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How to tune a guitar
An out-of-tune guitar makes even correct chords sound wrong, which is discouraging when you are learning. Tuning takes a minute once you know how, and a tuner app on your phone does most of the listening for you.
A beginner’s guide to standard tuning, then guitar tuner apps.
Know the notes
In standard tuning, the strings from thickest to thinnest are E, A, D, G, B and E. A common memory trick is “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie”.
Use a tuner
Open a tuner app in a quiet room, pluck one string and watch the display. Turn the tuning peg slowly until the needle sits in the centre for the right note. A clip-on tuner works well in noisy places.
Tune up, then check again
If a string is sharp, loosen it below the note and tune up to it; strings hold pitch better that way. Tuning one string changes tension on the neck, so go through all six a second time.
Keep it in tune longer
New strings stretch and drop in pitch for a while; gently stretch them and retune. Keep the guitar away from heaters and big temperature changes. For chords to play next, compare guitar chords apps; for tuners, see guitar tuner apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Learn the strings | E A D G B E, thick to thin | know your target notes |
| 2. Use a tuner | app or clip-on | accurate and quick |
| 3. Tune up to the note | loosen below, then tighten | holds pitch better |
| 4. Check twice | go through all strings again | neck tension shifts |
| 5. Keep it in tune | stretch new strings, store well | less retuning |
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of standard guitar tuning?
From the thickest to the thinnest string: E, A, D, G, B, E.
Can I tune a guitar with my phone?
Yes. A tuner app listens through the microphone and shows whether each string is in tune.
Why does my guitar go out of tune quickly?
New strings stretch, and temperature and humidity changes affect tuning. Stretch new strings and keep the guitar in a stable place.