Are you a guitarist who has ever been stuck with a broken string and nowhere to find a tuner? Or perhaps all you want is to get better at tuning your guitar and developing your ear. Either way, one vital ability that every musician should possess is the ability to tune an electric guitar without the use of a tuner. Although there are plenty of equipment and apps for tuning, seasoned musicians frequently advise using your ears as the primary way. We’ll look at three fundamental ways to tune your electric guitar without a tuner in this article: using a tuning fork, another instrument that is in tune, or your ear.
Initial Things to Recognize
Let’s get comfortable with a few prerequisites before delving into how to tune an electric guitar without a tuner.
Pitch or Note Reference
You need a reference pitch to which you may compare the sound in order to tune any string. This could be a string from your own guitar that has already been tuned, another instrument that has been tuned properly, or something that makes noise similar to a tuning fork. It will be nearly hard to tune your guitar without a reference pitch.
Adjusting Pins
The little metal knobs on your guitar’s headstock that attach straight to each string are called tuning pegs. The strings can be made tighter or looser by turning these pegs left or right. It’s crucial to turn the tuning peg smoothly and constantly while continuing to play the string. This will enable you to listen as you adjust.
This is an important step to do carefully because it allows you to hear the melody of the string as you adjust the pegs. Steer clear of abrupt, jerky, or single spins since they could cause issues with the string maintaining the note.
After discussing the prerequisites, let’s examine the three approaches to tuning an electric guitar without a tuner.
Method 1: Ear-based tuning
The most popular and trustworthy way to tune a guitar without a tuner is by using your ear. It doesn’t have to be scary, even though it could appear that way if you’re not sure of your hearing ability. When tuning by ear, you can choose between two methods.
Approach 1: Making Use of a Reference String
Using a reference string that you are certain is correctly tuned is the first method. To tune a string, find the note on the reference string and then the note on the target string. You can use this technique to tune each string appropriately because the guitar includes notes that are repeated on several strings.
Approach 2: Employing the Low E String
The low E string, or sixth string, is used in the second method. Using this method, the low E string must be tuned correctly in order to be used as a reference for tuning the other strings.
Play the low E string fifth fret to start, which will generate an A note. Now tune the fifth string so that it produces the same A note as the low E string. Play the fifth fret on the fifth string to tune the fourth string to D, the fifth fret on the fourth string to tune the third string to G, and so on. Repeat this technique for each string.
When you get to the third string, play the G string’s fourth fret to generate a B note rather than the fifth fret. Subsequently, proceed with the fifth fret pattern for the remaining strings, tuning the first string, or high E, by using the low E string as a reference and playing the fifth fret on the second string to obtain the high E note.
For a brief explanation of the tuning pattern, consult the table below:
Play to the sixth Although tuning by ear is a useful technique, novices or people who haven’t trained their ear to distinguish between exact notes may find it difficult. It is imperative that you pick up this technique from an experienced guitarist and practice often until you become an expert at training your ear.
Method #2: Making Use of an Additional Tool
To tune your electric guitar, you can utilize a piano, keyboard, xylophone, another well-tuned guitar, or the voice of a proficient singer. This technique doesn’t require a highly trained ear and is quick and simple.
Howard Matthews, a guitar expert from Onpointguitar.com says, “ The sole prerequisite is that the instrument you choose should be able to generate notes that are similar to a guitar’s sound. Drums and other percussion instruments are inappropriate for this approach. But there are a lot of advantages to switching to a different instrument, particularly when performing live. To keep the audience calm and interested, a guitarist, bassist, vocalist, or pianist could play or sing a note and hold it for you while you tune your guitar.”
The primary disadvantage of this approach is that the pitch produced by an instrument other than a guitar might not be exactly the same. Furthermore, not everyone has access to extra instruments or people who can precisely play or sing the necessary note.
Method 3: Technique: Using Tuning Forks
It’s crucial to always have a tuning fork in your guitar case. For many years, tuning forks have proven a dependable technique that yields a single note: A. Thankfully, the note A is required to tune a guitar’s low E string.
A tuning fork has a stem at the bottom and two tines at the top. The times make an A note when they strike a solid object, like a table or piece of wood. A tuning fork should be used with the stem pressed against a resonant surface, such as the top of your guitar or a wooden cabinet, and the fork held close to your ear. Keep in mind that solid objects absorb sound, so keep the stem away from your amplifier and any padded surfaces.
As you hit the tuning fork, simultaneously strike your guitar’s open fifth string and adjust tune until the fork’s tone matches yours. Using the techniques outlined in the preceding sections, you can tune the remaining strings once the fifth string is perfectly tuned.
To use a tuning fork quickly and flawlessly, you need to practice and gain skill in order to create your own flow and procedure. Even if you put the tuning fork in your mouth for improved resonance, it could be difficult to hear during a live performance.
Following Tuning: Adjustment and Confirmation
Play a few notes and chords after you think all the strings are tuned correctly to make sure everything sounds in tune. Go back and adjust the strings if something sounds off, either too sharp or too flat, until you have the right tone.
Keep your instrument away from excessive temperature changes, dryness, and humidity to preserve its tuning. When not in use, place your guitar in a safe case and tune the strings once a week.
In summary
Any musician would find it useful to learn how to tune an electric guitar without the use of a tuner. The techniques described in this article will assist you in achieving precise tuning, regardless of whether you happen to be without a tuner or wish to train your ear and enhance your tuning skills. With enough practice and instruction, you can become proficient at tuning a guitar by using your ear, another instrument, or a tuning fork.
Relying on your ear as your primary method will expand your grasp of music and make you a more versatile guitarist, even though a tuner can be a useful backup. Thus, rise to the occasion, practice often, and trust your hearing to lead you to precisely tuned strings. Have fun with the adjustments!
FAQs
Does tuning without a tuner need a skilled ear? Although not necessary, having trained ears is undoubtedly beneficial. Gaining proficiency in this area will improve your musical abilities if you want to become a professional guitarist.
How is a guitar kept in tune?
Keep your instrument away from excessive temperature changes, dryness, and humidity to preserve its tuning. It’s also advised to keep your guitar in a safe case and to tune your strings once a week.
Do any other resources exist for beginners that want to learn how to play the electric guitar?
Yes, we have a number of other useful articles for beginners learning to play the electric guitar. For additional useful advice, read our articles on “Tips for Playing Electric Guitar for Beginners” and “How to Play Electric Guitar with Headphones?”
Recall that it takes effort and patience to become an expert at tuning your guitar without a tuner. You’ll quickly be able to tune your guitar with assurance and accuracy if you have patience and keep practicing.
