How to Play a Guitar - Changing Strings - Acoustic
When learning how to play a guitar, one of the most trying processes may be learning to string and tune it properly. Here's a good video showing the basics for stringing up an acoustic guitar safely and tuning it. It's not me, but he's alright :).
And
if for some reason you do not have a tuner, that's ok! Although you
really should consider purchasing a decent tuner, for the time being
you can tune your guitar by ear using this online tuner. It's only as accurate as you are so make sure you are in a quiet room.
If you are in a hurry, you can tune quickly to your top string (low-pitch E) as follows*:
Steps to Tuning Your Guitar
- Make sure your sixth string is in tune (use reference pitch)
- Play the sixth string, fifth fret (A), then tune your open fifth string (A) until it they sound the same.
- Play the fifth string, fifth fret (D), then tune your open fourth string (D) until they sound the same.
- Play the fourth string, fifth fret (G), then tune your open third string (G) until they sound the same.
- Play the third string, fourth fret (B), then tune your open second string (B) until they sound the same.
- Play the second string, fifth fret (E), then tune your open first string (E) until they sound the same.
Remember to try and change your strings before they break. If a string breaks on your guitar it cause a sudden difference in tension that is not good for the neck of your guitar.
Although this is a very basic part of learning how to play a guitar, it is, perhaps, the most important because it will affect how well your guitar sounds. And if it doesn't sound good, you won't enjoy it :).
*Chart and steps from About.com
