How to Tune a Guitar by the 5th Fret
- 1). Tune the low E string to the proper tuning. Use the a piano, pitch pipe or other tuned instrument to play a low E and match the pitch.
- 2). Hold down the low E string at the fifth fret and pick the string. Let the note ring, then pick the A string while not pressing on it. This is referred to as playing the string "open." Tune the A string to match the note played at the fifth fret of the low E string.
- 3). Tune the D string to match the note played at the fifth fret of the A string.
- 4). Tune the G string to match the note played at the fifth fret of the D string.
- 5). Tune the B string to match the fourth (not the fifth) fret of the G string.
- 6). Tune the high E string to match the fifth fret of the B string.
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