Tuning the GuitarTuning the guitar is easy once you understand how the fretboard works. But, even if you don't have a clue about the fretboard, it's still a very simple process.
Today there are many electronic and digital devices available to help you with tuning your guitar. I use the
Korg TM-40
because it has both a tuner and a metronome. It comes in handy when I’m teaching and I also like to use the metronome during my own practice sessions. It makes tuning-up with other musicians a breeze too.
The method I'm going to show you today, however, will teach you how to LISTEN to the tones of your guitar. This is an important area to develop if you wish to become a better musician. To begin with let's review some guitar basics. Remember that the strings are identified like this: STRING> 6 5 4 3 2 1 These letters represent the natural open tones (sound) of each string and they move forward alphabetically as you ascend (move up) the neck. Each letter is the distance of one whole step from the other except B/C and E/F. These two pairs are always a half-step apart (see lesson on Introducing The Fretboard for further review).
Let's look at the fifth and sixth string as an example: 6 = E|-F-|---|-G-|---|-A-| Notice that when you arrive on the fifth fret you are on the letter A. This is the same tone as the open A on the fifth string! When you compare the sound of both tones on each string, they should sound the same. With this in mind, let's get started tuning the guitar!
1. Press down and strike the A on the sixth string at the fifth fret.
2. Next, strike the open A on the fifth string.
3. Slowly adjust the fifth string until it matches the sound of the fretted A on the sixth string.
4. Now move to the fifth sting and again press down at the fifth fret. This is D and should sound the same as the open D on the fourth string. Compare and adjust as needed.
5. Move to the fourth string, press down G at the fifth fret. Follow the same proceedure and compare with the open G on the third string.
6. When you arrive at the third string you must move to the FOURTH FRET. This is B (third string, fourth fret). Press down and compare with the open B on the second string. You're almost done!
7. Move back to the FIFTH FRET on the second string. You are now playing an E. Compare this tone with the open E on the first string.
LISTEN TO THE SOUND - Does it blend? It should sound like you're hearing the same tone twice even though you're hitting two different strings. If the tones don't sound the same you will adjust the FIFTH STRING by either raisiing or lowering the pitch with the tuning key at the head of the guitar. It is always safer to begin by LOWERING the pitch so that you don't accidently break a string!
TIP: If you have difficulty hearing the correct pitch when tuning the guitar by ear, then be sure to use a guitar tuner as this will make life much easier for you!
LESSON OBJECTIVE:
To become familiar with tuning the guitar using the method given in this lesson.
PRACTICE:
Use this method to help develop your ability to hear the correct pitch of each tone. If you have an electronic or digital tuner, you can use that to check how accurate you are when you've finished. If you continue using this method you should notice an overall improvement in your ability to hear correct pitch after a relatively short tme! LEARN MORE:
Watch this free Tuning Video Go To The Next Lesson: THE IMPORTANCE OF RHYTHM
Leave Tuning the Guitar & Return to Home Page.
|
