How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Easily with an Electric Tuner

Are you an acoustic guitar enthusiast searching for a reliable and efficient way to tune your instrument? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of tuning your acoustic guitar using an electric tuner (especially if you bought one of our recommended guitars!). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this step-by-step tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve precise tuning. Let’s get started!

Choosing A Tuning Method

Tuning a guitar is the process of adjusting the tension of the strings so that they vibrate at the correct frequency. The correct frequency for each string is determined by the standard tuning of a guitar. Below are the standard notes tuned on an acoustic guitar from the largest diameter or thickest to the thinnest:

• String 6 = E
• String 5 = A
• String 4 = D
• String 3 = G
• String 2 = B
• String 1 = E

There are two main ways to tune a guitar: by ear and with a tuner.

Tuning by ear is the traditional way to tune a guitar. It requires a good sense of pitch and the ability to hear the difference between notes. To tune by ear, you will need to know the correct frequencies for each string. You can find these frequencies online or in a guitar tuning chart.

Once you know the correct frequencies, you can start tuning your guitar. Start with the low E string and adjust the tuning peg until the string vibrates at the correct frequency. Then, tune the A string, the D string, the G string, the B string, and the high E string.

Tuning with a tuner is a more accurate way to tune a guitar. A tuner is a device that measures the frequency of the strings and displays it on a screen. This makes it easy to see if the strings are in tune.

To tune with a tuner, start by strumming the string that you want to tune. The tuner will display the frequency of the string. If the frequency is not correct, adjust the tuning peg until the frequency is correct. The rest of this article deals with tuning using an electric tuner.

Understanding Electric Tuners

Electric guitar tuners work by measuring the frequency of the strings and displaying it on a screen. This makes it easy to see if the strings are in tune.

There are two main types of electric guitar tuners:

• Clip-on tuners: Clip-on tuners attach to the headstock of the guitar and they use a vibration sensor to measure the frequency of the strings.
• Pedal tuners: Pedal tuners are connected to the guitar’s output jack and they use a microphone to measure the frequency of the strings.

Both clip-on tuners and pedal tuners work in a similar way. The tuner first converts the sound of the strings into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then processed by the tuner and the frequency of the signal is determined. The frequency of the signal is then displayed on the tuner’s screen.

The accuracy of an electric guitar tuner depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the tuner, the type of tuner, and the environment in which the tuner is used. In general, clip-on tuners are less accurate than pedal tuners. However, clip-on tuners are more portable and they are easier to use.

Here are some of the most common types of electric guitar tuners:

• Strobe tuners: Strobe tuners are the most accurate type of electric guitar tuner. They work by displaying a strobe light that is synchronized to the frequency of the strings. When the strings are in tune, the strobe light will appear to be stationary.
• Digital tuners: Digital tuners are the most common type of electric guitar tuner. They are accurate and they are easy to use. Digital tuners typically have a display that shows the frequency of the strings.
• Harmonic tuners: Harmonic tuners work by detecting the harmonics of the strings. Harmonics are overtones that are produced by the strings. When the strings are in tune, the harmonics will be evenly spaced.

No matter what type of electric guitar tuner you choose, it is important to calibrate the tuner before you use it. Calibration ensures that the tuner is accurate.

Selecting the Right Electric Tuner

Choosing the right electric tuner is essential for optimal tuning accuracy. Consider the following factors when selecting an electric tuner for your acoustic guitar:

1. Clip-On Tuners: Clip-on tuners attach to the headstock of your guitar and detect vibrations to determine the pitch. They are convenient, portable, and suitable for acoustic guitars.
2. Pedal Tuners: Pedal tuners are larger units that require a power source and are commonly used with electric guitars and pedalboards. However, they can also be used with acoustic guitars in a studio or performance setting. We’ve got an entire article on the best pedal guitar tuners.
3. Smartphone Tuner Apps: If you prefer a digital solution, smartphone tuner apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps utilize the microphone on your smartphone to analyze the pitch of each string.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tune Your Acoustic Guitar with an Electric Tuner

Now let’s explore the step-by-step process to tune your acoustic guitar using an electric tuner:

1. Attach the electric tuner to the headstock of your guitar, plug it into your pedal tuner, or place your smartphone nearby.
2. Turn on the electric tuner or launch the tuner app on your smartphone.
3. Pluck the low E string (the thickest string) and observe the tuner’s display or app’s visual indicator.
4. Adjust the tuning peg for the low E string until the indicator aligns with the center or indicates the desired pitch. Typically, if the indicator is to the left of the center line, then the string is too low or flat. If the indicator is to the right, then the string is too high or sharp.
5. Repeat the process for each remaining string (A, D, G, B, and high E) using the corresponding tuner or app display.
6. After tuning all strings, go through the process again to ensure accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.

Essential Tips for Tuning Success

To optimize your acoustic guitar tuning with an electric tuner, consider the following tips:

1. Pluck the string gently. Ensure that you pluck the string with a consistent and moderate force to produce a clear and stable pitch for the tuner.
2. It is always best to raise the string to the pitch desired rather than to lower it down to the pitch desired.
3. Mute other strings. While tuning each string, lightly touch or mute the other strings to prevent them from interfering with the tuner’s detection.
4. Fine-tuning adjustments. Once the tuner indicates that the string is in tune, make slight adjustments to find the sweet spot and achieve the perfect pitch.
5. Check your guitar tuning regularly. Regularly check and adjust your guitar’s tuning, as environmental factors and string tension can cause it to drift.

Tips for Keeping Your Guitar in Tune

• Use high-quality strings. High-quality strings are made from materials that are less likely to stretch and go out of tune.
• Stretch your strings after you tune them. This will help them to stay in tune longer.
• Keep your guitar in a cool, dry place. Temperature and humidity changes can cause strings to go out of tune.
• Avoid playing your guitar in extreme temperatures or humidity. This will help to prevent the strings from going out of tune.
• Check your tuning regularly. Strings can go out of tune over time, so it is important to check your tuning regularly.
• If you are playing in a cold environment, you can warm up your strings by playing them for a few minutes before you start playing.
• If you are playing in a humid environment, you can dry out your strings by wiping them down with a dry cloth.
• If your strings are going out of tune quickly, you may need to adjust the truss rod. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs along the neck of the guitar. It helps to keep the neck of the guitar straight. If the truss rod is not adjusted properly, it can cause the strings to go out of tune.

With a little care and attention, you can keep your guitar in tune for longer periods of time.

Conclusion:

Tuning your acoustic guitar using an electric tuner is a convenient and efficient method to achieve precise and accurate tuning. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the essential tips provided, you’ll be able to tune your acoustic guitar with confidence and optimize your playing experience. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to revisit the tuning process regularly to ensure consistent results.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.