Tune a Guitar Harmonically
This guitar-tuning method makes use of the Concert "A" note, which is also used to tune all other stringed instruments. It is more accurate (since the tuning notes are not fretted) and easier, once learned. Tuning harmonically uses the natural musical scale notes of brass musical instruments that have natural harmonic fifth, and seventh pitches. Unlike fretted notes, harmonic notes "ring" by plucking the guitar string while lightly touching the string directly over the fret. This ringing sound will continue after the finger is removed. For tuning to the chromatic musical scale do not use tuning with harmonic pitches.
Contents
Steps
- Play a harmonic note at the 5th position of the 5th string. As the harmonic "rings", tune this string to the Concert "A" note. Once in tune, proceed to Step 2.
- Play the 7th position harmonic on the 5th string. This is the "E" note and should match the 6th string harmonic on the 5th position. (Note: This harmonic is also used to tune the open 1st string, which is also the "E" note.)
- Tune the 6th string next, where the 7th position is the "B" note. This is the same as the open 2nd string.
- Play next the "A" note harmonic on the 5th string in the 5th position (step 1) again. This is the same note as the 4th string in the 7th position. This 7th fret note is the natural harmonic of the open string note.
- Play the harmonic on the 5th position of the 4th string, which is the same as the 7th position harmonic of the 3rd string. This is the final step.
Tips
- The reference pitches of a commercial chromatic tuner does not exactly match the harmonic pitches and open string note of a string. Tuning the open string tensions with harmonic pitches of adjacent strings is better than using a commercial chromatic electronic tuner.
- Strings are numbered from high "E", being string #1 to low "E", string #6.
- A standard "A" tuning fork or piano may be used for the initial note.
- Harmonic notes that are out of tune sound discordant or wavy. As the notes are brought in tune with each other, this disappears and the notes will ring in concert.
Warnings
- This method is okay for getting a string approximately in tune. However, because Western music uses the equal-tempered scale, strings tuned by harmonics will be slightly flat.
