How to tune your guitar

An out-of-tune guitar is generally obvious when you play a chord, but if you're just getting started, it might not be so clear. Here are a couple of tips:

Listen for disharmony

• Strum a few chords and listen carefully. If the chords sound off, with notes clashing instead of blending harmoniously, your guitar is likely out of tune. This is especially noticeable with common guitar chords like G, C, and D.

Check single notes

• Play each string individually. Even if the chords sound somewhat acceptable, single notes can more clearly reveal tuning issues. If any string sounds flat or sharp compared to its expected pitch, it needs adjustment.

Now, let's look at how to adjust the strings using the tuning pegs on the headstock.

Tuning pegs, also known as machine heads, tuning keys or tuners, allow you to adjust the tension of the strings and thereby their pitch. Familiarizing yourself with how they work will make the tuning process much smoother.

There are two main types of guitar tuning pegs: open-gear and sealed-gear. Open-gear tuners have exposed gears, often seen on vintage guitars and acoustics, while sealed-gear tuners have enclosed gears for protection, commonly found on modern electric guitars.

Each tuning peg corresponds to one string and is used to adjust its pitch. Turning the peg tightens or loosens the string:

• Tightening the string: Turn the peg clockwise to increase the tension, raising the pitch.

• Loosening the string: Turn the peg counterclockwise to decrease the tension, lowering the pitch.

Take a moment to identify each peg and understand how they control the tension of your strings.

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This tuning was developed as the most practical and comfortable way to play both chords and melodies. Whether playing acoustic or electric, beginners often start with standard tuning to familiarize themselves with the instrument and to make use of readily available learning resources.

From the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string:

E — A — D — G — B — E

One way to remember the order is to use a mnemonic:

• Eat All Day Get Big Easy

• Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually

• Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie

When it comes to tuning your guitar, there are two main methods to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced player, these methods offer different approaches to achieving the perfect pitch:

1. Using an electronic tuner

This method is highly recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and accuracy. You can use clip-on tuners that attach to the guitar headstock, pedal tuners designed for electric or semi-acoustic guitars, or even smartphone apps and online tuners.

2. Tuning by ear

For more advanced players with a keen ear for music, tuning by ear involves using a reference tone to adjust each string. While it requires practice, it offers a deeper understanding of pitch and can be done using various methods, which we'll explore later in this guide.

Now, let's take a look at how to tune your guitar using a digital tuner.

Especially for beginners, an electronic tuner is your best friend for getting your guitar in tune quickly and easily. Clip-on tuners are particularly convenient. Here's how to use one:

• Attach the tuner: Clip it onto your guitar's headstock (or plug it in or open the app).

• Pluck a string: The tuner will display the note you're playing.

• Tune using the indicator: If the tuning indicator is to the left of centre, the string is flat. If it's to the right of centre, the string is sharp. Adjust the tuning peg until the indicator centres.

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For a quick and simple video guide to guitar tuning, check out viral sensation Dre DiMura explaining how in this exclusive video from his course.

If this has inspired you to pick up that guitar, try out his course (and all our other courses) for free with our 7-day free trial!

💡ARTMASTER TIP: To help you on your way, take a look at our collection of free essential guitar tools, where you’ll find the guitar tuner, a chord chart generator and metronome. And be sure to check out our guides on how to read a chord chart and how to practice with a metronome.

The other method, tuning by ear, involves using a reference tone to tune the rest of the strings. This method is often favoured by experienced players or those with a keen ear for music. It requires practice and patience, but it will help improve your sense of pitch.

Step 1 — Tune the low E string first

• Begin by tuning your low E string using another instrument or an online reference tone as your reference point.

Step 2 — Use the 5th fret for reference

• Hold down the fifth fret on the low E string. This will produce the note A, which should match the pitch of the next open string.

Step 3 — Repeat for each string

• Continue this process for each remaining string BUT note that for the fourth (G) and fifth (B) strings, the B string's pitch is found on the fourth fret of the G string, not the fifth!

💡ARTMASTER TIP: Want to sound even better? It’s all about technique. Check out these 7 essential guitar techniques — they’ll make everything you play feel smoother, cleaner, and way more fun.

What is standard guitar tuning?

Standard tuning for a guitar is E–A–D–G–B–E, from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). This tuning is widely used because it makes it easy to play chords and scales across different styles of music.

What are alternative guitar tunings?

Alternative tunings adjust the pitch of the strings to create different sounds or make certain chord shapes easier to play. Popular examples include:

• Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E)

• Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) — favoured in blues and folk

• DADGAD tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D) — Celtic/folk with intricate harmonies

• Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) — resonant for expressive slide blues

• Drop D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E) — popular in rock and metal for its deep, resonant tone

Can I tune a guitar by ear?

Yes — you can tune one string to a reference pitch (like a piano or another instrument), and then use the 5th fret method to tune the others. It takes practice, but it’s a great way to develop your ear.

Why does my guitar keep going out of tune?

Common reasons include new strings (which take time to settle), changes in temperature or humidity, loose tuning pegs, or improperly wound strings. Sometimes the nut or bridge can also cause instability.

How often should I tune my guitar?

You should check and tune your guitar every time you play. Even if it’s just a quick check, regular tuning helps you sound better and trains your ear.

💡ARTMASTER TIP: Unfortunately, we’re all too often faced with a broken string. Find out how to change a guitar string, including expert tips and a free video tutorial.

• Invest in Quality Gear: Use a high-quality tuner for accuracy, and choose premium strings for better tone and durability.

• Tune Up to Pitch: Always tune your strings by tightening them up to the correct pitch to ensure stability.

• Allow Strings to Settle: After tuning, give the strings a moment to settle into place.

• Gently Stretch Strings: Lightly stretch the strings by pulling them away from the fretboard. This helps them stay in tune longer.

• Fine-Tune Intonation: Check and adjust the intonation across the fretboard to ensure each note is perfectly in tune.

• Double-Check Your Tuning: Recheck your tuning after playing for a while to maintain accuracy.

• Handle Your Guitar with Care: Treat your guitar gently to avoid knocking it out of tune.

• Tune Regularly: Make tuning a habit before each practice or performance to ensure your guitar sounds its best.

💡ARTMASTER TIP: Once your guitar's in tune, you're just a few chords away from playing actual music. Try these beginner-friendly song lists — no music theory required:

• 1-chord songs: when less is more

• 25+ easy two-chord songs

• 60+ easy 3-chord songs

• 100+ songs with just 4 chords

Learn everything from acoustic basics to expressive soloing with professional guitarists & teachers:

• Dre DiMura (50M+ TikTok views)

• Orbel Babayan (Scars on Broadway)

• Arianna Powell (Dua Lipa & Halsey)

• Kfir Ochaion (2.1M YouTube subs).
  

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Matt Ford is a musician, writer, and lifelong student of sound.

With years of experience in both performing and teaching, he shares practical advice through ArtMaster to help musicians at every level build skill, confidence, and joy in their playing.