Acoustic Guitar TunerThere are slight differences between each type of acoustic guitar tuner. Chromatic tuners can tune all 12 notes of the scale where more basic models only tune the 6 notes of a 6-string guitar (E-A-D-G-B-E)A-440 Tuning ReferenceThe A-440 Tuning Reference is the industry standard for tuning modern instruments. The "A" stands for an A note, and 440 refers to the speed of the vibration that leads to what we consider a perfect A note. The reason is that all sound is vibration, and the speed of these vibrations produces the pitch of the sound. Frequency (or vibration speed) is commonly referred to as Hertz, or Hz. So when something vibrates at a speed of 440hz, it will produce a standard A note. You can use this reference tone to tune your acoustic instrument.As you tighten your acoustic guitar strings, they will vibrate faster producing higher tones. When you loosen them, they vibrate slower producing a lower tone. The idea is to match your A string perfectly to the A440 reference tone. If you are using a digital tuner, you'll simply tune until the tuner indicates that you are at A440 for the A string, or indicates proper tune for other strings. Chromatic TunersChromatic tuners, such as the first one below, allows all the 12 notes of the scale to be tuned. Some electronic tuners offer additional features, such as adjustable pitch calibration. A chromatic tuner allows for Drop D tuning, which means that the Low E string is tuned down to a D note. Only one string (low E) is changed from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. It has become popular in modern rock and metal styles because it lets you play power-chords more easily.
Quit wasting valuable jamming and gig time trying to get in tune!
Buy yourself an acoustic guitar tuner. The one I recommend is the chromatic tuner below. It's inexpensive, durable, easy-to-use and quickly does the job.
Korg CA-40 Electronic Chromatic Tuner, Cost ~$15
The most basic tuners only detect and display the tuning for a small number of pitches, such as the six pitches used in the standard tuning of an acoustic guitar (E-A-D-G-B-E). Below is a basic acoustic guitar tuner model.
Korg GA-1 Guitar Tuner, Cost ~$13
How to Use an Acoustic Guitar TunerTurn the tuner on and place it as close as possible to the sound hole. Play each open string in turn and tune the string until the indicator shows the string is in tune (needle indicator is on "0").
Remember, do not overtighten your acoustic guitar strings. And always end in a "tightening motion" with your tuning peg. Never end with a "loosening motion" on your tuning peg, as this could result in slack remaining on the string and the guitar can quickly become out of tune. If you over-tighten (too sharp), loosen tuning peg until the red light indicates that the string is flat. Then, retighten slowly until the string is exactly in-tune.
Prefer to tune your guitar to itself? Review a video of the comparative tuning method.
Other Tuning ResourcesAcoustic Guitar Tuner - Tuner ReviewsAcoustic Guitar Tuning - Standard versus Comparative Tuning Tuning Acoustic Guitar - Tuning to a Keyboard Tune Acoustic Guitar Online - Online Guitar Tuner TABLE OF CONTENTS: Guitar Parts & AccessoriesAcoustic Guitar Amps|Acoustic Guitar Bridge|Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins|Acoustic Guitar Case|Acoustic Guitar Flight Case|Acoustic Guitar Kits|Acoustic Guitar Microphone|Acoustic Guitar Neck|Guitar Pics|Guitar Pickguards|Acoustic Guitar Pickups|Acoustic Guitar Saddle|Acoustic Guitar Stand|Acoustic Guitar Strap|Acoustic Guitar Strings|Acoustic Guitar Tuner|Acoustic Guitar TuningReturn to Acoustic Guitar Tuning Return to Best Acoustic Guitars HOME New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
