How To Tune A Guitar

Achieving standard pitch requires a reliable clip-on or digital tuner. Strike each string, starting from the heavy low E, A, D, G, B, to high E, adjusting the machine heads until the tuner centers on the note. It is vital to always tune up to the desired frequency.

Haywire Custom Guitars Satin Black with Gold Hardware

Haywire Custom Guitars Satin Black Tele with Gold Hardware

Learn the String Names

Standard guitar tuning uses six notes from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string:

E (6th string, thickest)
A (5th string)
D (4th string)
G (3rd string)
B (2nd string)
E (1st string, thinnest)
Mnemonic helper: “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie”

Step-by-Step Tuning Instructions

Attach or open your tuner: Use a clip-on headstock tuner, a pedal, or a free mobile app.
Pluck one string at a time: Strike the thickest low E string clearly with your thumb or a pick and let it ring.
Identify the tuning peg: Follow that string up to the headstock to find its specific tuning peg.
Adjust the tension: If the note is too low (flat), tighten the peg to raise the pitch. If it is too high (sharp), loosen the peg to lower the pitch below the target note, then tighten it back up to the correct pitch.
Repeat for all strings: Move sequentially through A, D, G, B, and high E.

Sweetened Tuning

Sweetened tuning involves applying minute, methodical adjustments—often just fractions of a cent—to the pitch of individual guitar strings, subtly shifting them flat or sharp. This technique addresses the inherent geometry of the fretboard and string gauge, ensuring that open chords resonate with clarity while eliminating unpleasant sonic interference.

A common practice among guitarists involves first referencing a standard electronic tuner, then strumming an open D or G major chord while making methodical adjustments—slightly shifting the B or G string flat. This process continues until the notes resonate with clarity, ensuring the chord rings out without unpleasant sonic interference.

At Haywire Custom Guitars We help Players make a difference!

Warm Regards from South Carolina,
Rick Mariner

Haywire Custom Guitars Inc.

2007 Lees Landing Circle

Conway, SC 29526

843-347-5742
“Musicians working for musicians”
Thanks for letting us work for you

Haywire Custom Guitars Custom Fat Strat with Floyd Rose tremolo and Dimarzio pickups with gold saddles is difficult to setup

About the Author: Rick Mariner

Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars Inc. He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.