How to Tune a Guitar — Standard & Alternate Tuning Guide

Tuning is the single most important skill a guitarist can develop. Even the most technically impressive performance sounds terrible on an out-of-tune instrument. Conversely, a simple chord progression played on a perfectly tuned guitar sounds beautiful. This guide covers every method for tuning your guitar — from standard tuning to popular alternate tunings — so you always sound your best.

Use our free online chromatic tuner for instant visual feedback on every string. The tuner uses your device's microphone to detect pitch in real time, showing you exactly how to adjust each string.

Standard Tuning: E A D G B E

Standard tuning is EADGBE, from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). The strings are numbered 6 (low E) through 1 (high E). This tuning has been the standard since the 19th century because it creates convenient shapes for the most common chords and scales.

The intervals between strings are mostly perfect fourths (5 semitones), with one exception: the interval between the 3rd string (G) and 2nd string (B) is a major third (4 semitones). This irregularity is why chord shapes shift when you cross the G-B string boundary — a pattern every guitarist must learn.

Tuning with a Reference Pitch

The most accurate method uses an external reference. Our online chromatic tuner is the easiest option — it detects the pitch of each string and shows a visual indicator telling you to tighten (go sharp) or loosen (go flat). Simply pluck each string and adjust until the indicator is centered.

If you don't have a tuner, use a piano or keyboard. Find the corresponding notes on the piano (E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4) and match each guitar string to its piano key. Tuning forks (A-440) and pitch pipes are also reliable references.

Tuning to Itself: The 5th Fret Method

You can tune your guitar to itself without any external reference. This method ensures all strings are in tune relative to each other, though your overall pitch may be slightly sharp or flat relative to A440.

1. Tune the 6th string (E) to a comfortable pitch — this is your reference.
2. Press the 5th fret of the 6th string. This produces an A. Tune the open 5th string (A) to match this pitch.
3. Press the 5th fret of the 5th string (D). Tune the open 4th string to match.
4. Press the 5th fret of the 4th string (G). Tune the open 3rd string to match.
5. Press the 4th fret of the 3rd string (B). Tune the open 2nd string to match — this is the G-B exception.
6. Press the 5th fret of the 2nd string (E). Tune the open 1st string to match.

After completing the sequence, strum a chord and check for any obvious dissonance, then fine-tune each string by ear.

Alternate Tunings

Alternate tunings change the pitch of one or more strings from standard tuning. They can open up new chord voicings, make slide guitar easier, or create unique sonic textures.

Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)

Lower the 6th string from E down to D. This tuning is popular in rock, metal, and blues. With Drop D, you can play power chords by barring just the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings with one finger — ideal for heavy riffs. Example songs: "Moby Dick" (Led Zeppelin), "Everlong" (Foo Fighters).

Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)

Lower the 6th string to D, 5th to G, and 1st to D. Strumming all strings open produces a G major chord. Open G is the tuning of Keith Richards (Rolling Stones). Slide guitarists love open G because the slide produces a major chord at every fret. Example: "Brown Sugar," "Start Me Up" (Rolling Stones).

DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)

Lower the 6th to D, 2nd to A, and 1st to D. DADGAD is a "modal" tuning — it's neither major nor minor, giving it a floating, Celtic-inspired quality. Jimmy Page used DADGAD extensively. Example: "Kashmir" (Led Zeppelin).

Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)

Lower the 6th to D, 3rd to F#, 2nd to A, and 1st to D. Open D produces a D major chord when strummed open. It's popular in blues and slide guitar. Example: "She Talks to Angels" (Black Crowes).

Half-Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

All six strings tuned one semitone lower. This is common in rock and metal because it reduces string tension (easier bends) and gives a slightly darker, heavier sound. Many artists, including Jimi Hendrix and Guns N' Roses, tune a half-step down.

String Gauges and Tuning Stability

Lighter gauge strings (0.009-0.042) are easier to bend and are standard for electric guitar. Heavier gauges (0.012-0.054) produce fuller tone on acoustic guitars and hold tune better, especially in alternate tunings. If you frequently tune down, consider heavier strings — the reduced tension from lowering the pitch compensates for the heavier gauge.

New strings need time to settle. After restringing, stretch each string by gently pulling it away from the fretboard along its length. Tune up, stretch, and repeat until the string holds its pitch. This process takes 5-10 minutes per string change.

Guitar Intonation

Intonation refers to whether your guitar plays in tune all the way up the neck. If your open strings are in tune but fretted notes are sharp or flat, your intonation is off. This is adjusted at the bridge saddles — moving the saddle forward or backward changes the string length. Check intonation by comparing the 12th fret harmonic to the fretted 12th fret note. They should be identical.

For more on playing guitar once it's in tune, visit our interactive guitar fretboard and how to read guitar tabs guide.