How to tune a guitar without a tuner: the secrets of famous representatives of the genre

In the world of sounds, the ability to set the instrument without the use of special devices, relying solely on auditory sensations, is considered a sign of high musical literacy and feeling. This process requires not only technical skills, but also advanced musical hearing, capable of discerning the slightest change in the sound of strings.

If you are a string-one performer, you should someetimes be wondering: how to tune my guitar without a tuner?

In today's writing, our team examines the basic principles of how to tune a guitar for beginners without a tuner, explains the process sequentially, and shares tips for developing musical hearing.

Prepare to dive into the world of sounds!

For those who are very inexperienced, tuning a guitar without a tuner entails using only their ears to feel the pitch of the instrument rather than any specific technological instrument. Even if your question is about how to set an electronic ear without a tuner, bear in mind that this calls for a highly trained musical ear.

A simple guidance on how to tune your guitar without a tuner for beginners:

The foremost action. You should define the iconic note to compare the strings. It may be a note produced by an already set instrument (such as a piano or other instrument) or a sound from an online source.

Once you have determined the benchmark note, alter one of your guitar’s strings until it matches the benchmark. For the sample, if you configure the row E (sixth string), adjust it to sound like a reference E-sound.

Listen to the intervals between the sounds and compare them to ensure they sound in the proper ratio. For example, a major chord should sound pure and harmonious without discords.

Modify individual strings until all of them are in balance with each other and with an iconic note.

Regardless, for novice instrumentalists, it is recommended to begin with an electro setter or different electronic devices for a more exact setting, and then, as you gain knowledge, move on to the setting by ear.

• Use octaves: The essential advice we can give you on how to tune a guitar without a tuner. Once one is set perfectly, use it to adjust others. For example, change the fifth one to a sound that might be an octave above the fourth string.
• Setup sequentially: Usually, the guitars are configured in the classic EADGBE line (from sixth string to first string). Begin with the bottom strings and go right to the top.
• Use hearing: It is essential to distinguish between accurate and wrong ones. This process often requires learning to hear these sounds.
• Exercise and tolerance: Setting up a guitar by ear can take time and requires training. The more you do it, the better your hearing gets.
• Use reference notes: If you have access to an instrument or device that can play exact notes (such as a piano or synthesizer), use it to get the exact feel of each one. This can be especially useful for beginners.
• The octave setting above: You can use the octave method above to fine-tune. For the sample, to adjust the fourth one (D), you can put the finger on the fifth fret of the fifth one (A) and analogize the sound with the open fourth string. It should be the same note but in a high octave.
• Use harmonics: The usage of harmonics is also arguably. As a standard, when you hold the strings on the fifth or seventh frets and simultaneously sound them with an unobstructed following string, you will hear a pure harmonica if both strings are set correctly.
• The octave setting below: You can use the octave tuning method below for more precise tuning of high strings (required). For example, to adjust the E, place your finger on the fifth fret of the B and approximate the sound with the open first string.
• Feel setting: Adjusting the guitar to the ear also requires developing a sense of the right sound. Sometimes, the strings can be a little higher or lower than necessary, and it is essential to learn to distinguish these nuances.

After those tips and guides, you may ask yourself: what are the important things to know before adjusting a string-one by ear? And the answer will be quite simple: of course it is the basics of music theory.

Even if you are a well-experienced practitioner, knowing the basics should be your priority. In fact, the theory can even provide a brief answer on how to tune your guitar without a tuner.

But where can you master the basics to dive into adjusting a guitar by ear? We recommend using training mobile apps, such as Talented.

Tune your skills with Talented!