Tuning Extravaganza Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (04:03) Guitar Tuning Introduction

Playing the guitar well starts with playing a guitar that is in tune. There are several ways to tune the guitar. In this lesson, Jim Deeming discusses the advantages and disadvantages of several tuning methods.

You must learn the note names of each string before you learn the tuning process. Here is a review of the notes produced by the open strings.

6th String: E
5th String: A
4th String: D
3rd String: G
2nd String: B
1st String: E

Notice how the two E strings produce the same pitch. These two E notes are two octaves apart from one another.

Tuning Fork Method

Follow the instructions listed below when using a tuning fork.

1. Lightly smack the tuning fork on your leg.

2. Then, rest the bottom of the tuning fork on the bridge of your guitar. As the fork vibrates against the wood of the guitar, it produces the pitch A.

3. Match the pitch of the open fifth string to the note that the fork produces.

4. Continue with one of the procedures that Jim demonstrates in the scenes that follow. Chapter 2: (08:49) Tuning with a Piano Note: In order for this procedure to work, the piano used as a reference point must be in tune.

Find the pair of black keys located roughly in the middle of the piano keyboard. The note located to the left of the first black key in the pair is referred to as "middle C." The note to the right of the second black key is E. This key will provide you with a good reference when tuning your high E string. Identify where the remaining open string notes are located on the keyboard. Use Jim's marker board to ensure that you are using the correct piano note. Then, tune each remaining open string by using the appropriate piano key as a reference point.

The Fifth Fret Method

Once the low sixth string is in tune, use the following process.

Step 1: Fret the note A at the 5th fret of the 6th string. Match the pitch of the open 5th string to this note.

Step 2: Fret the note D at the 5th fret of the 5th string. Match the pitch of the open 4th string to this note.

Step 3: Fret the note G at the 5th fret of the 4th string. Match the pitch of the open 3rd string to this note.

Step 4: Fret the note B at the 4th fret of the 3rd string. Match the pitch of the open 2nd string to this note. This string features the only exception to the fifth fret method.

Step 5: Fret the note E at the 5th fret of the 2nd string. Match the pitch of the open first string to this note.

Tuning by ear is a skill that must be developed over time. Until you master this process, use some sort of electronic tuning device to help you.

Electronic tuners

There countless electronic tuners available in today's musical market. The most expensive and most effective tuners come in rack mountable units. Pedal tuners such as the Boss TU-2 provide a slightly less expensive yet equally effective option. Rack and pedal tuners allow you to mute your guitar sound in live situations. This way, people aren't forced to listed to the obnoxious tuning process.

For home practice use, any type of hand held, portable tuner will get the job done. Clip on tuners operate by sensing the vibration of the wood when a string is plucked. Other tuners attach directly to the body such as the Sabine AX 2000. This tuner is removable. However, it is difficult to remove. Do not buy this tuner if you wish to tune multiple guitars with a single tuner. Others have built in microphones that detect the pitch played. You must connect this type of tuner to your guitar with a patch cable when tuning an electric guitar. Chapter 3: (07:02) Clip-On Tuners Intellitouch makes the most popular clip-on tuners. These tuners can be adjusted to fit on any size of headstock. One version is back lit for dark live situations, and the other is not. These two options vary in price by about $15.

As you play an open string note, arrows appear on the tuning screen. The number of arrows on each side of the note name indicates whether you are sharp or flat. More arrows on the left indicates a note that is flat. If more arrows appear on the right side, the note is sharp. A note is perfectly in tune when the same number of arrows appear on both sides.

Troubleshooting

All tuners are slightly flighty. You have probably experienced this with your own tuner. Do not worry! Your tuner is not defective! Electronic tuners are highly sensitive devices. A number of issues can cause them to produce an inconclusive result. Extraneous noise in the room can confuse your tuner. As a result, you must minimize the amount of noise in the close proximity of the tuner. Sympathetic vibrations coming from other strings will also produce an inconclusive result. Mute all of the strings with the exception of the string you are tuning to eliminate this problem. In addition, always tune up to the desired pitch instead of down. This tends to produce a more accurate result. Chapter 4: ( 11:50) More Tuning Tips Tone Knob

Roll the tone knob all of the way down on your electric guitar when tuning.

Picking

The location of where you pick also effects the tuning process. Try picking the string directly in the middle of the fretboard (the 12th fret). Do not pick the string too hard. This will cause the string to go sharp at first. Give the note time to settle in with the tuner. Let the note sustain for a second or two before taking the reading from the tuner. This becomes less of a problem when tuning strings of higher tension. It's easy to over attack a guitar strung with 8's or 9's or a nylon string guitar.

Improper String Installation

Improperly installed strings also cause tuning issues. Refer back to lesson 4 to learn how to install your strings properly. Make sure your strings are fresh and in working condition. Fresh strings are always easier to keep in tune.

String Slippage

Creaking noises while tuning can be caused by a wrap of the string slipping out of place. Also, this problem can be caused by the string being pinched too tightly as it slides through the nut. This tension might equalize in the middle of a performance and knock your guitar out of tune. You can lubricate the nut with graphite from a pencil if you are experiencing this problem. Or, you can buy special lubrication from the guitar shop.

Capo Problems

Playing with a capo can cause tuning problems. The capo must be placed in the proper location and checked with a tuner. If it is clamped too tightly or too close to the fret, it will force the string to sound sharp. To eliminate this problem, give the strings a small tug after clamping on a capo. As a result, the strings will go slightly flat and balance out the problem.

Guitar Defects

A guitar with a warped neck and / or defective tuners will never stay in tune. Take your guitar to a professional repairman to address this issue.

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