How to Tune Your Guitar Using Harmonics

Tuning the guitar can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who have trouble hearing the minute differences between nearly in-tune notes while using the standard method of relative tuning. (5th fret of 6th string = open 5th string, etc.) Another problem faced, mostly by those new to the guitar, is the possibility of squeezing the note too hard on the fret, or bending the string slightly while tuning, which results in improper tuning of the guitar. An easy way to combat this is by the use of natural harmonics.

Natural harmonics occur when you pluck a string while at the same time lightly touching the string at specific points. Harmonics can be achieved throughout the length of the string, but the best places are directly over the fifth, seventh and 12th frets. This will result in a pleasant ringing sound that is much higher than the open string would normally sound. These higher pitches are ideal for tuning, since the differences between the sounds of two harmonics are easier to hear.

Try Tuning like this:

1. Pluck and lightly touch the string (at the same time) at the 5th fret of the 6th string. Then do the same for the 7th fret of the 5th string. These notes should be the same. If not, tune the 5th string to match the notes.

2. Pluck the 5th string and touch the string at the 5th fret. Then do the same for the 7th fret of the 4th string. Tune the 4th string to match.

3. Follow the same procedure for the 4th string and 3rd string. Tune the 3rd string to match.

4. Pluck and touch the 3rd string at the 4th fret this time! Then pluck and touch the 2nd string at the 5th fret. These notes should be the same. Tune the 2nd string to match.

5. Follow the procedure for Step 1, using the 2nd and 1st strings. Tune the 1st to match.

You may find this form of relative tuning to be more useful than the standard method. Try to get used to playing the harmonics first to make this way of tuning easier and less time consuming. As long as your guitar is in decent shape, this method should get your guitar tuned and ready to play in no time.

The author is a full-time professional guitarist, teacher, and business owner. He has been actively learning and teaching the guitar for over 12 years, and has earned his degree in music on guitar.

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