How to Tune a Harp Guitar Properly

A harp guitar has more strings than a regular guitar and tunes differently across each string group. The 12-string models add six sub-bass strings to the standard 6-string neck. The 18-string and 20-string models add even more strings with their own tuning logic. Players new to the instrument often struggle to figure out where to start. This guide walks through the proper tuning order for each harp guitar configuration, the standard tunings for each string group, and the tools that make the process smoother.

What Makes Harp Guitar Tuning Different

A standard 6-string acoustic uses the same tuning pattern for every player: E-A-D-G-B-E. A harp guitar adds string groups that have no fixed standard. Sub-bass strings tune to scale-degree intervals, so the same harp guitar can play in C major or D minor depending on how the sub-bass strings are set.

This flexibility is part of what makes the harp guitar powerful. It also means you cannot just plug into a standard guitar tuner and walk away. Each string group needs its own tuning approach.

The string layout depends on the model. A 12-string parlor harp guitar has a 6-string main neck plus 6 unfretted sub-bass strings. An 18-string harp guitar doubles the melody section into a 12-string course on the main neck while keeping 6 sub-bass strings. A 20-string harp guitar adds 8 high-range treble strings on top of the 6-string main neck and 6 sub-bass strings.

Step 1 - Tune the Main 6-String Neck

Start with the main neck because it sets the reference for everything else.

Tune the 6 strings to standard EADGBE tuning. Use a chromatic tuner for accuracy. Tune from the lowest string (low E) to the highest (high E) and check each string twice as you go, since tightening one string changes the tension on the neck and affects the others.

Once the main neck is in tune, let it settle for a minute. The neck wood adjusts slightly to the string tension, which can shift pitch by a few cents. Retune any string that drifts.

Step 2 - Tune the Sub-Bass Strings

The sub-bass strings sit on the secondary harp arm and play unfretted. Each one rings a single bass note. The standard tuning runs chromatic-ish from just below the main low E.

Standard Sub-Bass Tuning

The most common sub-bass tuning across the harp guitar tradition is D, C, B, A, G, F, going from the highest sub-bass string (closest to the main neck) down to the lowest (farthest from the main neck).

This gives you a usable bass scale that supports common keys like C major, G major, D major, and their related minor keys. You can play melodic bass lines or sustained bass notes that match the chord changes happening on the main neck.

Tune each sub-bass string individually with a chromatic tuner. Pluck slowly and let the string ring out before reading the tuner, since sub-bass strings have long sustain that confuses fast-reading tuners.

Alternative Sub-Bass Tunings

Some players retune the sub-bass strings to match the key of a specific song. For a piece in E major, you might tune the sub-bass strings to E, D#, C#, B, A, G#. For a piece in F minor, you might use F, Eb, Db, C, Bb, Ab.

The tradeoff is retuning time. Retuning all six sub-bass strings between songs adds time at gigs. Most players settle on the standard D-C-B-A-G-F tuning and use the bass strings selectively rather than retuning frequently.

Step 3 - Tune the Treble Strings on 18 and 20 String Models

Higher string-count harp guitars add a treble row above the main 6-string neck.

On the 20-string model, the 8 treble strings tune chromatically ascending from just above the high E of the main neck. A common pattern runs F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C above the main neck's high E.

Use a chromatic tuner that handles high-frequency strings cleanly. Some tuners struggle with the very high pitches; a clip-on tuner with a good piezo pickup usually works better than acoustic tuners that rely on a microphone.

The 18-string configuration uses a doubled-course melody section on the main neck, similar to a 12-string guitar, with octave pairs on the lower strings. Tune each pair carefully so the octave intervals ring cleanly.

Tools and Tuners That Work Best

A standard chromatic tuner works for most harp guitar tuning. Three types deserve special mention.

Clip-on tuners attach to the headstock and read string vibration through the wood. They handle bass strings cleanly and ignore ambient noise.

Pedal tuners work well for amplified harp guitars with pickup systems. The humidity control guide covers tuning stability factors that go beyond the tuner itself.

Software tuners on phones and tablets work for casual checking but can struggle with the lowest sub-bass strings. The frequencies sit below what some phone microphones pick up cleanly.

Common Tuning Issues and Fixes

Sub-bass strings that go flat quickly: this is normal for new strings during the first week. Stretch them by gently pulling each string away from the body and retune. Repeat several times until the strings hold their tuning.

Sympathetic resonance confusing the tuner: when you pluck one string, others vibrate slightly through the body. Mute the strings you are not tuning by lightly resting your palm across them.

The main neck going out of tune as you tune sub-bass strings: significant tension changes on the harp arm can affect the main neck. Recheck the main neck strings after tuning all sub-bass strings.

Maintaining Tune Stability

Harp guitars hold tune like any quality acoustic, but they have more strings to monitor. Temperature and humidity changes shift pitch on every string. The essential playing techniques every harp guitarist should master guide covers playing-related tuning maintenance.

Store the instrument in stable humidity (45 to 55 percent). Loosen all strings by a half step if storing the guitar for several weeks. Retighten and tune fresh when you return to playing.

Final Thoughts

Tuning a harp guitar takes practice, but the routine becomes second nature within a few weeks of regular playing. Start with the main neck, work through the sub-bass strings, and finish with treble strings on 18 or 20 string models. Use a clip-on chromatic tuner, mute sympathetic resonance, and let the instrument settle before final adjustments.

Browse the full lineup of harp guitars to compare the 12-string, 18-string, and 20-string configurations and their respective tuning approaches.