Tuning for acoustic guitar. How to tune an acoustic and six-string guitar

– this is so cool and great! Buying a guitar is not difficult, but then dedicating yourself to it is much more difficult. You might think that today you will buy a guitar, and tomorrow you will play it with all your might. It's a delusion. As you know, nothing happens right away. Surprising a girl with a romantic song or delighting friends with playing famous rock compositions on the guitar - all this will happen in the future. First you need to understand how to tune a guitar and learn how to play it. Successful learning to play the guitar depends only on its owner. Desire alone is not enough; constant practice, desire and training are required.

Most often, at the first stage of learning to play the guitar, beginning guitarists are faced with one serious problem - tuning the guitar. It is from this stage that one begins to comprehend the basics of the game. At first glance, it may seem that tuning a guitar is very difficult. Most often, most beginners fail to do this for a long time. That is why this article, which will present several methods for tuning an acoustic instrument, will be an indispensable assistant. This article will talk about how to quickly tune a guitar:

• aurally;
• tuner.

Before you begin to understand the secret of tuning a guitar, you need to have a clear understanding of two concepts - unison and harmony. Probably everyone knows that unison is another name for monophony. Thus, two sounds played, the pitch of which will be the same, will be unison, that is, played the same way. In the case of a guitar, two specific strings should sound in unison when tuning.

Of course, scale in musical terminology has a fairly broad concept, which will not be needed when learning to tune a guitar. In the case of this musical instrument, the fret refers to the metal inserts on the neck of the guitar. Of course, the spaces that are located between these sills will also be called frets. Most often, frets are marked with Roman numerals, but there may be exceptions. The starting fret is located at the headstock, the next fret will be further away from it towards the drum.

First string tuning

So, it is important to know that the guitar is tuned from the very first string, visually it is the thinnest, located at the bottom of the neck. As you can see, when the strings are tensioned, the sound increases, while when they are loosened, a slight rattling sound begins to be heard. You cannot overtighten them - the risk of breakage increases.

You need to know that the first string is always initially tuned using an additional instrument - it can be a piano or a tuning fork. In the latter case, its sound should sound in unison with the sound “A” of the tuning fork. By the way, the letter “A” denotes the sound “la” in the first octave. For the uninitiated, a tuning fork is a small device that most often looks like a tube.

So, in order to better monitor the consonance of sounds, the first string must be relaxed. Studies have shown that it is easier for a person to raise the volume than to lower it. We take a tuning fork and play the sound “A”, then immediately clamp the string at the fifth fret and hit it. Let's listen to the difference in sound. We adjust it using the adjusters on the headboard. Next, we again reproduce the sound of the tuning fork and strike the clamped string. The procedure must be repeated until both sounds sound in unison.

Other strings

The second string, located above the first, is tuned without a tuning fork. Actions will be carried out again on the fifth fret. It's easy to count the fret - it will be the 5th fret from the head of the fingerboard. The second in the clamped position should be in tune with the first - in the open position. The open position is the unclamped string. So, how to tune a guitar? To tune the second one, you need to hit the first open string, then repeat the procedure with the second closed one. The second should be pulled until it merges in unison with the open first. Everything is done at the V fret.

There are certain differences in the settings of the third. First of all, it is tuned at the fourth fret, and this must be remembered. Otherwise, the procedure is unchanged. The blow is struck on the open second string of the instrument, then the blow occurs on the closed third, do not forget about the 4th fret. The tuning is carried out until the moment of perfect consonance. It is worth saying that this string can be further checked. To do this you need to find the ninth fret. After hitting the open first, you should hit the closed third on IX. Excellent unison means the tuning is done correctly.

To put the fourth in order, we return to the V fret, where it should ideally combine in sound with the previous one in an open form. In this case, a check is also available, which should be done again at the ninth fret. When clamped, it should be combined with the second when open. Of course, the fifth is also precisely tuned, but on the fourth string. In this case, the check must be done at the X fret, where the consonance should occur with the third. The algorithm of actions with the sixth is the same, only it should sound in unison with the previous one. The check is carried out at the X fret using the open fourth fret.

Thus, each subsequent string when closed must correspond to the previous one when open. All settings are made on the V fret, with the exception of the third, which is set on the IV.

Tuner

Today, on sale and on the Internet you can find a large number of special devices and programs for tuning a guitar. Online configuration programs are very popular today. With their help, it's easy to quickly get your guitar in order. To do this, you just need to press the button with the sound of the desired string and tighten it until it is in tune. In addition, tuners that have very compact shapes are very popular, making them convenient to take with you.

How to tune a guitar using a tuner? It is recommended to purchase a model that is equipped with a fastening mechanism, with its help it is easy to fix the device on the neck of the instrument. In this case, the vibrations emitted by the strings will be transmitted to the tuner without interference. First of all, you need to remember the string values:

1. E – string No. 1;
2. B – No. 2;
3. G – No. 3;
4. D – No. 4;
5. A – No. 5;
6. E – No. 6.

You should again start tuning with the tuner from the 1st string, to do this you should hit it. The device display will display values ​​that are higher or lower than the required level. It is necessary to continue tightening or loosening the string until the letter “E” is displayed on the tuner - that is, compliance. If the device is equipped with an arrow, then if configured correctly it should be located in the middle. Subsequent strings are tuned in exactly the same way, only the letters corresponding to this string should appear on the display.

Flajolets

There are times when the frets do not allow for precise tuning of the guitar. This is where the formation of so-called harmonics comes to the rescue. A harmonic is a tuning technique in which, in the middle of a fret, the sound is extracted from the string with a light touch, and not by pressing/strike, as in the classical tuning. As a result, the setup procedure changes slightly:

• The tuning of the first string is unchanged;
• The 6th string, using a harmonic at the V fret, should correspond to the open first;
• 5 – on the VII fret, the first one is open;
• 4 – on the 7th fret should sound the same as the 5th string harmonic on the 5th fret;
• 3 – on the VII fret, the harmonic corresponds to the harmonic of the 4th string on V;
• 2 – the harmonic on V was equal to the harmonic of the first on VII.

It is worth noting that for a beginner such settings are much more difficult to make. However, you should try tuning the instrument this way from time to time until the method works. In the future, it will be much easier to perform these actions.

Of course, the easiest way to configure it is to use special programs, which today are produced not only for computers, but also for installation on smartphones and tablets. With their help, you can make quick and high-quality adjustments to the instrument anywhere without any extra effort. However, it won’t be superfluous to purchase a tuning fork in addition to everything else, since with its help it is most reliable to tune the first string, which serves as the starting point for subsequent tuning.

If you seriously decide to take up playing the 6-string guitar, then you need to learn how to tune your instrument by ear. Tuners are of course good, they help to very accurately tune the sound of a 6-string (six-string) guitar, but their frequent use makes you dependent on them. It may happen that you don’t have a tuner at hand, but you have to play the guitar; imagine the surprise of your listeners when they find out that you don’t know how to tune a guitar.

To avoid such an embarrassment, and for your development as a musician, it is still better to learn how to tune your guitar by ear. First, using some training tools, gradually reducing their use, and eventually completely abandoning them.

This article will describe several ways to learn classical tuning by ear:

• using a program that synthesizes the sound of strings. By comparing its sound with yours, you will gradually remember how certain notes sound;
• using only one sound “E” you will learn to tune the remaining strings using only one tuned string;
• Then you will try to tune the guitars yourself without a sound sample, i.e. from complete scratch.

String sound synthesizer

With this tool (shown below), you can practice tuning your guitar by ear. It works very simply - there are six buttons on its panel, when you press a button, if you have speakers turned on, you will hear the sound of the corresponding string. From left to right: sixth, fifth, fourth, third, second, first. Above each of the buttons there is a letter designation of the strings: E, A, D, G, B, E, respectively: the note E, the note A, the note D, the note Sol, the note Si and Mi.

Take your instrument, purposefully detune it and, using the program presented below, try to tune it. At first, you may not be entirely successful, but over time, with the right approach, you will be able to tune any guitar by ear - quickly and easily.

Single string tuning

After you learn how to tune a guitar using the program, move on to tuning a 6-string guitar one string at a time (usually E). This is done like this:

• the first one (Mi) must be configured, the configuration can be done using the program;
• hold the second one on the fifth fret, play it, now play the first (open) one. Make sure that the extracted sounds sound in unison, i.e. lonely;
• then we hold down the third on the fourth fret, play it, now play the second open one. Both of these sounds should sound in unison;
• We hold the fourth on the fifth fret, when playing it should sound like an open third. Set it up accordingly;
• the fifth string pressed down at the fifth fret sounds like an open fourth. Achieve ideal, or close to ideal, sound;
• a sixth pressed at the fifth fret should sound the same as an open fifth. After this, the setup will be completed.

In this simple way, you can tune your guitar even if you have at least one, essentially any, string tuned. Try to practice the settings. After you master this simple technique, move on to a more complex one - tuning a 6-string guitar from scratch, when all the strings are not tuned.

Any self-respecting guitarist should master the technique of tuning a classic 6-string guitar, because even “Grasshopper” cannot be played with an out-of-tune guitar. If you want not to depend on tuning tools, but to be able to tune any instrument, anywhere and at any time, then don’t be lazy, spend a little time mastering this skill, undoubtedly, it will be very useful to you in the future.

It just so happened that the main musical instrument of the 20th century was the guitar, and a six-string one at that. There are several explanations for this. In the middle of the century, revolutionary changes took place in technology, science and art. The aesthetics were changing, and jazz big bands were being replaced by strange young men with long hair, aggressively waving the necks of their guitars.

Reasons for the Guitar's Unique Popularity

Rock and roll culture was based on the blues guitar school, and almost all future megastars began their creative careers on an instrument available to them, most often inexpensive. In the USSR, the rapid development of bard song also occurred around the same time, and not a single tourist trip was complete without singing student songs or works of other stylistic trends. The ability to strum strings has become extremely important for all young people who aspire to become the life of the party. But all the newly-minted Okudzhas, Vysotskys or Vizbors invariably had a question about how experienced musicians tune a guitar. Moreover, it was from this process that all further efforts to master musical literacy had to begin.

Sing, guitar!

So, half a century has passed since the beginning of the guitar boom, but, despite the appearance of all sorts of electronic synthesizers and microprocessor multifunctional devices, this instrument continues to captivate hearts with its magical sounds. After all, an amplifier, speaker systems and other paraphernalia are inconvenient to carry on a picnic, and they do not sound so intimate, but a “live” guitar near a fire, in the dim light of the stars and moon, is a completely different matter. But bad luck, the amateur performer tries to play the chords he has learned with great difficulty, but the result, as one Marxist aptly put it, is “confusion instead of music.” And, as luck would have it, none of those present know how to properly tune the guitar. The evening seems to have disappeared. But there is no need to be discouraged if at least someone remembers the fifth fret method, and the musician is gifted enough with hearing to apply it. There is nothing complicated about it, it is easy to remember.

Let's start setting up

The fifth fret method is based on the fact that, under certain conditions, adjacent strings begin to sound the same. For example, if you touch the thinnest one, located at the very bottom, and at the same time press the adjacent one on the fifth fret, then the sound should be the same. In this case, the lower string vibrates freely (musicians say that it is “open”). This method is available to everyone who does not yet know how to tune a guitar by ear, but wants to learn it. Further actions, in general, are routine. The open second string rings like the third string pressed with your finger at the 4th fret. A fifth on a fifth (easy to remember) corresponds to a free fourth. An open fifth matches a sixth on the same fifth fret. So, with the exception of the fourth string, all others are tested at the fifth point of the fingerboard. That's the whole method.

But there are still some nuances

The above method works flawlessly when the author-performer or simply a person who loves beautiful melodies plays himself, or, as some wits joke, “without an ensemble.” In this case, the question of how to tune a guitar by ear has a simple solution that does not require the use of additional acoustic and technical means. There is no need to coordinate the timbre with other instruments, and you can play and sing without fear of an awkward combination of the overall sound. Sometimes a slight shift in register is even beneficial for a singer who knows the characteristics of his own voice and is afraid to “give a cock” on a too high note, for example. But if the ensemble includes other guitars or a double bass with a violin, you should know how to properly tune the guitar from the very first string. All further application of the “fifth fret” method will follow it.

About the first string

The bottom one, aka the first one, aka “E”, in a six-string guitar should sound like the “E” note of the first octave. This is the thinnest string, and its timbre corresponds to the note E (E) of the first octave. Its main vibration frequency corresponds to a physical parameter of 440 Hz. Where can I get the standard? Close to it is the accessible intermittent beep in the handset when a subscriber calls. True, its frequency may still have some discrepancies (within plus or minus 15-20 Hertz), but this is not critical. Any group still makes adjustments before a performance. The good old tuning fork is more accurate; one is enough.

A little about the process itself. It is produced using pegs. When they rotate, the tension increases or decreases; the greater it is, the higher the tone. How to tune the strings on a guitar using the fifth fret method has already been discussed above; there should be no further questions.

Russian guitar

It differs from the generally accepted six-string. It has long been accepted (since the 18th century) that the most heart-warming gypsy romances are performed on the seven-string. The songs of many popular bards of Soviet times (Vizbor, Okudzhava) also owe their unique charm to this instrument to a large extent. Today there is again a growing interest in Russian culture, so we should dwell a little on how to tune an acoustic guitar made in the traditional Russian style.

Its thinnest string sounds in the note “A”, which must be heard when played by a tuning fork. The second, when pressed on the third fret, should have the same timbre as the open first. The third must be tuned in the fourth fret, achieving complete similarity with the free second. The fourth on the fifth point of the fingerboard corresponds to an open fifth. The fifth on the third fret sounds like a free fourth. The same correspondence is observed for the sixth and seventh strings (third fret). Knowing how to tune a 6-string guitar, you can come to the conclusion that the Russian instrument is more complex. But this is not true, it's all a matter of habit.

Tuning by tuner

These devices were not available when the Beatles and Elvis Presley began their careers. The musicians made do with their own hearing and skill, and they learned how to tune a guitar from older comrades, sometimes even in childhood. The main thing was the desire to learn, quite natural for people who feel their own talent. But progress is inexorable, and electronic tuners have become quite commonplace items for musicians, replacing simple tuning forks. Now, receiving a signal from a pickup or microphone, they not only determine the discrepancy with the reference frequency, but also make recommendations about strengthening or weakening the string. Professionals can watch how people who have no musical ear at all tune a guitar. The process has become accessible, it can be put on stream, which, of course, simplifies the work of quality control departments in musical instrument factories.

Setting up on the Internet

In the old days, a beginning musician, before tuning a guitar at home, had to make a difficult choice: either go once again to a more experienced friend and ask him to show the whole process one more time (and I didn’t want to bother you) or get everything you need and start do everything yourself. Now there is another way out: find a virtual tuner on the Internet. The interface of such programs is quite convenient, and there is no need to rack your brains over the frets. All strings can be tightened in an “open” form, and they will sound as they should. All modern civilization is moving in the direction of universal simplification. The musician no longer needs to know how to tune a guitar; the computer will do it for him. You can focus on pure creativity.

Possible problems

And yet technology is not omnipotent. Sometimes an instrument gets old and problems arise during tuning that cannot be safely resolved without serious analysis of the situation. Having figured out how experts tune a guitar, completed all the required steps, and even played it a little, you may be faced with the unpleasant fact that it sounds as if someone was randomly turning the pegs in all directions. After repeating all the manipulations several times, the musician comes to the conclusion: the instrument does not stay in tune. It’s too early to pass judgment on the guitar; perhaps it can still be revived.

First, you should check the strings and replace them if necessary.

The second most common problem is the weakening of the connection between the bar and the body; it can be tightened.

The third problem may lie in the tailpiece on the soundboard or neck (they may partially come off).

The pin is a mechanical device and is quite subject to wear. In this case, backlashes can play a bad joke. Aged components must be replaced.

And, in the end, there are still highly qualified repairmen with extensive experience in bringing musical instruments back to life.

If you already have a guitar, now you need to tune it. Let's try to figure it out how to tune a guitar and how to do it correctly? Let's look at it in this lesson.

Any guitar needs tuning, even a new one. What can we say about the old one? After all, over time, the instrument becomes out of tune, even if you don’t play it. Therefore, let's look at how to tune a guitar in different ways.

The first thing we will start with is to try to configure the guitar online using the ready-made sounds that you see below:

1. First string (E)

2. Second string (H)

3. Third string (G)

4. Fourth string (D)

5. Fifth string (A)

6. Sixth string (E)

Everything is clear here - we tune each string from the 1st to the 6th. Naturally, you tune the strings open, that is, you don’t need to clamp anything anywhere. This method involves tuning the guitar by ear.

How to tune a guitar using a piano?

If you have a piano or upright piano at home, you can use it to tune your guitar. Look at the picture:

The picture above shows the piano keys corresponding to the guitar strings (the numbers are the guitar strings). For more information about string numbering, see here: “Placing hands on a guitar.” That's all, there is nothing complicated here.

Most people don't know what a tuner is and how to tune a guitar using a tuner

A tuner is a device for tuning a guitar. It can be used to tune both acoustic and electric guitars.

In order for a beginner to tune an acoustic guitar using a tuner, the tuner has a microphone, but for an electric guitar you need to use the line input for the instrument cable.

The tuner is shown in the figure:

The principle of operation of the tuner is as follows: You make the sound of a string on a guitar, and the tuner shows the note that corresponds to the frequency of vibration of the string. Usually, the tuner displays Latin letters, for example, E, H, A, etc. Each letter corresponds to a string:

On the scale, see what needs to be done - lower the string (unwind b), or raise it (tighten #).

The advantage of tuning a guitar using a tuner is that you may have absolutely no hearing, because the tuner does everything for you. This is very helpful for beginners in tuning their guitar. In addition, there are tuners that easily fit in your pocket and you can always carry it with you, for example in a guitar case.

How to tune a guitar using a tuning fork?

A tuning fork is a special instrument for tuning a guitar, which has a shape similar to a fork. The tuning fork is shown in the figure:

Tuning a guitar with a tuning fork is a little more difficult than tuning with a tuner. Here you will need a little hearing. This method can be called "tuning the guitar by ear", but don't be alarmed. This method is as follows. The tuning fork makes only one sound (“la”, frequency 440 Hz). The first string of your guitar, at the fifth fret, should have exactly this “A” sound. Tune the 5th fret of the 1st string so that it sounds in unison with the tuning fork. So, we have the first string tuned;

1. Now, to tune the second string, fret it at the fifth fret, and tune it so that it sounds in unison with (the same as) the first open string;
2. the third string on the fourth fret sounds in unison with the second open;
3. the fourth string at the fifth fret corresponds to the third open;
4. the fifth on the fifth fret sounds in unison with the open fourth;
5. and the sixth string at the fifth fret is the same as the fifth open string.

OK it's all over Now. The guitar is tuned. Once again, to tune a guitar for a beginner using this method, you will need to have hearing, but this does not mean that a beginner cannot tune a guitar using a tuning fork.

Many boys and girls are burning with an unbridled desire to learn how to play the instrument. And, it must be said, they quickly grasp the basics of this art. Everything seems to be fine, if not for one “but”... Any guitar (acoustic or electric) tends to get out of tune, but not because it is bored with you, but rather, on the contrary, because you play it a lot ! What to do in this case? Of course, adjust it! What if you need a full customization? After all, this is a separate lesson that not all beginning guitarists can do. Don't worry, in this article we will tell you, friends, how to tune a guitar at home.

As a consolation, I would like to note that the inability to tune a guitar yourself does not at all mean the inability to own it. For example, the sound of a piano is much more difficult to adjust. Many experienced pianists still do not know how to tune their own instrument, and this does not stop them from performing on stage and receiving universal recognition from the audience!

at home

A little theory

There are two proven ways to do this. In this article we will look at both of them. The most important thing is to know and understand its simple mechanism. Know that the very first string, located at the very bottom on the fifth fret, is nothing more than a note called “A” for the first octave. There is an opinion among amateur guitarists that the tuning of a six-string guitar will be considered correct only when this note sounds like a telephone dial tone. In this case, a correctly tuned first, but already open (not clamped) E string (for the first octave) corresponds to the sound of a piano or tuning fork. If you have hearing, then the instrument can be adjusted, excuse the tautology, by ear. So, let's finally find out at home.

Let us immediately note that there will be nothing terrible if you do not quite accurately tune “A” and “E” for the first octave. Adjust the first string as much as you can. In the future you will get used to this sound. In addition, you will know first-hand how to tune a guitar at home with the same sound on your first string. To do this, hold it on the fifth fret (make the string closed) and achieve the appropriate sound. You can use a tuning fork.

Remember that tuning the first (lower) closed string is the most important and crucial moment in the whole process, because it is from “A” and “E” that everyone else “dances”! So, once the first step is taken, the rest becomes much easier. All other strings must also be clamped at the fifth fret, adjusting them to the open previous one, achieving complete consonance (in unison) with it!

Attention!

The only exception is the third string! The fact is that it needs to be clamped not on the fifth, but on the fourth fret. It turns out that in this case it should sound in unison with the already open second string on the fifth!

This method is much simpler than the first. You don't need to rely entirely on your hearing here. All you need is to install the appropriate program on your computer that allows you to perform. Finding such software is quite easy. To tune your guitar through a microphone, you need to do the following:

• connect the microphone to the computer;
• we bring it closer to our six-string guitar;
• launch a pre-installed or online tuner;
• We begin to extract open sounds and look at what the program shows us, that is, we tune a certain string to the appropriate note.