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How to Tune a Guitar Using Harmonics

Written by Anthony Delgado

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Most guitar players have experienced the frustration of tuning a guitar via the standard 5th fret method only to find the guitar still slightly out of tune. The best way to tune is by using harmonics. All notes on the guitar contain a harmonic overtone. This tone confuses the ear drum because it is different than the actual note. Harmonics isolate the note's overtone so that one can hear the notes better. When you synchronize the overtones, the strings will all be in perfect tune.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

Play a Harmonic: A harmonic is easily pulled off of the 5th, 7th and 12th frets, so we will use those for this tutorial. Other notes may require an effects processor to isolate the overtones. To play a harmonic, place your finger directly over the fret. You finger should be touching the string, but you should not be pushing down on it. Pluck the string and immediately remove your finger from the string. A long, high-pitched sound should occur. This is the harmonic overtone.

Step Two

Tune the Low E string: Tune the low E using the 7th fret harmonic. Tune this to pitch pipes, an electric tuner, or a piano. The 7th fret harmonic is a B note. If you are playing by yourself, you can skip this step as long as you think it is close.

Step Three

Tune the A string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the A sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the Low E string. Tighten the machine head for the A string until the pitch is synchronized with the E string. When it comes close, you will hear a wavering in the pitch. Keep going until the wavering is gone. That is the point when it is in perfect tune.

Step Four

Tune the D string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the D sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the A string. Tighten the machine head for the D string until the pitch is synchronized with the A string (until the wavering is gone).

Step Five

Tune the G string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the G sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the D string. Tighten the machine head for the G string until the pitch is synchronized with the D string (until the wavering is gone).

Step Six

Tune the B string: Pluck the 12th fret harmonic on the B sting and the 7th fret harmonic on the Low E string. Tighten the machine head for the B string until the pitch is synchronized with the D string (until the wavering is gone).

Step Seven

Tune the High E string: Pluck the 7th fret harmonic on the high E sting and the 5th fret harmonic on the B string. Tighten the machine head for the E string until the pitch is synchronized with the B string (until the wavering is gone).