Tuning
Tuning is an important guitar concept. If the guitar is not in tune, the resulting sound is unpleasant. These instructions explain how to tune by ear. You can also tune by using an electronic tuner such as the Grizzly H3097 Chromatic Tuner shown on Page 23.
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Figure 37. Example of standard tuning.
To tune the guitar:
1.Play a Low E pitch on a piano, a tuning fork, or an electronic computer file.
2.Play an open
Note: Always tune up. If the string is tuned high, loosen the string to lower the pitch, then tune the string up to the correct note.
3.Tune the 3rd string by playing the 4th string while it is being pressed (fretted) at the 5th fret, and then play the open 3rd string. Adjust the 3rd string tuner until the notes match.
4.Tune the 2nd string by playing the 3rd string while it is being pressed (fretted) at the 5th fret, and then play the open 2nd string. Adjust the 2nd string tuner until the notes match.
5.Perform the same tuning step on the 1st and 2nd string.
Setting Intonation
Tools Needed | Qty |
Phillips Head Screwdriver | ...................................1 |
Setting the intonation adjusts the length of the string to correct for flatness/sharpness on each string. This is a simple process that takes a lot of trial and error.
To set the intonation:
1.Lightly touch and then release the 1st string directly above the twelfth fret as you pluck the string to play a harmonic note.
2.Now pluck the string while holding it fretted at the twelfth fret. If this note is sharper than the note played in Step 1, move the saddle away from the neck by turning the saddle adjust- ment screw (Figure 38) clockwise. If this note is flat in comparison, move the saddle toward the neck.
Saddle
Adjustment
Screws
Figure 38. Saddle adjustment screws.
Note: This can also be done with an elec- tronic tuner by tuning the harmonic note to be exactly in tune and then adjusting the saddle until the note played in Step 2 is also in tune.
