Tuning means adjusting each open string to a target pitch. If even one string is wrong, familiar chord shapes can sound unpleasant even when your fingers are placed correctly.
Standard tuning is not the only tuning, but it is the best place to begin because most learning material assumes it. Standard tuning balances chord shapes, scale patterns and comfortable hand stretches. It is not mathematically uniform, because the interval between G and B differs from the others, but that irregularity helps common guitar voicings fit under the fingers.
String order
From low to high pitch, the strings are low E, A, D, G, B and high E. The two E strings share a note name but are two octaves apart.
Why the intervals are uneven
Most neighbouring strings are tuned a perfect fourth apart, but G to B is a major third. This irregular step is one reason chord shapes look different across the fretboard.
The strings are named from pitch, not viewing direction
From the thickest, lowest-pitched string to the thinnest, highest-pitched string, the notes are E, A, D, G, B and E. Players often say "low E" and "high E" to distinguish the two E strings.
Tune up to the note
If you overshoot, lower the string slightly below the target and approach the pitch upward. This helps remove slack from the tuning mechanism.
Reference pitch matters
Most tuners use A4 = 440 Hz as the standard reference. If one tuner is calibrated differently, the guitar can appear internally in tune but disagree with recordings or other instruments.
Tune and check the result
- Mute the other strings while tuning one string.
- Tune from the low E string upward and repeat the full pass because changing one string can slightly affect the others.
- Pluck with a normal, steady attack rather than hitting very hard.
- Check all six strings again because adjusting one can slightly affect the others.
- After tuning, play an open E chord and a chord higher on the neck to check that the result sounds stable.
When the guitar still feels wrong
The tuner shows the wrong note name
The string may be far from target. Turn slowly in the correct direction and make sure you selected the intended string.
The tuner reading jumps around
Pluck once, let the note settle and reduce background noise. Old strings or excessive pick attack can also make the pitch unstable.
The tuner shows the correct letter but the string is far too loose or tight
You may be in the wrong octave. Compare the string with a reference sound and approach the target gradually rather than tightening blindly.