Tuning the Classical Guitar

Correct tuning of the guitar is vital. Here are some simple instructions that explain guitar tuning alternatives. The open strings of a guitar from the thickest 6th string to thinnest 1st string are as follows:

• E - the thickest or lowest sounding string is known as the 6th string

• A - is the 5th

• D - is the 4th

• G - is the 3rd

• B - is the 2nd

• E - the thinnest or highest is the 1st

There are many methods to tune your classical guitar correctly. In our modern technological world a fun and accurate way is to use this digital tuner. Just click on the switches under each note reference and adjust each string to the note you hear. The note will repeat until you switch it off or move to the next note.

In the real world though you won't always have a computer to hand so lets explore some of the more traditional methods.

The Tuning Fork

The most common and accurate method is to use a tuning fork to establish the reference note from which you can tune all the other guitar strings. To use a tuning fork, hold it by the tip and strike the forks against the heel of your hand (or another hard object). This causes the forks to vibrate. Now place the tip of the tuning fork gently onto the body of your guitar to here the clear note. Tuning forks are usually an A note.

Start by tuning the 6th string to the reference note with your first finger placed just behind the 5th fret. The guitar note will actually sound an octave (8 notes) below the sound given by the tuning fork.

Now you can tune the other strings as follows:   

Tuning The A String (5th)

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the 5th fret on the 6th string E. That’s an A note. Keep your finger on that fret. Now pick the 5th and 6th strings in turn, gently adjusting the 5th string machine head until the two notes are the same.

Tuning The D String (4th)

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the 5th fret on the 5th string A. That’s a D note. Tune the 4th string (D) to that note.

Tuning The G String (3rd)

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the 5th fret on the 4th string D. That’s a G note. Tune the 3rd string (G) to that note.

Tuning The B String (2nd)

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the 4th fret on the 3rd string (note the B string is the only one that comes from a different position the 4th fret), That’s a B note. Tune the 2nd string (B) to that note.

Tuning the E String (1st)

Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the 5th fret on the B string. That’s a E note. Tune the string (E) to that note.

The Electronic Tuner

Another accurate tuning method is to use an electronic tuner. An electronic tuner will provide audible and accurate notes for you to tune your guitar against. This is similar to our online tuner at the top of this page but of course it is portable.

The Pitch Pipe

This is another tuning device that provides audible notes but is not so accurate as the previously described methods. The
pitch pipe is a bit like a whistle in that you just blow into the mouthpiece to create the appropriate string tuning notes.
 

Tuning methods and much more can be found in my recommend book titles. Just click on the pictures below to BUY NOW...

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