Tuning problems.

Jx210 · #1 March 20th, 2008

Evening everyone. I just bought my first guitar a few hours ago and have been tuning it for a hour now. I'm still on the first two notes. I can't get E fret 5 to sound ANYTHING like A at all. I read all of the how-to's but nothing works. I can't get them to sound like online tuners at all either /=

JF-30 · #2 March 20th, 2008

Try using the online tuner on this site:
Online tuner
Listen carefully and try to match your strings. An electronic tuner is a big help too
Bob

carol m · #3 March 21st, 2008

Hi jx210, it's really hard when you start. It's difficult if you are real beginner and your ears aren't used to recognising the pitch of notes. If you don't have a teacher who would help you with this, I would suggest that tomorrow you buy an electronic tuner. They give you a visual read-out of whether you are sharp or flat, and by how much. It really will help until you get used to using your ears more.

The main thing is, even though its frustrating, don't get dis-heartened and then give up. Problems can be solved, and you will be amazed how much pleasure you will get soon from even the smallest amount of progress.

One of your best strokes of luck, is finding us here! You will get loads of help and support. Any problems you are having, just ask.

If you need to do something until you can get your guitar in tune, why not have a read at this thread here

737blues · #4 March 21st, 2008

Right about here, is the bit you want.

http://www.guitarforbeginners.com/tuning.html

When you fret the E string at the fifth fret, (lowest/thickest) you get the note of A. It's the next string played open, (un-fretted) which should sound the same, (A) and so on. The link explains. The fifth string open is usually tuned to A=440 cycles as the reference but initially you just need the strings to be tuned relative to each other.

If it still makes no sense perhaps you should go back to the guitar shop, buy a digital tuner with a visual display and ask them to show you how to use it. They are pretty inexpensive.

Jx210 · #5 March 26th, 2008

Thanks a bunch guys, I'm starting to get the hang of it

allthumbs · #6 March 27th, 2008

Cool. Remember when in doubt, tune down and start working back up to the note you want to tune to. That way you will be less likely to tune past it and break a string.

Stratrat · #7 March 27th, 2008

Also keep in mind that you'll probably spend a couple of days getting a brand-new guitar to stay in tune, unless it's been hanging on a wall already tuned up. New strings have a short period where they stretch, and your tuning won't stabilize until they're done stretching and have settled in.

Jx210 · #8 March 27th, 2008

Ah, thanks for that. I'm glad I came here, I'm working on the tuning and think I'm starting to really get the hang of it.

onefadedfan · #9 March 28th, 2008

Yea wait till you have to learn how to tune a floyd rose tremelo....uggghhhhh...just started messing with that for about 2 or 3 weeks now...

starsailor · #10 March 28th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefadedfan

Yea wait till you have to learn how to tune a floyd rose tremelo....uggghhhhh...just started messing with that for about 2 or 3 weeks now...

Sounds a bit frustrating onefadedfan don't know if this will help but thought you might want to have a look

Tuning A Floyd Rose - (or other similar floating bridge) - Guitar Noise

Best Wishes

Chris

onefadedfan · #11 March 28th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by starsailor

Sounds a bit frustrating onefadedfan don't know if this will help but thought you might want to have a look

Tuning A Floyd Rose - (or other similar floating bridge) - Guitar Noise

Best Wishes

Chris

thanks, this will help shave a few minutes off the next time i tune it up!

kaneashiru1 · #12 March 29th, 2008

I use a visual technique...

I tune it and to get the sound perfect I keep hitting the string while adjusting till the next string in line starts vibrating, the vibrations are visible btw they should happen at the exact same moment you strike the string you're tuning to.. I believe when that happens you have found the resonant frequency (exact same) frequency of the note you're trying to tune to..
it's still using the 5,5,5,5,4,5 fretboard tuning style... ^_^

Ghost-RiderP51 · #13 March 29th, 2008

These guys are right. When I got mine I tired so hard over and over to master the art of tunning by ear for days. I eventually got an electronic tunner. I also gave up. But after playing for a while(a year now) I tune to the C chord by ear and it seems to work pretty fine. After tunning by ear I wanted to see how close I am and only 2 strings were slightly off but they were still in the range of the note for that string so that made me happy. Time is the answer.

JessThrasher · #14 March 30th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefadedfan

Yea wait till you have to learn how to tune a floyd rose tremelo....uggghhhhh...just started messing with that for about 2 or 3 weeks now...

If its properly setup and balanced, once you get it tuned, it will stay in tune for as long as a week. I haven't tuned mine since last week and its still in tune. I just make small tweaks with the fine tuners here and there.

Maddog54 · #15 March 30th, 2008

I'm about lost in the middle of a jungle and walking in circles without my electronic tuner.... I can tell when its out of tune, but without the needle I cant tell which way. This new acoustic is throwing me through a loop now and then since I now have to get used to half the tuners on the bottom and end up turning the wrong one LOL