Guitar Tuning

Guitar tuning can also be done using octaves. An octave is a frequency doubling (same note twice higher) or halving (same note below - half as fast). Octaves are an incredibly effective way to learn all of the notes on the guitar [these exercises demonstrate this].

The following are a sequence of octave shapes. Once you have tuned the low E to a reference pitch (or just to what it is at the moment), then follow this sequence, listening for a 'leveling' of the tones against each other. They should sound the same (same tone, twice higher or lower). With any type of tuning, you may have to make multiple passes.

Use a Tone from a Recording

Most music generates a key-tone (the tone that is 'home'). The song itself 'tells' the ear to what pitch the strings should be tuned.

You can also listen for open strings or chord voicings you know & tune any note that you recognize.

Once at least one string is in tune, use the 5-0 method or harmonics or octaves to tune the remaining strings.

Use a Chord

Select a chord you are familiar with, like E Major (a good choice).

Pluck each note slowly low to high (drag finger or pick through the strings, rather than strumming -- pick each tone).

Listen to the resonance & interaction of the tones. Make adjustments as necessary to get the resonance to sound correct for the chord.

Having multiple ways to tune can benefit you. There are situations where one works better than another.

Guitar Tuning - Tuner, 5-0 & Harmonic methods