A natural question arises: "how to tune a 6 string guitar for a beginner?". If you have big plans and want to become a guitarist from God, at a minimum you need to be able to tuning your guitar correctly. But even if there are no such plans, you will still have to tune the guitar).
“I can’t tune my guitar” is a phrase you can often hear from a beginning guitarist, but first, let’s figure out how the strings should be tuned. The strings on a guitar are numbered from bottom to top, from the thinnest string to the thickest..
10 Tips: How to Play Guitar with Good Technique
With classic guitar tuning The 6th string is tuned to , the Latin designation "E" is often used. Usually the sixth string is tuned first, and the rest from there, but more on that a little later. This is how the strings should be tuned when classical system:
- e (first, most thin string- note "mi")
- B (second string, note "B")
- G (third string, G note)
- D (fourth string, note "D")
- A (fifth string, note "A")
- E (the sixth, thickest string is the note "E")
Now that we know how the strings should be tuned, let's try to tune them. By the way, you know ? To do this, we will use pegs or, as some beginners call them, “twists”). can be turned in one or the other direction.
By turning the peg clockwise we tighten the string, giving it a higher sound, and accordingly turning it counterclockwise we loosen the string and it sounds lower.
At setting 6 string guitar twist you need to be careful so as not to break the string, especially for beginner guitarists. With experience, you will feel the tension of the string much more accurately, but for now, be more careful and turn the “twisters” carefully.
Tuning the 6th string
First of all, we tune the sixth string on the guitar. To do this, we need a so-called reference sound, specifically the note “E”. Where can I get it? You can listen to it on our website, take it on another tuned musical instrument, you can use a tuning fork, or go to YouTube and search for “E notes for guitar tuning” or something like that.
Some people have perfect pitch and can determine the pitch of a note without using the above methods. This quality of hearing can be developed, but as a rule it is innate. However, not all professionals have such skills, so the method proposed below is used by both experienced guitarists and beginners.
And so, we have found a “sample” note, let’s start tuning. Tuning a 6-string guitar, as well as playing any other musical instrument, requires at least some degree of hearing. The presence of hearing in a beginner is very easy to determine, if you are able to distinguish which of two notes sounds higher and which lower, then you definitely have hearing. This is what we need now.
How to learn to play guitar from scratch at home?
Play standard note "mi" and at the same time start plucking the sixth string of your guitar. Do you feel the difference? Does your guitar string sound lower than the reference note? So you need to tighten it up a little, twist smoothly and continue tuning the 6th string until our string and the reference note sound . Try tightening and loosening the string a little until you achieve the desired sound.
Tuning the rest of the strings
can be tuned in a similar way, using standard notes, but as a rule, “in everyday life” they are tuned relative to the 6th string. The procedure is as follows:
We will use the 6th string clamped on the 5th fret and the 5th string open (that is, not clamped on any fret). We alternately pluck the fifth and sixth strings and adjust the sound of the fifth string until we achieve unison.
The remaining strings are tuned according to a similar pattern, but with a slight correction (pay attention to the setting of the second string). I will describe the entire string tuning scheme:
- Sixth string - tune either by reference note or by ear.
Non-classical settings are used for the convenience of playing certain musical genres or pieces of music.
Classic setting method
- tuning fork
- The 1st string is used to tune the 2nd string, which, being pressed at the V fret, should sound the same as the 1st open (not pressed) string.
- The 3rd string, pressed at the 4th fret, is tuned to the 2nd open string.
- The 4th string, pressed on the V fret, is tuned to the 3rd open string.
- The 5th string, pressed at the V fret, is tuned to the 4th open string.
- The 6th string, pressed at the V fret, is tuned to the 5th open string.
Tuning with harmonics and temperament
Allows for much more precise tuning, since the accuracy of the frets is not always sufficient.
- The 1st string is tuned using the reference sound - the sound of a tuning fork - or the sound of an already tuned musical instrument.
- The 6th string is tuned so that its harmonic at the 5th fret sounds in unison with the 1st string.
- The 5th string is tuned so that its harmonic at the 7th fret sounds in unison with the 1st string, and then it is slightly pulled up so that a beat occurs with a frequency of 0.372 Hz (one beat in 2.7 seconds).
- The 4th string is tuned so that its harmonic at the 7th fret sounds in unison with the harmonic of the 5th string at the 5th fret, and then slightly tightened so that a beat occurs with a frequency of 0.497 Hz (one beat per 2.01 seconds).
- The 3rd string is tuned so that its harmonic at the 7th fret sounds in unison with the harmonic of the 4th string at the 5th fret, and then slightly tightened so that a beat occurs with a frequency of 0.664 Hz (one beat per 1.51 seconds).
- The 2nd string is tuned so that its harmonic on the 5th fret sounds almost in unison with the harmonic of the 1st string on the 7th fret, but is slightly shortened so that a beat with a frequency of 1.12 Hz is heard (one beat per 0.9 seconds).
When tuning using the tuning fork A (“A”), the 5th string is tuned first (the harmonic on the V fret in unison with the tuning fork), then the 1st and 6th, and then the 4th, 3rd and 2nd.
With good hearing, and having accumulated sufficient experience, you can do without using harmonics, catching the beat of overtones in the sound of open strings.
Since changing the string tension leads to deformation of the guitar body and detuning of the remaining strings, it is recommended to tune the guitar in 2-3 iterations, the first of which can be done without temperament (without carefully calculating the beat frequency).
Lower tunings of a six-string guitar
Lower (that is, lower than the usual EBGDAE tuning) tunings are used for more convenient playing in a certain key, or to obtain a lower, “heavy” sound. In particular, many rock guitarists love the so-called. Drop tunings, which are named by adding to “Drop” a note on the 6th string that drops 1 tone below the first (for example: Drop C = DAFCGC). To change from a classical tuning to some lower tuning, all the strings of the guitar are lowered by a certain interval (for example, to change to tuning D, you need to lower all the strings of the guitar by a tone). To lower the guitar's tuning by more than a tone, you may need to change the strings to thicker ones due to the weakening of their tension. Also, for tunings below B (B), mostly baritone guitars are used.
| String | Scale E♭ (E-flat) | Build D (re) | Scale D♭ (D-flat) | Build C (before) | System B (si) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Frequency (in hertz) | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | |
| First | e♭¹ (E-flat first octave) | 311.13 | d¹ (D first octave) | 293.66 | d♭¹ (D-flat first octave) | 277.18 | c¹ (to the first octave) | 261.63 | b (B small octave) | 246.94 |
| Second | b♭ (B-flat small octave) | 233.08 | a (A small octave) | 220.00 | a♭ (A-flat small octave) | 207.00 | g (small octave sol) | 196.00 | g♭ (G-flat small octave) | 185.00 |
| Third | g♭ (G-flat small octave) | 185.00 | f (f small octave) | 174.62 | e (minor octave E) | 164.81 | e♭ (small octave E-flat) | 155.56 | d (small octave D) | 147.83 |
| Fourth | d♭ (D-flat small octave) | 138.59 | c (to small octave) | 130.82 | B (big octave B) | 123.48 | B♭ (B-flat major octave) | 116.54 | A (A major octave) | 110.00 |
| Fifth | A♭ (A-flat major octave) | 103.80 | G (major octave G) | 98.00 | G♭ (G flat major octave) | 92.50 | F (major octave F) | 87.31 | E (major octave E) | 82.41 |
| Sixth | E♭ (major octave E-flat) | 77.78 | D (major octave D) | 73.91 | D♭ (D-flat major octave) | 69.30 | C (to major octave) | 65.41 | B¹ (B counter octave) | 61.74 |
| Notes |  |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
Open C
One of characteristic features is the ease of extracting basic major chords. A simple barre at the 2nd fret will give "D", 4th will give "E", 5th will give "F" and so on. Open strings will give you "C".
In order to tune a guitar in “Open C”, you need (starting from the “standard tuning”): 1st string (thin) Leave as in “ standard system" - "Mi" ("E")
2nd string. Raise half a step to “C” (“C”)
3rd string. Leave as in “standard tuning” - “Salt” (“G”)
4th string. Lower one step to “Before” (“C”)
5th string. Lower one step to “Salt” (“G”)
6th string (thick). Lower by two steps from “E” to “Do” (“C”)
Raised tunings of a six-string guitar
Tuning a guitar, especially a classical one, can damage the instrument., as well as to injuries due to a sudden break of a tightened string.
To increase the tuning, you can use a capo. If rebuilding your guitar is necessary, it is recommended to use a thinner set of strings.
| String | Build F (fa) | Tuning F# (F-sharp) | Tuning G (sol) | G# scale (G sharp) | System A (la) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Frequency (in hertz) | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | Note | Frequency | |
| First | f¹ (fa first octave) | 349.23 | f¹# (F-sharp first octave) | 369.99 | g¹ (sol of the first octave) | 392.00 | g¹# (G-sharp first octave) | 415.30 | a¹ (A first octave) | 440.00 |
| Second | с¹ (to the first octave) | 261.63 | с¹# (C-sharp of the first octave) | 277.18 | d¹ (D first octave) | 293.66 | D¹# (D-sharp first octave) | 311.13 | e¹ (E first octave) | 311.13 |
| Third | g# (G-sharp small octave) | 207.00 | a (A small octave) | 220.00 | a# (A-sharp small octave) | 233.08 | b (B small octave) | 246.94 | c¹ (to the first octave) | 261.63 |
| Fourth | d# (d-sharp small octave) | 155.56 | e (minor octave E) | 164.81 | f (f small octave) | 174.62 | f# (F-sharp small octave) | 185.00 | g (small octave sol) | 196.00 |
| Fifth | A# (A-sharp major octave) | 116.54 | B (big octave B) | 123.48 | c (to small octave) | 130.82 | c# (C-sharp small octave) | 138.59 | d (small octave D) | 147.83 |
| Sixth | F (major octave F) | 87.31 | F# (F-sharp major octave) | 92.50 | G (major octave G) | 98.00 | G# (G-sharp major octave) | 103.80 | A (A major octave) | 110.00 |
| Notes |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||
"Drop D" formation
This tuning differs from the classical one in that it is lowered by tone sixth string. It is often used by hard rock electric guitarists because it makes it easier to play 5th chords. power-chord), also some works were written for him classical guitar(in the keys of D major and D minor).
"Drop C" formation
Used to produce an even lower and “heavier” sound on an electric guitar. Unlike the classical system, all strings except the sixth tune in to tone below and sixth string- on two tones.
Like Drop tuning D is used to play fifth chords.
Double Drop-D formation
The tuning is similar to Drop D, differing in that the first string is lowered a tone. For tuning from classical tuning first And sixth the string is lowered to tone.
In this tuning, the top four open strings of the guitar form a G major chord, making it easier to play with slide. Double drop D was often used by performer Neil Young.
Build "DADGAD"
The tuning most often used in folk music. It was invented by British guitarist David Graham for more convenient playing from notes recorded for violin or bagpipes.
To reorganize the “DADGAD” system from the classic one, it is necessary to lower it to tone first, second And sixth strings.
Build "DADDAD"
The “Papa-Papa” tuning is most suitable both for use in folk music (Celtic) and for playing rhythm guitar parts in “heavy” (alternative) music, 4 notes at a time. To change the tuning “DADDAD” from the classical one, you need to lower it to tone first, second And sixth strings. A third tune in unison with fourth.
Build "Open D"
In this tuning, the open strings form a D major chord. It is used primarily on slide guitars.
To rebuild into this system from the classical first, second And sixth strings drop to tone, third goes down to semitone.
"Open G" build
In this tuning, the open strings form a G major chord.
To change to "Open G" tuning from the classic first, fifth And sixth strings drop to tone.
"New Standard"
Also known as "Crafty tuning". A tuning developed by musician Robert Fripp and used by him since 1983. In contrast to the classical “quart” tuning, the tuning proposed by Robert Fripp is closer to bowed string instruments, and first, second And third the strings are tuned similarly to a violin. Tuning to this tuning may require replacing the lower strings with thicker ones and the upper strings with thinner ones.
"Alternative tuning Cross A"
E-A-E-A-E-A."Sitar A" - alternative low guitar tuning. Reminds me of the sound of an Indian sitar. Great for creating Indian (oriental) music.
Seven-string tunings
Standard
The structure of the strings of a seven-string guitar is mixed - terts-quart, so the chord of the open strings is consonant (major quartet-sixth chord), in contrast to six string guitar. This system is considered classical (academic).
The guitar is one of the most famous and at the same time unpredictable instruments that can touch the most sensual strings of the soul. But the guitar itself also has them.
Few people pay attention to the name of the strings on a guitar, considering it completely unnecessary. But often the performance of any composition depends on the setting. Any dissonance causes associative rejection of the composition as a whole. But in this material The focus will be on instrument tuning and use for beginning players.
Guitar string name: classic version
In general, it is considered a classic. However, one can recall quite a lot of examples of great composers who preferred seven strings to six (at least Vysotsky).
However, according to music theory and solfeggio, the names of the strings do not differ at all. Based on the rules established general theory music, the notes by which any instrument is built have their own names and abbreviations in the form of Latin symbols and language interpretations. In our case it is:
- C - to.
- D - re.
- E - mi.
- F - fa.
- G - salt.
- A - la.
- H - B (B - B-flat is indicated separately).
(sharps, flats, bekars or their double versions) are applied accordingly. But there are only 6 strings.
The string on the guitar at the top of the neck has the same sound as the first string at the bottom three octaves apart. Therefore, both the first and sixth are, as it were, dominant, but only in relation to a 6-string instrument (the main tuning is in E minor).
Mi-si-sol-re-la-mi: is the sequence in tuning correct?
Quite often, many beginning guitarists trying to understand the basics of the technique are immediately faced with the problem of tuning, not knowing which string corresponds to which symbol in the designation or sound.
If you go through the search, sequentially from the sixth string to the first, it will look like “e-la-re-sol-si-mi”. And the above sequence is reverse.
Such a sequence is not suitable for a flat sequence, since it should look like “si-mi-la-re-sol-do-fa”. However, we digress from the topic.
Fundamental tone and tuning
The name of the strings, as is already clear, is standard for any instrument. As for the (6-string) this is done quite simply.
There are several ways in which a beginning musician can use the unison of an open string lower on the neck with one that is clamped at the fifth fret above. All strings, except the third, are built according to this rule. You can use the harmonic effect on different frets (the strings vibrate among themselves) or turn on a distortion effect, which will add drive and increase vibration. That is, the strings will have to be retuned until the sound matches completely. Professional electric guitars have a special micro-tuning device on the soundboard for this purpose).
Basic chords for beginners
For many beginning guitarists, the note “A” is usually associated with the chord, which is the second simplest chord in guitar technique.
It consists of only three fingers: two on the second fret (fourth and third string) and one on the second string on the first fret. The note "A" in in this case acts as a tonic.
But the simplest chord is still the E minor chord. There are only two strings - the fifth and fourth on the second fret. A major chord played from “E” involves holding the third string on the second fret, and a major chord with the tonic “A” is even simpler - three fingers on the second fret (second, third and fourth string).
Barre technique
Although the name of the strings on a guitar no longer causes misunderstanding, it is especially worth noting a technique called barre (clamping index finger all right).
Any standard chord can be built using this technique. In fact, the same simple applications indicated above can be applied to this case, but only the nut near the tuning mechanism on the headstock acts as a barre.
Varieties of playing techniques
The name of the strings on a guitar is often emphasized with certain symbols, although it is not directly advertised. For example, in the standard version the third, fifth, seventh and twelfth frets are designated (sometimes the ninth). For many famous guitarists you can find all sorts of signs, including skulls or something else. These guitars are made to order.
And playing any instrument is quite difficult, be it fingerpicking, strumming, tapping, sliding, etc. With the advent of “gadgets,” technology has reached new level. That alone is worth it... And modern guitarists generally demonstrate such miracles of technology that it simply boggles the mind.
The same Steve Vai, Marty Friedmann or Kirk Hammett are the only ones of our time. And by the way, even though they know classical school, do not always use it in their improvisations. For example, Friedman tends to play in fifths, or nine notes per pass. And everyone's technique is different. But if you set a goal, nothing is impossible. Maybe the modern reader will become a great guitarist in the future, who knows?
In addition to the usual way to tune a guitar, there are alternative tunings.
Guitarists need them to diversify their performance and achieve an unusual or powerful sound, and also to simplify finger placement while playing. If you have problems with the setup process, there is a separate section about this on our website.
In this article, the tuning will be indicated from the sixth string to the first. Some settings are easier to remember this way.
Classical tuning and its variations
EADGBE - classic tuning
The generally accepted system, also called “Spanish”, is most often used to write songs. As an example, consider Ed Sheeran – Shape of you. Ed plays this song in classical tuning.
Variation one - DADGBE
Among guitarists it is called a drop-D, since the sixth string drops a tone to the note D. In it, power chords are pressed with one finger, which is why drop-D is often used in rock music.
Turns into this:
Stockholm Syndrome by Muse is played in this tuning.
Variation two - DADGBD
Also called Double drop-D, similar to the previous one, but the first string goes down a tone. It is convenient to play parts through the repeated note D, both on the sixth and on the first string. Skillet's Circus For A Psycho plays the main riff in this tuning.
Variation three - DADGAD
Among guitarists it is called “deadged”, often used in folk music because of its ease of imitation of bagpipes and sitar. IN open strings no third is formed, therefore this scale is neither major nor minor, but modal. The first, second and sixth strings are lowered a tone. White summer by the Yardbirds plays just like that.
Drops and capo
Next, we will consider tunings formed by a uniform change in all strings from the classical tuning and its variations. The downward movement adds “heaviness” to the sound. The vocalist may be more comfortable singing. As the tuning goes down, it is better to switch to thicker strings; their tension will decrease and it will be uncomfortable to play.
Step one - D#G#C#F#A#D#
It’s also half-step-down, “half a step down.” All strings are evenly lowered by a semitone.
Guns`n`roses play their classic Sweet Child O`mine a little lower than it might seem.
Step two - CGCFAD
Popular in metal and heavy rock drop-C. This is the tuning that is almost always used, with all strings down a tone and the sixth string down another tone, i.e. one tone down from drop-D. First two albums System groups of a Down played in drop-C. For example, the song Toxicity from the album of the same name.
Step three - BF#BEG#C#
Another tone lower than the previous one, also known as drop-B. Even harder and more aggressive. Slipknot used this tuning on their first albums. Wait and bleed is no exception.
We will not consider the constructions below here, since in modern music For even greater reduction, guitars with additional strings, 7-, 8-, 9-strings, are used.
Capo
To improve the tuning, the guitar is very rarely retuned; for this, a capo is used, which evenly clamps all the strings.
This creates a movable threshold, and if you need to play a song in a different key, for example, for the convenience of the vocalist, you just need to move the capo to the desired fret.
For example, the Scarborough fair by Simon and Garfunkel is played with a capo at the seventh fret, which creates a BEADF#B tuning 3.5 steps higher than the classic one.
Open formations
Open tuning is the tuning of all strings not by intervals, but by the notes of a chord.
Such tunings are often used in folk music and when playing with a slide - usually a metal or glass cylinder that is placed on the finger of the left hand. It is moved along the strings as a “moving” fret.
Let's look at some commonly used open tunings.
Open D major Open D - DADF#AD
We have already discussed the DADGAD tuning as a variation of the classic tuning. Let's lower the third string another semitone - we get the notes of the D major chord.
For example, let's take the composition of guitarist Alain Johannes – Make God Jealous.
Open D minor Open D Minor - DADFAD
Let's lower the third string another semitone, and we'll end up in D minor, a more “sad” chord. Let's evaluate the changes in sound using the song Wine and Roses by John Fahey.
Open G major Open G - DGDGBD
Let's return the second and third strings to classical tuning, but let's lower the fifth one tone - we move into a G major chord. This tuning was used by Jimmy Page in Led Zeppelin's Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.
Modal scale G Modal G - DGCGCD
This system has the same features as discussed above. modal system in D (DADGAD), it is convenient to play both major and minor songs. Jimmy Page also used this system. He generally used many non-standard tunings and was their popularizer. For example, Rain song performed jointly with Robert Plant.
Open G minor Open G Minor - DGDGA#D
By lowering the second string a semitone, we form a G minor chord from the open strings. It is used on guitarist John Renbourn's Mist-Covered Mountains of Home and imitates a lute.
Open A major Open A - EEAAC#E or EAC#EAE
There are two setup options. In the first case, we raise the second, third and fourth strings by a tone, forming an A major chord.
In the second case, lower the second string by a tone, the third by a tone and a half, and the fourth string by a half tone. This variation is often found in delta blues compositions, one of the earliest blues movements.
Robert Johnson uses a slide to play in this tuning on Crossroads Blues.
Open C major Open C - CGCGCE or CGCGGE
The sixth, fifth and fourth strings repeat drop-C, the second string is raised by a semitone (or lowered by two tones), the third and first - as in the classics.
Chris Cornell's song Burden In My Hand, performed by Soundgarden, is written in this tuning.
There are many more rarer customization options. Nothing prevents a musician from tuning the instrument the way he wants or needs.
Come to us and we will teach you how to play the guitar and find innovative solutions to musical problems.
Details Author: JetNet Views: 1003 09/04/2017 19:57 Category: Where to start???In this article I want to clarify a little guitar tunings. What are they, why were they formed this way, and how to generally tune your guitar. Firstly, a little educational information. The order is indicated by letters. The letters are the notes that produce the open strings from the sixth (thickest) to the first (thinnest). Let's start with, so to speak, the standard - this standard guitar tuning.
Standard tuning E A D G B E (E)
In this tuning, the guitar is tuned in fourths, i.e. the interval between each string is a fourth. Read what it is. The exception is the second and third strings, the interval between which is a major third. They say in the jargon that the guitar is tuned in "E", i.e. these are the notes on the first and sixth strings. By tuning your guitar in this tuning, you can easily play regular full chords, major and minor. And in general, it seems to me that 90% of all songs can be played in it.
Low tuning Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb (E flat)
If all strings are tuned to standard tuning and lower each by a semitone, then we get low pitch E flat. The spacing between the strings is the same as in standard E tuning. What is this system used for? Mainly to make it easier for the vocalist to sing or for a lower and heavier sound (for example in heavy metal and other rock music).
Low tuning D G C F A D (D)
If in the standard tuning all the strings are lowered even lower - by 2 semitones, then we get the D tuning. Here also the intervals are preserved. Essentially all lower tunings of this type are just standard tunings with a lower tuning. Used again for a heavier and lower sound, for example in heavy metal. The standard can be lowered further and get, for example, C (to). The meaning will be the same.
Dropped D: D A D G B E
Now this is more interesting. Take the E standard and lower the 6th string to whole tone. Now we have 2 D notes on open strings. Fifths on the sixth string are pressed not with 2 fingers, as in the standard one, but with one. This is probably the most popular tuning in alternative metal. Gives a meatier sound and expands the guitar's range. Well, convenience appears when playing fifths (power chords).
Dropped C: C G C F A D
Everything is the same as in the case of Drop D, only we take the lowered tuning of D as a basis and also lower the sixth string an additional tone. The favorite tuning of all metalcore players.
So, by equivalently lowering the strings, you can tune the guitar even higher or lower. That is, in fact, all these tunings above are variations of 2 tunings: standard and drop. They are probably the most popular among guitarists. Using just them, you can play 99% of all the songs in the world with ease. In addition to them, there are also a lot of non-standard tunings, but they are quite rarely used. And in general, you yourself can even come up with your own guitar tuning and figure out how to play it =)