1.
First, you need to know the letter names and numbers of each string if you do not already know them:
1 string: (thinnest) HIGH E ————————–
Second string: B ————— ———–
3rd string: G ————————–
4 string: D ————————–
5th string: A ————- ————-
6th string: (thickest) LOW E ————————–
Let’s get started!
If you assume that you do not have a reference frame such as a piano or a tuning fork, we will set the guitar to itself.
Continue and adjust the 6th string to where enough tension is produced to create a solid tone. If the string appears loose or jiggly, tighten the corresponding pin to tighten it.
Place a finger on the fifth row of the low E-string. Play this note, and then, when it rings, play the 5th string.
Find out if the note is too high or low in pitch and adjust the 5th string adjustment pin to the exact pitch of the ringing 6th string.
2.
Now let’s repeat the same steps to tune the 4th string:
Place a finger on the fifth string of the fifth string. Play this note, and then as it rings, play the 4th string as well.
Determine if the note is too high or low in pitch and adjust the 4th string adjustment pin to the exact pitch of the ringing 5th string.
3.
Repeat the same steps to tune the 3rd string:
Place a finger on the fifth fret of the 4th string. Play this note, and then as it rings, play the third string as well.
Determine if the note is too high or low in pitch and adjust the third string adjustment pin to the exact pitch of the ringing fourth string.
4.
OK, here’s a little change to the procedure for setting the second string:
Place a finger on the fourth 3rd string. Play this note, and then as it rings, play the second string as well.
Determine if the note is too high or low in pitch and adjust the second string setting to the exact pitch of the 3rd string ring.
Finally, it is back to the formation to tune the 1st string:
Place one finger on the 5th string of the second string. Play this note, and when it rings, play the 1st string as well.
Determine if the note is too high or low in pitch and adjust the first string tuning pin to the exact pitch of the ringing 2nd string.
You may want to go through the process again to fine tune it, but that’s it! Let that E-chord ring out, but do not wake up the neighbors!
6.
To tune a 4-string bass guitar, follow exactly the same procedure as above:
1st —————— ——-
2 D ————————-
3rd A —— ——————-
4th E ————————-
As a guitar instructor, I am constantly told by parents and students that they simply do not know how to tune a guitar without using an electronic tuner. That is, until I show them. But what about all the people who do not take lessons and just want to know so that they can tune the old guitar that has been in the closet for many years. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to get that guitar up to par!
Click on the image for close-up.
Source:danspela.com