Tuning The Guitar

Before you can play the guitar, you need to tune it, i.e. set the strings at certain frequencies, using the tuning keys. Playing an untuned guitar doesn't usually produce much music, it only produces pointless noise. In this lesson, we will look at the various tuning methods which will tune our guitar to the standard tuning.

Electronic Tuner

Tuning the guitar without an electronic tuner can be a lot of trouble for the beginner guitarist. An electronic tuner tunes your instrument with precision, and is quite cheap. It is a small electronic device with a microphone input for acoustic or direct input for electric. When you play a string, it shows the note you are playing, and with how much precision it is tuned. You will decide whether you need to tighten or loosen the string to reach the desired note. You will need a knowledge of the chromatic notes to do this.

Online Tuners

There are also a number of tuners found online. Some of them are listed here:

• Guitar Tuner by Gieson Interactive - Let's you tune your guitar by ear. Plays a note, and you can play a string on your guitar to see if it matches the note, and tighten or loosen it accordingly. Downloadable and free.
• AP Guitar Tuner - This is, in my opinion, the most convenient software tuner available. This nice little tuner can take microphone or direct input from your soundcard, and tells you whether you need to tighten or loosen the string. Trial version, but all features are fully functional, and no time limit. Pay for it if you like it :)
• Digital Guitar Tuner - This also tunes your guitar by microphone or direct input from your soundcard. You may need a knowledge of the chromatic notes. It is downloadable and free, but installs some other software that shows ads and a toolbar.

I would recommend using the gieson interactive, as it will also help in developing your ear. Also download the AP Tuner, as tuning with it is much more easier and convenient.