Tuning a guitar is a fundamental skill for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. A guitar that’s out of tune can sound awful and make playing difficult and frustrating. Fortunately, a guitar tuner is a device that helps you get your instrument sounding its best. This article will explore how to use a guitar tuner effectively, covering the different types of tuners available and how to use them to achieve the perfect pitch. We will delve into the importance of accurate tuning, and offer detailed instructions on how to use these tools.
Why is Tuning Important?
Before we dive into the how-to of using a guitar tuner, it’s important to understand why tuning is so critical. A guitar that’s properly in tune will produce clear, harmonious sounds. When the guitar is out of tune, notes will clash and the overall sound will be unpleasant. Playing with an out-of-tune guitar can also lead to developing bad playing habits, as you might unintentionally compensate for the incorrect pitches. Keeping your guitar in tune will ensure that you’re playing the right notes, and that your guitar sounds its best whether you’re playing solo or with other musicians. Accurate tuning will also allow you to learn to play songs correctly. Tuning properly is also essential for anyone who wants to play with others. If your guitar is not in tune, you will create dissonance and clash with other instruments and singers. Therefore, mastering this skill will allow you to play with others and be part of a band.
Types of Guitar Tuners
There are several types of guitar tuners available, each with its own advantages. Understanding the different types will help you choose the best one for your needs. There are primarily three main types of tuners: clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and app-based tuners.
Clip-on Tuners
Clip-on tuners are small devices that attach to the headstock of your guitar. They use vibrations to detect the pitch of each string. These tuners are very popular due to their ease of use and portability. Clip-on tuners are very convenient for any situation because they clip directly on to the instrument and don’t need to be plugged in, and are easy to see while you’re playing. They are also very accurate as they pick up vibrations from the guitar to find the pitch. Many players will keep a clip-on tuner in their case because of their portability and ease of use.
Pedal Tuners
Pedal tuners are designed to be used with electric guitars and are placed on the floor as part of your pedalboard. They work by plugging your guitar into the pedal and then the pedal into your amplifier. These are often preferred by musicians who play live on stage or record frequently as they can be incorporated into your set up. Pedal tuners are typically very accurate and are designed to withstand the wear and tear of live performance. These are generally considered to be the most accurate, and offer the advantage of being easily visible and activated by a simple foot press. A pedal tuner also means you can tune silently, without your amplifier on.
App-Based Tuners
App-based tuners are applications that you can download on your smartphone or tablet. They use your device’s microphone to pick up the sound of your guitar and determine the pitch. This can be a very affordable option, because most apps are free or very cheap to download. While app-based tuners can be convenient, they may not be as accurate as clip-on or pedal tuners, especially in noisy environments. They rely on the microphone to pick up the correct sound, and any other sounds in the room can make it difficult to pick up the guitar’s tone. However, they are still a popular choice for many players as they offer a quick and easy way to tune up.
How to Use a Clip-On Tuner
Using a clip-on tuner is straightforward. First, attach the tuner to the headstock of your guitar so it’s securely held in place. Make sure that the display is visible to you when you are playing. Then, turn on the tuner. If there are any settings, you can set it to ‘guitar’ and ‘standard tuning.’ Once turned on, the display will show the note you are tuning.
Key Takeaway: Clip-on tuners are easy to use, portable, and accurate. They are ideal for beginners or for quick tune-ups.
Play each string individually, starting with the thickest string. The display will show the note that the string is currently at and whether it is sharp (too high) or flat (too low). If the note is too low, tighten the tuning peg until the note is correct. If the note is too high, loosen the tuning peg. Each of your guitar strings should be tuned to a different note, so be sure to know which note corresponds to each of your six strings. The thickest string should be tuned to an E, the next one an A, the next one a D, the next one a G, the next one a B and finally the thinnest string should be an E again. When the tuner displays the correct note and the indicator is in the centre, then the string is in tune. Work your way through each of the strings, making small adjustments to the tuning pegs. Go back and check them again to make sure they are still in tune. New strings, in particular, will need to be tuned several times.
How to Use a Pedal Tuner
Using a pedal tuner is a little different than using a clip-on tuner, but still quite simple. Connect your guitar to the input of the pedal tuner using an instrument cable. Then, connect another instrument cable from the output of the pedal tuner to your amplifier or the next pedal in your chain. Turn on the pedal tuner, and your guitar amplifier.
Engage the tuner by stepping on the pedal, which will mute your signal to the amplifier so that you can tune silently. Play each string individually, and the display on the pedal will indicate the note that it is currently at. Adjust the tuning pegs until the note is in tune, just like with a clip-on tuner. If the note is too low, tighten the tuning peg until the note is correct. If the note is too high, loosen the tuning peg. Make sure that you tune each of the six strings in order. Once all the strings are in tune, disengage the tuner pedal to unmute your signal.
Key Takeaway: Pedal tuners are ideal for live performance and recording because they offer accuracy and allow for silent tuning.
How to Use an App-Based Tuner
Using an app-based tuner is also easy, though its accuracy can vary depending on the quality of your device’s microphone and the surrounding environment. Download and open the tuner app on your smartphone or tablet. Allow the app to access your microphone and make sure there are not too many external noises in the room. The app will usually have a visual interface that shows the note you are playing.
Play each string of your guitar individually, and the app will display the note and whether it is sharp or flat. Make adjustments to the tuning pegs of your guitar until the app shows that the string is correctly in tune. Make sure you work through each of the six strings on your guitar, and that you are aware of which string corresponds with which note. Double check all the strings to make sure they are in tune. In a noisy room, the app may struggle to pick up the notes accurately, so make sure you are in a quiet environment if using an app tuner.
Standard Guitar Tuning
It is essential to understand what the correct pitch for each string of your guitar is, so that you can accurately use your tuner. Standard tuning for a six-string guitar is (from the thickest string to the thinnest): E, A, D, G, B, E. This means that each string is tuned to a specific note. When using a tuner, you need to make sure that you tune each string to the correct note. Understanding this will help you use any of the three types of tuners effectively. This tuning is the most common, but there are other tunings available which are popular within specific genres. Once you get used to standard tuning, it can be fun to explore some of these alternative options.
Tips for Accurate Tuning
To make sure that you get the most out of your guitar tuner, here are some tips to follow:
- Tune Up: When adjusting the tuning pegs, always tune up to the correct pitch, rather than down. This helps to keep the strings more stable. Start by tuning slightly below the note and then raising the pitch to the correct note. This minimises any slack in the tuning pegs which could cause them to go out of tune more quickly.
- Check Frequently: Check your tuning frequently, especially when you’re playing for extended periods of time. New strings stretch easily and will go out of tune after a lot of playing. A change in temperature or humidity can also cause your guitar to go out of tune. Regular checks will keep your instrument sounding its best.
- Use New Strings: If you are struggling to get in tune, it might be time to change your strings. Old strings will not keep their tune properly. New strings will also improve the quality of your sound. If you’re changing strings, it is important to tune them several times after installing them as they take some time to stretch out.
- Practice: Tuning your guitar is a skill that takes practice, just like playing the guitar itself. The more you tune your guitar, the more comfortable you will become with it.
Key Takeaway: Consistent practice and attention to detail are crucial for maintaining accurate tuning.
Troubleshooting Tuning Issues
Even with a good tuner, you may encounter tuning issues. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:
- Strings Slipping: If your guitar strings are slipping and going out of tune constantly, this is often a sign that the strings are old or that the tuning pegs are worn out. Replacing the strings or having the tuning pegs fixed can solve this problem.
- Tuner Malfunctions: Make sure that your tuner has good batteries or is properly plugged in. If you believe it is faulty, you could try using a different tuner.
- Difficult Environments: Noisy environments can make it difficult for tuners to pick up the correct tone, especially if using an app-based tuner. If possible, move to a quieter space to tune your guitar. You could also try using a clip-on or pedal tuner in noisy environments, because they are not as sensitive to external noise.
Conclusion
Learning how to use a guitar tuner is a vital skill for any guitarist. Whether you choose a clip-on, pedal, or app-based tuner, the key is to practice and make sure your guitar is in tune every time you play. With patience and attention to detail, you can keep your instrument sounding its best and enjoy playing to your fullest potential. The process of learning to tune up accurately will also improve your ear over time, and help you to hear when you have gone out of tune more quickly and easily.
FAQ
How often should I tune my guitar?
You should tune your guitar every time you play it, and sometimes during a longer playing session. New strings, in particular, will need to be tuned frequently as they will stretch out after installation.
Can I tune my guitar without a tuner?
Yes, it is possible to tune a guitar without a tuner, but it can be challenging, especially for beginners. It involves tuning the guitar to itself, using relative tuning. It is best to learn how to use a tuner first, then you can explore other ways of tuning the guitar.
What is standard tuning?
Standard tuning for a six-string guitar, from thickest to thinnest string, is E, A, D, G, B, E.
What if my strings are old?
Old strings will lose their tone and will not stay in tune very well. It is always best to change your strings when they start to sound dull or if you are struggling to keep them in tune.
What should I do if my tuner isn’t working?
Check your tuner’s batteries or power connection. If it still isn’t working, it could be faulty. You could also try using a different type of tuner, such as an app if you usually use a clip-on.
Can I use a guitar tuner for other instruments?
Some guitar tuners may work for other instruments. Some have settings for bass and ukulele. Check with the manufacturer of your tuner before attempting to tune any other instruments. If you plan to play other instruments regularly, it is worth looking at a tuner that has multi-instrument options.
| Tuner Type | Portability | Accuracy | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clip-on | High | High | General use, quick tuning |
| Pedal | Low | Very High | Live performances, recording |
| App-based | High | Medium | Casual practice, when other tuners not available |