by Jay Tyler

Keeping your acoustic guitar in tune is very important and should be tuned every time you play, whether you are play for fun or doing a show. A guitar that is out of tune is not fun to play, so take a few extra minutes and tune your guitar and you will be rewarded. When you are a beginner learning the importance of acoustic guitar tuning can be a bit frustrating, but well worth learning and doing it in the correct manner.

Pluck the string you want to tune. If you use an electronic tuner, the tuner’s built-in microphone will pick up the sound. Look at the indicator. It could be a flashing light and/or a meter. It will tell you how close your are to the right pitch and whether you are sharp or flat. Adjust your acoustic guitar tuning accordingly by tuning the string’s tuning key.

Taking your strings from looser to tighter will tune your guitar, also called tuning down. If the string is too tight, you will need to get it in tune by loosening the strings slightly and then tightening it again until it is in tune. Tuning up will give you a more true tone than tuning down.

If you dont purchase an electronic tuner, you still need to have a reference for pitch when playing acoustic guitar. You can use another guitar, a piano, tuning fork or an MP3 that you are certain is already in tune. Acoustic guitar tuning with an electronic tuner will consistently provide reliable tuning. But if you choose to tune the traditional way then use an electronic tuner to test your results. This is a great way to learn to develop your ear.

Begin acoustic guitar tuning with the sixth string (low E), which should be tuned to match the reference pitch. After you’ve done that, the other strings must be tuned to that note. Simply work on them one by one. There is a scientific explanation for this procedure, but you don’t have to learn it anymore than you have to learn to build an engine in order to drive an automobile.

Here’s how to do your acoustic guitar tuning:

1. Strum (in tune) the sixth string on the fifth fret. Tune the open fifth string to that exact note. 2. Strum the fifth string on the fifth fret. Tune the open fourth string to the same note. 3. Tune the fourth string on the fifth fret. Tune the open third to the same note. 4. Follow closely; this is different than the above. Play the third string on the fourth fret and tune the open second string to this note. 5. Play the second string on the fifth fret and tune your open first string to this note.

If you’re just starting out with acoustic guitar tuning, you may want to ask someone at the music store when you purchased your guitar to show you how to do acoustic guitar tuning the proper way. Then just keep practicing until you’re comfortable with the process. It takes time and practice to learn to do acoustic guitar tuning, especially by ear. For the novice, the simplest way to perform acoustic guitar tuning is with the use of an electronic tuner. You can find one for around $20 and you will definitely get your moneys worth. An electronic tuner that is made specifically for tuning guitars has the ability to recognize which string is being played.

About the Author:
Learning how to correctly perform Acoustic Guitar Tuning will keep your instrument playing correctly for a long time to come. Find out how you can perform this type of upkeep and keep your acoustic guitar in tune by Clicking Here.

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Filed under: Acoustic Guitar

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