How to Tune Your Guitar

Here is a simple description of how to tune a guitar by ear.

Step one: Get your 6th (E string) tuned to E. You can use another guitar, a piano, or a
recording that you know has an open E (Like Enter Sandman by Metallica).

Once you have your E string tuned, you can match the other strings.

The fifth fret on the E string should be the same pitch as the open 5th string (A). Hold
down the note on the fifth fret of the E string, play it and let it ring while holding the
note. As it rings, play the 5th string open – if it is lower in pitch, tighten the string until it
matches. If it is higher in pitch, loosen the string until it matches. Keep playing both
notes until you are sure they match.

Do the same thing with the 5th fret on the 5th string and the open 4th string (D).

Do the same thing with the 5th fret on the 4th string and the open 3rd string (G).

Do the same thing with the 4th fret on the 3rd string and the open 2nd string (B).

Do the same thing with the 5th fret on the 2nd string and the open 1st string (E).

If you are serious about playing guitar, you should by an electronic tuner. However, you
should try to tune by ear first, then check with the tuner so you learn to do it by ear when
you have to.