How to Tune a Guitar

In this guide you will learn how to tune a guitar with a tuner or without one. How to use different tunings like half step down tuning or drop D tuning. What gear you will need and other other useful tips to get your guitar sounding right.

Step 1 Put your tuner on your headstock and then turn it on.

Step 2 Pluck the thickest string and read the screen. The thickest string is called the low E string or the 6th string.

Step 3 Twist the tuning knob counter clockwise to tighten the string or clockwise to loosen the string.

Step 4 When the first string is accurate move on to the A string next. Most songs use standard E tuning, E A D G B E.

Remember it easily with the phrase “Eddy Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddy.”

How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner

Use your phone. I recommend having guitar tuner app on your phone just in case. although investing in a clip on tuner can be more accurate and reliable. Many high rated tuner apps are available now and mostly for free including ones from Fender and Yousician. To use these apps just download, enable the microphone and set your phone down close to your guitar.

Tuning by ear is another option that you can learn how to do with practice. Justin Guitar has a video explaining the basics here.

What Gear Should I Get?

I recommend getting a clip on tuner that is universal so you can use it on any instrument. Make sure to get one that is rechargeable too. I have used the two most common clip on tuners, The Snark and the Fender Flash and both are accurate and easy to use.

Tuner pedals are an option sometimes used by live performers because they can be used silently and can be integrated into a pedal board. Having a tuner is nice but a free app gets the job done okay.

How to Tune Guitar Half Step Down

There are a couple common tunings you will come across other than standard E tuning. Like half step down tuning or drop D tuning used often in rock and metal.

Step 1 Turn your tuner to chromatic mode or half step down mode.

Step 2 Twist your tuning knob clockwise about half a turn down.

Step 3 Adjust until your tuner reads E flat shown as Eb.

Step 4 Continue to the next string until you have Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb.

Drop D tuning is D A D G B E. Only tune down the low E string a whole step down to D.