How to tune an electric guitar?

The ability to tune an instrument is one of the essential guitar skills. Playing an electric guitar with a disturbed tuning not only distorts the composition, but also gradually disturbs the performer's hearing. Therefore, it is important to know the tuning of the instrument and how to tune an electric guitar.

Mastering the tuning is easy. The process is easier with auxiliary tools. However, you can achieve the desired result without additional equipment.

Let's describe several methods popular among guitarists.

1. On a tuning fork with a frequency of 440 Hz. The A sound produced by this unit corresponds to the 5th fret on the first string. You need to turn the peg until the sounds of the tuning fork and guitar merge. The second, fourth, fifth and sixth strings line up at the 5th fret, which forms a monotone with the previous one. Only to tune the third, you need to hold down the fourth fret.
2. The easiest way for a beginner is tuning by tuner. To do this, you need to connect the device to the guitar, extract the sound, and the device itself will show errors in the degree of tension. Tuners differ in the type of connection. Models connected with a cable are more accurate. Analogs that pick up sound by clinging to the body can give errors. And in the conditions of a noisy rehearsal base, it will be impossible to use them.
3. Instead of a tuner, you can use the corresponding program on your phone. However, its accuracy will also be determined by the amount of external noise.
4. With the help of harmonics... The first string is tuned to a tuning fork. Then the sound of the harmonics on adjacent strings is compared.The harmonics from the fourth fret on the third string with the fifth fret on the second string should merge in unison. Otherwise, the fifth fret with the seventh fret is compared on a thinner string.

Full tuning by ear involves comparing notes on different strings at specified frets. This skill presupposes advanced musical abilities and is beyond the power of a beginner. However, it helps to put the formation in order, regardless of the availability of equipment.

Tuning is the sound of the strings in open positions. It was created for the convenience of getting the most actively used chords. The following system has been developed for the six-string guitar:

• the first corresponds to the mi of the 1st octave;
• the second sounds like the B of a small musical interval;
• the third is tuned to the low-octave G;
• the fourth is a re of a small octave;
• the fifth corresponds to a large musical interval;
• the sixth is tuned under the E of a large octave.

This system provides the convenience of fingering chords, which is why most guitarists use it. Alternative tunings are rarely used - in case of special need.

It should be borne in mind that full tuning of the guitar is not limited to adjusting the string tension. For a full-fledged sound of the instrument, control is needed:

• anchor position;
• the height of the strings;
• scale.

These procedures will not be complete without additional tools and special experience.

When setting up yourself, you should take:

• smallest slotted screwdriver;
• Phillips screwdriver
• hex key for guitar.

Some instrument models will require an additional special small wrench.

Anchor tuning is done to achieve the optimal neck position. Because this thin metal rod on the guitar fretboard reduces the impact on the wood body, its position affects both ease of picking and sound quality.

If the anchor is loose:

• the strings are too far from the body;
• harder to pinch;
• their oscillation is associated with increased ringing and bouncing;
• the scale setting is disturbed, resulting in reduced sound fidelity.

Overtightening the truss nut will cause the strings to practically rest on the neck. As a result, the duration of the sound cannot be long. By loosening and tensioning the nut, it is required to achieve the desired balance, which is determined for a specific tool independently. Here, the minimum deflection, which does not interfere with vibrations, is especially appreciated. The presence of a slight rattling on the fort is allowed. The quality of neck deflection is determined by pressing the sixth string alternately with frets 1, 17 (20) and 7, which corresponds to the beginning and end of the string, as well as in the section with maximum deflection.

Depending on the guitar model, the truss is located on the head or at the base of the neck. To adjust the position of the nut, you need to unscrew the cap, insert the hex wrench, and then turn it in the direction of loosening or tension. All manipulations are performed slowly and accurately. You can turn the nut no more than 30 degrees at a time.

Since reducing neck deflection automatically raises the string tension, they should be loosened first. Otherwise, there is a risk of breakage. At the end of the manipulations, the tuning is checked against the tuner. In addition, if a crack is heard during the actions carried out, the nut should be carefully returned to its original position, and the tool should be returned for repair.

This parameter affects the amplitude of the vibration of the strings, which affects the speed and strength of the instrument. The string pitch is determined at the 12th fret. The position of the thinnest of them is in the range of 1-1.5 mm. The sixth string is located at the level of 1.5-2.5 mm due to its thickness.A pick or a plurality of picks stacked together are often used as a measuring instrument.

Scale refers to the beat length that spans the string from the nut to the bridge. Tuning it on an electric guitar is necessary for the accuracy and purity of the sound, as well as matching all the notes on the fretboard.

The scale is adjusted by turning the sliders and bolts at the fixing point of the string on the bridge. The rotation is performed in the direction of the clockwise or counterclockwise. The tuning method is determined by the type of bridge. On some models, this parameter is tuned to each of the 6 strings individually. And sometimes the customization can be done for everyone at once. Here is the procedure for a beginner:

• open string tuning;
• checking the note at the 12th fret;
• if the received sound forms an octave with an open position, the length does not need to be adjusted;
• if a lower or higher height is detected, the scale adjustment is required.

For the process, a slotted or Phillips screwdriver is inserted into the screw and turned in the desired direction until the ideal result is obtained. The delicate thread breaks easily here. Therefore, accuracy is important in manipulations. In conclusion, it remains to tune the strings in height.

When tuning your guitar to rock, it is important to remember that the tuning of the instrument is not perfect. The final pitch can be influenced by many factors. So, the scale adjustment is appropriate for new strings, since the low ability of the old ones does not provide the desired sound picture.

Let's summarize: the correct tuning of an electric guitar determines the beauty of the sound of music, as well as the formation of the performer's hearing. Regular checking requires strings to sound at open frets, which can be done in several ways. It is recommended to use tuners or electronic programs first. As your skills and skill develop, you can proceed to tuning by tuning fork or by ear.

After purchasing a new guitar or replacing any of the parts, it is worth taking time out for truss position, string heights, and scale. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account the model and the peculiarity of a particular instrument. This determines the need for additional fixtures as well as the position of the adjustment bolts. In the absence of the necessary instruments, skills and self-confidence, it is worth entrusting the work to a professional.

Detailed instructions on how to set up your electric guitar can be found in the following video.