How to Tune a Guitar, which method strikes a chord with you?

May 8, 2011 - PRLog -- For the budding guitarist, it is probably wise to be able to use a few methods for guitar tuning so that you have some flexibility depending on time and circumstances available for tuning. For those of us that have been playing a little while it is still worthwhile knowing what else is now out there, to break out of our ‘Doing what we’ve always done’ comfort zones or just for a moments muse.

The traditional method of tuning the guitar ‘By ear’ is to adjust the strings so that they are in tune with each other. This method is fine if you are playing solo but if you are playing with other guitarists you will need to make sure that you accurately tune the low E string (6th) so the guitar is tuned in the correct pitch using an external means such as a tuning fork, pitch pipe or piano etc.

Electronic tuners as a method of guitar tuning have been around for quite a while now and can be used to tune your guitar quickly. They are an electronic box of tricks powered by battery and work on vibration sense or microphone and often have LED indicators so that you can identify when each string is correctly tuned. They are relatively in-expensive and can be purchased online or in many musical instrument shops. However, the batteries run out so it useful to carry spares. Some function with re-chargeable batteries but again you need to ensure you carry spare charged-up batteries.

There are various types of electronic tuner. “Better to purchase one that clips on the guitar itself.” Was the view of one user from the UK, because they are less likely to be “Confused by ambient noise.”

One manufacturer has produced a combined clip on tuner with integrated capo. The Capo Tuner combines a vibration-based tuner technology with a single action capo that can be used on 6 and 12 string guitars. The tuner is automatic, chromatic, and displays the musical note on a backlit LCD screen. The Capo Tuner is made of aluminium and operates on a single CR2032 battery.

There are also free online tuners available which work pretty well but obviously you need to have access to the internet to tune your guitar. Some are available to download but you will then need access to your computer to tune your guitar.

There are guitar tuner phone apps available to download so that you can use your phone to tune your guitar but you do need an up to date phone for this sort of wizardry.

As technology progresses the number of tuning methods is likely to increase but for now there is already a convenient method available to suit almost every circumstance.

More Information

Sources:
Learn How to Play the Guitar - http://hubpages.com/hub/learnhowtoplaytheguitar
Guitar Course - http://guitar-course.weebly.com/
Best Online Guitar Lessons - www.the-best-online-guitar-lessons.blogspot.com/
Guitartrainingbuddy.com/How To Tune A Guitar - http://www.guitartrainingbuddy.com/how-to-tune-a-guitar.php

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