RepertoWhat is standard guitar tuning?
Across classical, acoustic and electric guitars, standard tuning runs from lowest pitch to highest pitch as E - A - D - G - B - E. When holding the guitar in playing position, the thickest string closest to you is the 6th string (low E), and the thinnest string closest to the floor is the 1st string (high E).
Starting from the 6th string and working systematically down to the 1st string keeps tension balanced across the neck and prevents turning the wrong peg.
| String | Position | Pitch | Note Name | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th String | Top (thickest) | E2 | Low E | 82.41 Hz |
| 5th String | Second from top | A2 | A | 110.00 Hz |
| 4th String | Middle low | D3 | D | 146.83 Hz |
| 3rd String | Middle high | G3 | G | 196.00 Hz |
| 2nd String | Second from bottom | B3 | B | 246.94 Hz |
| 1st String | Bottom (thinnest) | E4 | High E | 329.63 Hz |
Step-by-step tuning technique
A chromatic tuner shows two pieces of information: the nearest detected note letter and a cent needle showing whether you are flat (left of centre) or sharp (right of centre).
- Trace the string with your eyes all the way to its tuning peg before turning anything — turning a neighbouring peg while plucking another string is the classic way strings snap.
- Mute the other five strings lightly with your palm and pluck the target string cleanly with medium force; hitting too hard makes the initial attack read sharp.
- Watch the letter first (for example A on the 5th string). If it reads G#, tighten slowly; if it reads A#, loosen.
- Only turn the peg while the note is ringing so both your ear and the meter track the pitch change continuously.
Why fresh strings go out of tune — and how to settle them fast
Brand-new nylon strings stretch for days, and steel strings drop noticeably during their first hour. If you restring right before a rehearsal or gig, tune to pitch, gently tug each string upward a centimetre over the soundhole to take out the slack, and re-tune. Repeating that cycle three times settles strings in minutes.
Popular alternate guitar tunings
Many stage bands and acoustic players step outside standard tuning for vocal comfort or fuller low end:
| Tuning | Notes (6 → 1) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Step Down (Eb) | Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb | Eases vocal strain on long sets and softens string tension. |
| Drop D | D - A - D - G - B - E | Only the 6th string drops a whole step for deep root-fifth bass voicings. |
| D Standard | D - G - C - F - A - D | Warm, resonant acoustic backing and lower vocal registers. |
| DADGAD | D - A - D - G - A - D | Open modal ringing for fingerstyle, folk and Celtic arrangements. |
Quick tuning checks between songs
Temperature shifts from stage lights and heavy strumming pull strings slightly flat or sharp mid-set. Whenever you have ten quiet seconds, check the 3rd string (G) and 6th string (E) first — an out-of-tune G string immediately makes open D, G and C chords sound sour.
Frequently asked questions
What does A4 = 440 Hz mean on a tuner?
440 Hz is the international concert pitch standard for the A above middle C (vibrating 440 times per second). Keep your tuner at 440 Hz so you match keyboards, backing tracks and other instruments.
Why do chords sound out of tune even when open strings read green?
Worn strings, pressing down too hard behind the frets, or bridge intonation drift can pull fretted notes sharp. Try fresh strings and a lighter left-hand touch first; if the 12th-fret note disagrees with the open string, have the intonation set.
Should I loosen my strings when storing the guitar?
Not for everyday storage — the neck is designed to stay under normal string tension. Only slacken strings by a half or whole step before flights or months of storage.