Tuning a guitar by ear: method, tips and exercises to develop your musical ear

Tuning your guitar by ear is an essential skill for any guitarist, whether beginner or advanced. While modern electronic tuners and apps make it easier, there is no substitute for training our ears to tune our instrument perfectly. In this article, we will explore a simple method to tune your guitar by ear using only a reference note and your ears.

Why learn to tune your guitar by ear?

Tuning your guitar by ear helps you develop a better musical ear and a deeper understanding of how notes relate to each other. This allows you to play more accurately and free yourself from electronic tools when you are in situations where you can't use them, such as at a concert or on the go. While using an electronic tuner is faster, it's crucial to understand that training your ear will make you much more independent.

The Method for Tuning a Guitar by Ear

The key to properly tuning a guitar by ear is to understand the relationship between the notes. A common method is to tune the strings together, using a reference note. To do this, you need to be able to hear the subtle differences between the pitches of the notes. Here's how to do it:

  • 1. Tune the low E string (6th string): Use a reference source, such as a keyboard or a note played by another instrument to tune the open 6th string.
  • 2. Tune the 5th string: Press the 6th string at the 5th fret and play this note. It should match exactly the note on the open 5th string (the A string).
  • 3. Tune the 4th string: Repeat with the 5th string, pressing the 5th fret to tune the 4th string (D) open.
  • 4. Tune the 3rd string: Press the 4th string at the 5th fret and play this note. It should match the note of the open 3rd string (G).
  • 5. Tune the 2nd string: This time the trick is different. You have to press the 3rd string at the 4th fret and tune the 2nd string (B) open.
  • 6. Tune the 1st string: For this last string (high E), press the 2nd string at the 5th fret and play this note, it should correspond to the 1st open string.

By following these steps, you should be able to tune your guitar by ear accurately. The goal is to eliminate beats between notes, a phenomenon that occurs when notes are slightly off pitch. These beats will be noticeable as a vibration that slows down as the notes get closer together.

Beats: Indicator of Disagreement

Beats occur when two notes are slightly off pitch. When you tune your guitar by ear, you will hear these beats when the notes are not perfectly in unison. The goal is to make these beats disappear by adjusting the strings, meaning that both notes are playing at exactly the same frequency. You can hear these beats slow down and disappear when the notes are perfectly in tune.

Using Distortion for Precision Tune

A particularly effective method for perceiving these beats is to use distortion. Distortion amplifies the guitar's natural harmonics and makes the beats more audible. This can be especially helpful if you have difficulty hearing the beats in a quieter or unamplified setting.

Improve Your Tuning Speed

At first, it may seem difficult to tune a guitar by ear, but with practice, you will become faster and more accurate. With practice, you will develop a better musical ear, and tuning will become more instinctive. You will be able to achieve accurate tuning in minutes, without having to rely on electronic tuners.

Conclusion

Learning how to tune a guitar by ear is a valuable skill for any guitarist. Not only does it make you more independent, it also helps you develop a keener, more accurate musical ear. By using the method outlined above, you will be able to tune your guitar quickly and efficiently, while also sharpening your aural skills.

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