Mar 17, 2026

How to Tune a 6 String Guitar (Beginner to Pro Guide)

Learning how to tune a 6 string guitar is one of the first and most important skills every guitarist must learn. Even an expensive guitar will sound bad if it is not tuned properly. Whether you play acoustic or electric guitar, tuning ensures your chords sound correct, your notes are accurate, and your overall playing improves.

This complete guide explains standard guitar tuning, step-by-step tuning instructions, tuning methods, common mistakes, and tips to keep your guitar in tune longer.

Short Answer – How to Tune a 6 String Guitar?

The standard tuning for a 6-string guitar from the thickest string to the thinnest string is:
E – A – D – G – B – E

This means:

6th string = E (Low E)
5th string = A
4th string = D
3rd string = G
2nd string = B
1st string = E (High E)

You can tune a guitar using a clip-on tuner, mobile app, piano, online tuner, or by ear.

How to Tune a 6 String Guitar in Standard Tuning (EADGBE)

Standard tuning uses the notes E, A, D, G, B, and E from lowest to highest pitch. This is the most common tuning used for beginners, chords, and most songs.

What Is the Correct Order of Strings When Tuning?

Always tune from the 6th string (thickest) to the 1st string (thinnest):

Low E
A
D
G
B
High E

Why Proper Guitar Tuning Is Important

Proper tuning ensures:

Chords sound correct
Notes are in key
Songs sound accurate
Your ear training improves
You avoid string damage from overtightening

Understanding Standard Guitar Tuning (Core Basics)

Before learning tuning steps, you must understand guitar string names and pitch order.

String Names from 6th to 1st String

Here are the guitar strings in standard tuning:

String Number	Note	Name
6th	E	Low E
5th	A	A
4th	D	D
3rd	G	G
2nd	B	B
1st	E	High E

Easy Mnemonic to Remember Guitar String

A popular way to remember guitar string order is:
“Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie”

This helps beginners remember E A D G B E easily.

Guitar String Notes and Pitch (Beginner Clarity)

The 6th string is the lowest pitch
The 1st string is the highest pitch
Strings get thinner as pitch gets higher
Tightening a string increases pitch
Loosening a string decreases pitch

How to Tune a 6 String Guitar (Beginner Friendly)

Follow these steps carefully if you are a beginner.

Step 1 – Start with the Low E (6th String)

Use a tuner and pluck the thickest string. Adjust the tuning peg until the tuner shows E.

Step 2 – Tune the A String (5th String)

Pluck the 5th string and adjust the tuning peg until it reaches A.

Step 3 – Tune the D String (4th String)

Tune the 4th string to D.

Step 4 – Tune the G String (3rd String)

Tune the 3rd string to G.

Step 5 – Tune the B String (2nd String)

Tune the 2nd string to B.

Step 6 – Tune the High E (1st String)

Tune the thinnest string to High E.

Step 7 – Recheck All Strings for Accuracy

After tuning all strings, check them again because tuning one string can slightly change the tension on others.

This is the most reliable method for beginners learning how to tune a 6 string guitar.

How to Tune a 6 String Guitar (Comparison Table

Method	Accuracy	Difficulty	Tools Needed	Best For
Clip-on Tuner	Very High	Easy	Tuner	Beginners
Mobile App Tuner	High	Easy	Smartphone	Quick tuning
By Ear (Relative Tuning)	Medium	Hard	None	Intermediate players
Piano/Reference Pitch	High	Medium	Piano	Ear training
Online Guitar Tuners	High	Easy	Internet	Beginners

Clip-on tuners are usually the easiest and most accurate method for beginners.

How to Tune a 6 String Guitar Without a Tuner

You can also tune a guitar by ear using relative tuning.

Using the 5th Fret Method

This is the most common manual tuning method:

5th fret of 6th string = open 5th string
5th fret of 5th string = open 4th string
5th fret of 4th string = open 3rd string
4th fret of 3rd string = open 2nd string
5th fret of 2nd string = open 1st string

Matching Pitch Between Strings

Play the reference string and match the pitch of the next string by adjusting the tuning peg.

Using Harmonics for Accurate Tuning

Advanced players use harmonics at the 5th and 7th frets to tune very accurately.

Common Mistakes When Tuning by Ear

Matching wrong string
Turning wrong tuning peg
Tuning too tight
Not rechecking strings

Popular Alternative Tunings for 6 String Guitar

Drop D Tuning (D A D G B E)

Lower the 6th string from E to D. Used in rock and metal music.

Half-Step Down Tuning (Eb Standard)

All strings are tuned one half-step lower. Used in many rock songs.

Open G Tuning (D G D G B D)

Common for slide guitar and blues music.

When to Use Alternate Tunings

Alternate tunings are used for:

Slide guitar
Rock music
Blues
Fingerstyle
Easier chord shapes

Common Mistakes When Learning How to Tune a 6 String Guitar

Tuning the Wrong String

Beginners often turn the wrong tuning peg.

Overtightening Strings (Risk of Breakage)

Turning too tight can snap strings.

Not Tuning Up to Pitch

Always tune up to the note, not down.

Skipping Final Recheck

Always recheck all strings after tuning.

Ignoring String Stretching

New strings stretch and go out of tune quickly.

How Often Should You Tune Your Guitar?

Before Every Practice Session

You should tune your guitar every time you play.

After Changing Strings

New strings go out of tune quickly and need frequent tuning.

Temperature & Humidity Effects

Weather changes affect tuning stability.

New vs Old Strings Behavior

New strings stretch more, old strings lose tuning stability.

Tips to Keep Your Guitar in Tune Longer

Proper String Installation

Incorrect string winding causes tuning problems.

Stretching New Strings

Gently stretch new strings after installing.

Using Quality Tuners

Good tuning machines improve tuning stability.

Stable Storage Conditions

Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Maintaining Tuning Pegs

Keep tuning pegs tight and clean.

Who Needs to Learn How to Tune a 6 String Guitar?

Beginners

Tuning is the first skill every guitarist must learn.

Intermediate Players

Helps with ear training and alternate tunings.

Live Performers

Guitars go out of tune during performances.

Recording Musicians

Recording requires perfect tuning accuracy.

FAQs – How to Tune a 6 String Guitar

How to tune a 6 string guitar for beginners?

Use a clip-on tuner and tune the strings to E A D G B E from thickest to thinnest string.

What is the correct tuning for a 6 string guitar?

Standard tuning is E A D G B E.

How do I tune a guitar without a tuner?

Use the 5th fret method or match string pitches by ear.

Can I use a phone to tune my guitar?

Yes, many mobile tuner apps can tune guitars accurately.

How often should I tune my guitar?

You should tune your guitar every time before playing.

Why does my guitar go out of tune quickly?

New strings, temperature changes, or poor string installation can cause tuning issues.

What is Drop D tuning?

Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D.

Is standard tuning the best for beginners?

Yes, beginners should start with standard tuning.

How tight should guitar strings be?

Tight enough to reach the correct pitch but not overly tight.

Can tuning damage my guitar?

Yes, overtightening strings can break strings or damage the guitar neck.

Conclusion – How to Tune a 6 String Guitar

Learning how to tune a 6 string guitar is one of the most important skills for any guitarist. Standard tuning uses the notes E A D G B E, and beginners should use a clip-on tuner or mobile app for accurate tuning.

Always tune your guitar before playing, recheck strings after tuning, and stretch new strings to improve tuning stability. Once you master tuning, your guitar will sound better, your chords will be accurate, and your overall playing will improve significantly.