillate at 196 Hz.
5. B (2nd string): This time, switch things up and press the 4th fret on the G string to get your B note. Fine-tune the B string to match this pitch, aiming for 246.94 Hz.
6. E (1st string): Lastly, return to the 5th fret, this time on the B string, to find that high E. Adjust the 1st string until it sings at the sweet frequency of 329.63 Hz.

And there you have it, the bedrock of your musical adventures. Standard tuning is like the base layer of your favorite outfit – start here, and then accessorize as you please.

Alternative Tuning: DADGAD

DADGAD is the mysterious stranger of guitar tunings – intriguing, exotic, and a bit unpredictable. Perfect for those looking to add a dash of mystery to their sound:

1. D (6th string): Drop your E string down to D, giving your guitar a deeper, more resonant base. This tuning opens up a new realm of sonic possibilities, particularly for fingerstyle and Celtic music.
2. A (5th string): The A string stays put, serving as a stable middle ground for this tuning’s distinctive sound.
3. D (4th string): Keep the D string in its standard tuning position, reinforcing the tuning’s droning, hypnotic quality.
4. G (3rd string): The G string also remains unchanged, acting as a familiar stepping stone within this new landscape.
5. A (2nd string): Tune your B string down to A, adding to the open, airy feel of this tuning.
6. D (1st string): Finally, bring your high E string down to D, completing the transformation and fully embracing the DADGAD tuning’s unique vibe.

DADGAD is like the wildcard of tunings – you never quite know where it’ll take you, but you’re guaranteed an exciting ride.

Open Tuning

Open tunings are the free spirits of the guitar world, turning every strum into a chord and making your guitar sing with a full, resonant voice. Let’s explore Open G and Open D:

Open G (DGDGBD)

Open G is your ticket to slide guitar heaven, beloved by blues and folk musicians alike:

1. D (6th string): Drop the low E string down to D to start the open G journey.
2. G (5th string): Tune the A string down a whole step to G, enhancing the open chord sound.
3. D (4th string): The D string stays as is, perfectly positioned for this tuning.
4. G (3rd string): G remains unchanged, a familiar anchor in this open tuning.
5. B (2nd string): The B string also stays in standard tuning, rounding out the open chord.
6. D (1st string): Lastly, lower the high E string to D, cementing the open G tuning.

With Open G, your guitar becomes a juggernaut of rhythm and melody, all with the flick of your wrist.

Open D (DADF#AD)

Open D is the tuning for soulful seren

ades and intricate fingerpicking, a favorite among singer-songwriters:

1. D (6th string): Bring down your E string to D to set the stage.
2. A (5th string): The A string remains in its natural state, ready and waiting.
3. D (4th string): D stays put, maintaining the tuning’s structural integrity.
4. F# (3rd string): Lower your G string a half step to F#, adding a sharp edge to the chord’s character.
5. A (2nd string): The B string steps down to A, blending seamlessly into the tuning’s fabric.
6. D (1st string): The high E string drops to D, completing the open D tuning’s rich tapestry.

Open D is like a well-aged whiskey – complex, deep, and utterly satisfying.

Drop D Tuning

Drop D is the tuning of choice for rockers and metalheads, a one-way ticket to riff city with the bonus of making your guitar sound like it’s been possessed by the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll:

1. D (6th string): Simply lower your E string to D for that instant gratification. It’s like flipping a switch and watching the stage lights come on.

Drop D tuning packs a punch, turning every power chord into a declaration of musical might.

How to Tune Your Guitar by Ear

Tuning by ear is like navigating a ship by the stars – it takes patience, skill, and a bit of old-world charm:

1. Find a reference note: Whether it’s from another instrument, a tuning fork, or the eternal hum of the universe, start with something solid.
2. Tune the 6th string first: Get that low E (or D) in line, and the rest will follow like ducklings.
3. Use the 5th fret method: Except for that pesky B string, which prefers the 4th fret. Adjust until each string is singing in harmony with its neighbor.
4. Trust your ears: They’re smarter than you think. If something sounds off, it probably is. Adjust, rinse, and repeat.

Tuning by ear is a lost art, but master it, and you’ll be the envy of guitarists everywhere – a true maestro of the strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar Digitally

In the 21st century, why not let technology lend a hand? Digital tuners are like the dating apps of the music world – they take a lot of the guesswork out, but you still need to bring your A-game:

1. Clip on or plug in: Your digital tuner is your wingman, ready to guide you to perfect pitch.
2. Pluck and adjust: Strum each string, watching the tuner’s feedback like you’re deciphering a lover’s signals.
3. Aim for the green: When the tuner smiles back with a green light, you know you’ve hit the sweet spot.
4. Repeat with each string: Methodically work your way through each string, until your guitar is in perfect harmony.

With a digital tuner, you’re always just a few tweaks away from perfect tuning – no muss, no fuss, just pure, unadulterated harmony.

In modern day, you can tune using your smartphone with various apps. But if you’d like a dedicated tuner you can just leave laying around for quick use, I would recommend the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner. It’s a bestseller on Amazon and they make a great product.

Tuning your guitar is a journey, full of highs, lows, and the occasional out-of-tune string. Whether you’re a purist tuning by ear or a modernist with a digital tuner clipped to your headstock, the goal is the same: to make music that moves, excites, and, above all, sounds just right. So go ahead, give those pegs a twist, and let the music flow. For more information on recording music using your newly tuned guitar, click below to view our blog post about setting up a home recording studio.