If you plan to play your guitar frequently or perform on stage, you need a guitar tuner.Many of the apps that beginners can use for free can be downloaded.If you find yourself frequently needing to tune your guitar in places with a lot of background noise, you should upgrade to an electronic tuner.
Step 1: Decide on whether to use audio or tone apps.
There are two types of tuners.One uses the internal mic of your phone to listen to your guitar and help you get it in tune.A reference note is provided by others.If you have a strong ear, you might prefer a reference note tuning.If you have not yet developed your ear, you can use a reference note tuner to help train it, but it shouldn't be your exclusive tuning.Mobile phone mics may not be as accurate as audio input apps.
Step 2: There are reviews and ratings for the apps.
There are dozens of apps for both phones.Some people have better reputations than others.You can get the app for free.The ones that you have to pay for may have more features, such as the ability to set different tunings.The interface is the main difference.Some reviewers claim that certain apps are more accurate than others.They get high ratings and are considered highly accurate.
Step 3: You should download several apps to compare.
It makes sense to download a few and try them out since you can get a free app.Even if there isn't much difference in accuracy, you can find an interface you like more.Some apps have additional features.The Martin tuner has guides on how to maintain and train your ear.These might be useful if you're a beginner.
Step 4: Pick the tone you want for your first string.
Depending on the design of the interface, you'll typically tap a string or note to start playing.You can listen to and match your string with the tone produced by the app.There are different types of tones available.If you're a beginner, use a tone that mimics a guitar sound.If you can't hear the tone on your phone, turn your volume up.You might have trouble hearing your guitar if you use headphones.
Step 5: As you pick the first string, turn your knob.
The app will show you if you are higher or lower than the note you want to play.Simply adjust your knob.You have to rely on your ear to tell if the string is high or low with a reference note tuner.To use audio input apps, set your phone as close to your guitar as possible.Try to keep the noise to a minimum.It could interfere with the operation of the tuner if your phone's mic picks up that.
Step 6: With your remaining strings, repeat the process.
Go to the second, third, and so on after you have your first string in tune.Don't play more than one string at a time.Once you've gone through all the strings, it's a good idea to start over from the first string.If you don't have a strong ear, you may want to use an audio-input tuner to check your accuracy.
Step 7: If you're just starting out, you should get a basic microphone tuning.
You can display the tone on the screen by plucking the string.The string's tone is high or low relative to the target tone, because some have needles that indicate how far out of tune the string is.Since microphone tuning is less expensive than other electronic tunings, it's the best option for beginners.It is possible to find battery-powered microphone tuning online for less than US$20.If you've already used a microphone tuning app on your phone, you know how it works.The built-in mic in your phone is more accurate than the microphone in these tuners.Simply plucking the string will allow you to tune the microphone.The display will tell you whether the tone you plucked is higher or lower than you want.
Step 8: There are alternate tunings that you can buy a chromatic tuner for.
Most basic tunings will tune your guitar to a standard tuning.If you want to change the tuning of your guitar, you'll need a chromatic tuner.It is possible to tune other instruments.If you want to tune your guitar to Drop D so you can play hard rock and heavy metal with ease, a chromatic tuner is the easiest way to get there.
Step 9: Attach a clip-on tuner to your guitar.
If you need to tune your guitar while performing or in an environment with a lot of background noise, a microphone tuning won't work as well.Listening to the sound is not enough to read the tone of the strings.If you want to use a clip-on tuner, clip it to your guitar's headstock.The string you're plucking should be playing.The display on the tuner will tell you whether to tune up or down.The clips on the guitars are more useful for acoustic guitar players.Their small size makes them portable.If you have spare batteries in your bag, make sure you use them.
Step 10: If you play through an amplifier, try a pedal tuner.
For electric guitar players, pedal tuners are more useful.Plug your guitar into the pedal.The display will tell you whether the string is high or low when you press the pedal.It's possible to connect a pedal tuner permanently through your pedal board.The signal goes through the pedal when it's not on.It helps you tune your guitar when you turn it on.The pedals are designed for use at shows.The displays are bright and will not be affected by background noise.
Step 11: To use it, switch on the tuner.
Some electric guitars and acoustic-electric guitars have a built-in tuner.It is located on the side of the guitar.To tune your guitar, look for an on/off button or switch and move it to the "on" position.When you turn on the tuner, the display will light up to let you know it's ready to use.
Step 12: Check the display with a string.
Pull your first string while the tuner is on.If the tone coming from your string is higher or lower than the right tone for that string, the tuner's display will tell you.Once the string is playing the right tone, turn the tuning knob.You can see the display on the side of the guitar when you play it.Just hold your guitar and look at the display as you play.
Step 13: One at a time, move through the strings.
When using a built-in tuner, only play one string at a time.The tuner won't read correctly if you play more than one string.You have to move from the first to the second string.You may want to fine- tune each string again after you've done a basic tuning.If your guitar was out of tune, tuning the higher strings may cause it to malfunction.
Step 14: When you're done, turn off the tuner.
After tuning your guitar, you want to make sure you switched the tuner to the off position.If the tuner uses its own power source, you want to preserve battery life.If you don't use the built-in tuners for 3 minutes, they will automatically shut off.If you play your guitar immediately after you tune it, this won't work.