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Rod Jackson
When
I tune my guitar, I tune each string to the D string rather
than the standard method. This way I am more likely to
have the guitar in tune with itself by eliminating the
variations that may occur as I tune each successive string
to the one next to it.
The standard tuning for a guitar is from bottom to top (or
from thickest to thinnest) -- EADGBE.
First tune the D string with whatever source you have (another
instrument, a D tuning fork, electronic tuner, etc.), then
fret the D at the 5th fret and tune the G to that note. Then
fret the D string at the 9th fret for the B string, and at
the 14th fret for the high E. The notes fretted on the D string
at the 5th, 9th and 14th frets will be the exact same notes
to tune to on the G, B and high E strings.
Now, to tune the A string, fret the D at the 7th fret and
tune the A string one octave down from that note (same note
only one octave lower). For the low E string, fret the D string
at the 2nd fret and tune the low E one octave lower OR to the
harmonic at the 12th fret on the low E (very lightly touch
the string exactly over the 12th fret, pluck the string and
immediately release your finger from the string--it should
make a pure harp-like tone). This harmonic should be the exact
same note as the D string 2nd fret.
Just like all aspects of playing it may take some time to
get this down, but once you have it, you will be able to get
in tune with yourself quickly and easily.
Have fun!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rod
Jackson contributed the story "My First Gig" to the latest
issue of ZG'zine.
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