How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner (By Ear)

Tuning your guitar without a tuner will make you feel like a wizard ✨. It's also not as hard as it sounds (badum tss) once you get the hang of it. And a great way to train your ear!

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Step 1: Start with a Reference Note

To tune by ear, you need at least one reference note. If you have access to another instrument (like a piano, another guitar, or even a tuning fork), match your low E string (6th string) to an E note from that source. No instrument nearby? Then it's a bit harder. Just grab your phone, download an app or play a youtube video with that note, there are plenty to find.

Or if you don't want to bother, just download a tuner app, that also works. decenlty.

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Step 2: Use the 5th Fret Method

Once your low E is in tune (or at least close), you can tune the rest of your strings using the 5th fret method. Here’s how it works:

• 5th fret on the low E (6th string) = open A (5th string)
• 5th fret on A = open D (4th string)
• 5th fret on D = open G (3rd string)
• 4th fret on G = open B (2nd string) (This is the only exception!)
• 5th fret on B = open high E (1st string)

Play the fretted note and the open string together, adjusting the open string until they sound the same. Take your time—your ears will start to notice when things lock in.

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Step 3: Use Harmonics (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

Once you’ve got the hang of tuning with frets, try using harmonics for extra accuracy:

• Lightly touch (don’t press) the 5th fret of the low E string and play it.
• At the same time, lightly touch the 7th fret of the A string and play it.
• If the notes sound wobbly together, they’re out of tune—adjust until they blend smoothly.
• Repeat the process up the strings (except for the tricky B string—tune that one normally).

You can use these harmonics to use in those metal songs you love. A bit tricky to play in such technical songs, but worth practising!

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Step 4: Double-Check with Chords

Once everything seems in tune, play some simple chords like E major, G, or D. If they sound off, tweak the tuning slightly until they ring out clearly. A great trick is to strum an open E chord—if it sounds weird, something’s still off.

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Step 5: Trust Your Ears (and Practice!)

The more you tune by ear, the better you’ll get at it. Over time, your brain starts recognizing when a note is even slightly off, making tuning faster and easier.

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And that’s it! No fancy gadgets, no batteries—just you, your guitar, and some good old-fashioned listening skills. Now go play something awesome.