Standard tuning (EADGBE) is the foundation of guitar playing. Understanding why this tuning system was developed and how to master it will significantly improve your playing and musical understanding.
Standard guitar tuning wasn't chosen randomly. It evolved over centuries to provide the optimal balance between playability, chord voicings, and musical possibilities. The EADGBE tuning system offers optimal hand positioning with comfortable finger stretches for most chord shapes, rich harmonic content through perfect intervals that create beautiful chord voicings, and a logical progression of mostly perfect fourths with one major third for versatility.
This tuning system also provides universal compatibility, working seamlessly with virtually all musical styles and genres. From classical to rock, jazz to folk, standard tuning forms the foundation that allows guitarists to explore any musical territory while maintaining familiar finger patterns and chord relationships.
Understanding the intervals between strings helps you navigate the fretboard more effectively. From the low E to A string represents a perfect 4th interval spanning 5 semitones. This same perfect 4th interval continues from A to D, and again from D to G. However, the interval from G to B breaks this pattern with a major 3rd of only 4 semitones, before returning to a perfect 4th from B to the high E string.
Notice the "irregularity" between the G and B strings - this major third interval is what makes guitar chords sound so rich and full, but it's also why some patterns shift when crossing these strings. This seemingly irregular interval is actually what gives the guitar its unique harmonic richness and allows for the complex chord voicings that make the instrument so versatile.
Each string in standard tuning vibrates at a specific frequency. These frequencies are based on the A440 tuning standard, where A above middle C vibrates at 440 Hz. The low E string resonates at 82.41 Hz, while the A string vibrates at exactly 110.00 Hz. Moving higher, the D string produces 146.83 Hz, the G string 196.00 Hz, the B string 246.94 Hz, and finally the high E string vibrates at 329.63 Hz.
These frequencies give you reference points when using electronic tuners or tuning apps. Even small deviations measured in cents can be noticeable, especially when playing chords where multiple strings interact harmonically. Professional musicians often tune slightly sharp or flat depending on the musical context and the other instruments they're playing with.
Using an electronic tuner is the most straightforward approach to achieving perfect standard tuning. Start with the 6th string (Low E) by plucking the string and adjusting until your tuner shows E. Move systematically to the 5th string (A), tuning to 110 Hz or until your tuner indicates A. Continue with each string in order: D, G, B, then high E. After tuning all strings once, double-check by going through all strings again to ensure they're still in tune, as adjusting one string can slightly affect the tension and tuning of others.
If you have one string in tune (let's say the low E), you can tune all others relative to it using the fret-based reference method. To tune the A string, press the 5th fret of the E string and match the open A string to this note. For the D string, press the 5th fret of the A string and match the open D string. Continue this pattern for the G string using the 5th fret of D.
Here's where the pattern changes: press the 4th fret of the G string (not the 5th!) and match the open B string to this note. This accounts for the major third interval between G and B. Finally, tune the high E string by pressing the 5th fret of the B string and matching the open high E string to this reference pitch.
Several factors can cause rapid detuning. New strings need breaking in and should be tuned frequently for the first few days as they stretch and settle. Temperature changes affect string tension significantly - when moving from cold to warm environments, allow the guitar to acclimate gradually when possible. Your playing technique also matters; heavy bending or aggressive strumming can detune strings more quickly than gentle playing.
Hardware issues such as worn tuning pegs, nut problems, or bridge issues may require professional attention. If your guitar consistently goes out of tune despite proper string installation and reasonable environmental conditions, consider having a qualified technician examine the instrument.
This often indicates intonation problems, which occur when the open strings are in tune but fretted notes sound sharp or flat. Check the 12th fret harmonics against the fretted note at the 12th fret - they should match exactly. Old strings often lose their ability to intonate properly and should be replaced. String action that's too high or too low can also affect intonation, as can bridge adjustments that may require professional setup work.
Natural harmonics can help you achieve very precise tuning by creating pure reference tones. The 5th fret harmonic on the 6th string should match the 7th fret harmonic on the 5th string (both producing A). Similarly, the 5th fret harmonic on the 5th string equals the 7th fret harmonic on the 4th string (both D), and the 5th fret harmonic on the 4th string matches the 7th fret harmonic on the 3rd string (both G).
Guitar strings are significantly affected by temperature changes. In cold temperatures, strings contract and go sharp, while hot temperatures cause strings to expand and go flat. Humidity also affects the wood of the guitar body and neck, which can influence overall string tension. Understanding these effects helps you anticipate and compensate for environmental tuning drift.
Once you've mastered standard tuning, you might explore alternative tuning systems. Drop D tuning involves lowering just the 6th string to D, creating new possibilities for power chords and lower bass notes. Open tunings tune the guitar to form a chord when played open, while half-step down tuning lowers all strings by one semitone. Using a capo effectively raises the pitch of all strings while maintaining standard intervals, providing yet another way to explore different tonal centers.
Regular tuning practice will train your ear and improve your overall musicianship. Try to tune your guitar at the beginning of every practice session, and pay attention to how different tuning methods sound and feel. Developing this skill takes time, but the investment in careful, attentive tuning will pay dividends in your musical development and overall playing satisfaction.
Continue learning: Explore our guides on Popular Alternate Guitar Tunings and Troubleshooting Common Guitar Tuning Problems