Download tuning notes
Starting with the thickest (6th, or 'bottom') string, this is standard tuning for a guitar:
E, A, D, G, B, E
Another popular tuning, particularly in the rock world, is to simply drop the thickest string down one tone to D:
D, A, D, G, B, E
One advantage of this tuning is that one finger across the three thickest strings gives a power-chord. Used quite frequently by the likes of Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine.
Another popular rock tuning is to take all the strings down one tone, often referred to as dropped-D tuning:
D, G, C, F, A, D
This obviously makes everything lower and suits darker sounding rock. It works best if you use a thicker gauge of string.
For slide guitar I tend to use open-E tuning. This is where the open strings are tuned to an E major chord, as if an open-E chord is being fingered:
E, B, E, G#, B, E
Another popular tuning for slide and blues playing is open-G tuning. This can seem a bit of a confusing name as the thickest string is actually tuned to a D, not a G. Upon closer inspection it all makes sense, as the open strings are all the notes that form a G major chord. By barring all but the thickest string, you create a major chord:
D, G, D, G, B, D
An alternative tuning that is often used to create a Celtic or ethnic sound:
D, A, D, G, A, D
E, A, D, G, B, E
Another popular tuning, particularly in the rock world, is to simply drop the thickest string down one tone to D:
D, A, D, G, B, E
One advantage of this tuning is that one finger across the three thickest strings gives a power-chord. Used quite frequently by the likes of Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine.
Another popular rock tuning is to take all the strings down one tone, often referred to as dropped-D tuning:
D, G, C, F, A, D
This obviously makes everything lower and suits darker sounding rock. It works best if you use a thicker gauge of string.
For slide guitar I tend to use open-E tuning. This is where the open strings are tuned to an E major chord, as if an open-E chord is being fingered:
E, B, E, G#, B, E
Another popular tuning for slide and blues playing is open-G tuning. This can seem a bit of a confusing name as the thickest string is actually tuned to a D, not a G. Upon closer inspection it all makes sense, as the open strings are all the notes that form a G major chord. By barring all but the thickest string, you create a major chord:
D, G, D, G, B, D
An alternative tuning that is often used to create a Celtic or ethnic sound:
D, A, D, G, A, D
General Notes On Tuning
New guitar students often come to a lesson and say something like, "It should be in tune - I tuned it yesterday." I suggest that this is faulty thinking, and that you will be well served by checking your tuning every time you pick up your instrument.
Two of the most consistent failings of guitarists are their tendencies to play out of time and out of tune. To a certain degree, the latter is due to the instrument - every guitar tends to be in tune with one chord and slightly out with all others.
Playing in tune is fundamental to playing well. Every time you pick up your instrument it should be the first consideration.
Most learners find tuning difficult. As with playing music on any instrument, the skill lies in developing a 'good ear'. This can be learnt and is a skill which develops the more you play.
Half the battle lies in having a good attitude. You want to be relaxed and approach it calmly - don't hurry the process or you're likely to get it wrong.
Always tune up to the required pitch, never down. If the string is ever so slightly sharp, try gently tugging it to lower the pitch slightly.
Most guitarists who consistently suffer from 'slipping strings' do so due to incorrect fitting of the string in the first place. When fitting strings - and prior to tuning - it's useful to 'stretch' each string, pulling it away from the neck and 'tugging' it a few times.
The lighter the strings, the easier they will lose there tuning. Other circumstances which result in de-tuning include knocking or dropping of the instrument, change of temperature and constant 'bending' - particularly with new strings.
The best approach is to loosen each string, get them all roughly in tune and then fine tune them. You should make a point of remembering which note each string is tuned to and obtain a reference to ensure you are in concert pitch ie a tuning fork or pitch-pipes.
Try not to rely on an electronic tuner except when giging. The art of playing any instrument well depends on training your ears to hear properly. Learning to tune is an excellent method of training your ears and should not be avoided.
In my experience, a guitar that is regularly and frequently tuned will be easier to tune and will 'hold' it's tuning for longer.