TUNING YOUR GUITAR: PART 2

Natural Harmonic Tuning

Typically when I tune my guitar I start with Unison Tuning and then fine tune using Natural Harmonic Tuning. Natural harmonics are played by lightly touching the string directly over the fret without actually pushing down on the strings. Using natural harmonics gives a cleaner note and the beat tone can be heard more clearly. There are no natural harmonics for tuning the B string so the unison tuning method is used.


1: Tuning the low E string
Tune your low E string using the same method you used for unison tuning: pitch pipe, another instrument, or any other reference tone that is in the same pitch of E.

2: Tuning the A string
Lightly place your index finger directly over the fifth fret on the low E string and play the harmonic which will be A. Let the note ring on the E string while you lightly place your ring finger over the 7th fret of the A string and play the note. As in unison tuning if your guitar is out of tune the notes will sound different, you want to raise or lower the pitch of the note by adjusting the tuner for the A string. If A string is out of tune the two notes will oscillate (called "beat tones"), continue adjusting the A string tuner until the notes stop oscillating.











3: Tuning the D string
Once you have finished tuning your A string you can tune the D using the same technique you did for the A string by playing the 5th fret harmonic on the A string and the 7th fret harmonic on the D string.











4: Tuning the G string
Once you have finished tuning your D string you can tune the G using the same technique you did for the D string by playing the 5th fret harmonic on the D string and the 7th fret harmonic on the G string.










5: Tuning the B string
Tune the B string using unison tuning, place your index finger on the 4th fret of the G string and tune the B string to it.












6: Tuning the E string
Once you have finished tuning your B string you can tune the E using the same technique you did for the B string by playing the 5th fret harmonic on the B string and the 7th fret harmonic on the E string.