Once the neck adjustment is complete, you can begin tuning the strings.
Any musical instrument requires precise and fine tuning. This tuning is accomplished using a reference tone (a sound vibration at 440 Hz) and unison (when one tone “merges” with another into a single note). The guitar is no exception.
Every guitar has its own tuning. This tuning consists of six notes, each corresponding to a string. Between each string, there is a certain interval (distance) to ensure the harmonious sound of the entire instrument. The tuning is written using the Latin notation of the notes. It indicates which string is tuned to which note.
There are standard and alternate tunings.
Standard tuning is distinguished by its ease of playing chords without stretching the fingers. It is the basis for beginners and beyond. Starting with the thickest string, i.e., the treble, or treble, string, the string is the most accurate. From the sixth string to the thinnest string, the first, the tuning is written as follows: E, A, D, G, B, E. Each letter corresponds to a note: A – A, B – B, C – C, D – D, E – E, F – F, G – G.
Alternative tuning has strings tuned a semitone or a whole tone lower than standard. Alternative tuning will not be discussed here.
You can tune a guitar by ear or with a tuner.
Tuning by ear is divided into two methods.
The first method: tuning by ear using frets.
The second method: tuning by ear using harmonics.
Let’s now examine the second method in more detail.
Tuning by ear using harmonics (a complex method, not for beginners).
To learn how to tune an instrument using harmonics, you need to know how to do this.
Without pressing the string against the fretboard, lightly touch it with the pad of your finger above the fret. Then strike the string and quickly release your finger. The sound should be high-pitched and clear.
Tuning by harmonics, unlike tuning by frets, can be done using different algorithms, but the principle remains the same. We’ll look at the two most commonly used.
Algorithm 1. Tuning by the 12th fret.
A tuning fork is also used to tune the first note (A) – A (5th fret on the first string).
- Play a harmonic on the second string at the 12th fret. Press down on the 7th fret (B – B) on the first string. Both notes should sound the same. If not, adjust the knobs as with tuning by frets.
- Play a harmonic on the third string at the 12th fret. Press down on the 8th fret (G – G) on the second string. Both notes should sound identical. If not, adjust the knobs as for fret tuning.
- Play a harmonic on the fourth string at the 12th fret. Flip down the 7th fret (D) on the third string. Both notes should sound identical. If not, adjust the knobs as for fret tuning.
- Play a harmonic on the fifth string at the 12th fret. Flip down the 7th fret (A) on the fourth string. Both notes should sound identical. If not, adjust the knobs as for fret tuning.
- Play a harmonic on the sixth string at the 12th fret. Flip down the 7th fret (E) on the fifth string. Both notes should sound identical. If not, adjust the knobs as for fret tuning.
Algorithm 2. Tuning in fifth position.
To tune the first note (A) – A (5th fret on the first string), a tuning fork is also used.
- Take a harmonic on the sixth string at the 5th fret. Take a harmonic on the fifth string at the 7th fret. Both notes should sound identical. If not, then adjust the knobs, as with fret tuning.
- Take a harmonic on the fifth string at the 5th fret. Take a harmonic on the fourth string at the 7th fret. Both notes should sound identical. If not, then adjust the knobs, as with fret tuning.
- Take a harmonic on the fourth string at the 5th fret. Take a harmonic on the third string at the 7th fret. Both notes should sound identical. If not, then adjust the knobs, as with fret tuning.
- Play a harmonic on the third string at the 4th fret. Play a harmonic on the second string at the 5th fret. Both notes should sound the same. If not, adjust the knobs as you would for fret tuning.
- Play a harmonic on the second string at the 5th fret. Play a harmonic on the first string at the 7th fret. Both notes should sound the same. If not, adjust the knobs as you would for fret tuning.
Before learning to tune a guitar by ear, whether by frets or harmonics, you need to develop your musical ear for a long time. For those who can’t yet tune by ear, there are other tuning methods.
More on those in future posts…
