Reference tuning

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Reference tuning

I have put together three different ways of tuning a guitar. Play the videos below and tune each string one at a time. The videos have been set to loop for your convenience. When you are in tune both notes will ring clearly and there will be no beat.

Open E sixth string

Open A fifth string

Open D fourth string

Open G third string

Open B second string

Open E first string

Reference tuning can be done in a couple of ways. The most popular way is to match the sound of the note on the fiftth fret to the next adjacent open string. As an example the A on the fifth fret of the E string to the open A on the A string. The notes should ring and sound as one. The exception is when tuning the G and the B string. In this case you play the fourth fret instead of the fifth.

Tuning the sixth and fifth strings (E-A)

Tuning the fifth and fourth strings (A-D)

Tuning the fourth and third strings (D-G)

Tuning the third and second strings (G-B)

Tuning the second and first strings (B-E)

NOTE: You will need to have the sixth string E in tune as a reference note.

Another type of refrence tuning uses natural harmonics. Natural harmonics are played by lightly touching the sting without applying pressure to the string. You should barely feel the string under your fingers. Natural harmonics have a ringing type of sound that is pleasing to hear.

Tuning the sixth and fifth strings using natural harmonics (E-A)

Tuning the fifth and fourth strings using natural harmonics (A-D)

Tuning the fourth and third strings using natural harmonics (D-G)

Tuning the third and second strings using natural harmonics (G-B)

Tuning the second and first strings using natural harmonics (B-E)

Have you found the answers you need? Do you still have questions? Leave a message at My YouTube channel.