Tuning the Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar has six strings, and (depending on the individual instrument) roughly 20 frets; each fret represents a different note. When a string is plucked without holding down a fret, the string is considered "open".
On the acoustic guitar, the "first" string is the thinnest and closest to the floor; the "sixth" string is the thickest and closest to the musician.
In open position, the strings are tuned to the following notes:
- Sixth string: E
- Fifth string: A
- Fourth string: D
- Third string: G
- Second string: B
- First string: E
If you are just beginning to learn the guitar, you may want to use an electronic tuner which can be purchased at any music store. This device will allow you to tune your guitar with more accuracy until you develop a better sense for the correct notes.
Alternatively, you might try tuning your guitar to the notes on a piano. Lastly, tuning pegs and other devices are available - though they will be more difficult for beginners to master.
Once you understand the basics of tuning your classical guitar, you should practice the tuning exercises on a daily basis.