How to tune a Guitar

There are six string on a guitar, and in standard tuning, the strings are tuned E, A, D, G, B, E. This is from thickest to thinnest.

The diagram below shows the relationship each of these strings have to each other.

• When the fifth fret is played on the low E sting, the thickest one, the note A is produced. The A sting can be tuned of this.
  
• The D string also follows this rule.
  IE. The fifth fret on the A string is a D
  
• The G string follows this rule as well.
  IE. The fifth fret on the D string is a G
  
• The B string does not follow this rule. Instead, the fourth fret on the G string is a B
  
• Finely the B string follows the fifth fret rule.
  IE. Te fifth fret on the B string is an E

This method of tuning is ideal to tune your guitar quickly if your playing by your self. However to make sure your guitar is actually in standard tuning, and i mean your A string actually is an A note, you will need something as a reference. A piano or a tuning for works well, but of course, a good quality electronic tuner would work best.

Drop D Tuning


Another interesting tuning, which is more suited to heavy music, like rock and metal, a tuning I also use myself is 'Drop D Tuning'

It is quite simple to tune to drop D. The low E string simply needs to be lowered, or dropped, to a D. This can be achieved by lowering its tuning until the note produced by the 7th fret of the thickest string is the same as the A string.

The two tuning mentioned above should set you well on your way to becoming a better guitarist.

Thanks for reading, Paul

Looking after your Guitar

Guitar Maintenance


One of the most annoying things we as guitarists can experience is playing a poorly set up guitar. If a guitar isn't intonated correctly, its just not worth picking up. Can you imagine what it is like playing a gig with a guitar that's as tuneful as a car crash?

Thankfully though after a few horrible gigs, I've learnt the importance of looking after my guitar, and I'm going to share these lessons with you.

Fret Buzz
We all know what it sounds like and its not pleasant. Fret buzz occurs when the strings or a string of your guitar, while vibrating, makes contact with the metal strips on the neck of the guitar. Although fret buzz can be the indication that something is very wrong, more often than not, it is very easily fixed, usually the action of the guitar needs increased or the truss rod needs adjusted.

Intonation
Intonation occurs when the length of the string from the bridge to the 12th fret is different than the length of string from the nut to the 12th fret. As a result, strings will appear out of tune the further up the neck you play. This can be solved by adjusting the saddles, which are located on the bridge. for a guide, click here

Scratchy Pots
This occurs when dirt gets inside the tone or volume potentiometers, this can result in a volume loss in severe cases, but more commonly it leads to a scratchy sound when turning them. Here is a video that will show you how to fix them.

Truss Rod Adjustment
The Truss rod is a metal rod that runs up the inside of the neck. It is there to offer support, but also to help correct any bending in the neck which occurs do to the warping of wood due to temperature or humidity. For a guide on Truss Rod adjustment, click here

I hope you guys learn from this.

Thanks for reading, Paul