What is Standard Tuning?
Standard tuning (EADGBE) is the most common tuning for 6-string guitars. It’s the default tuning taught to beginners and used in the vast majority of music. Each string is tuned to a specific note, from the thickest (6th string) to the thinnest (1st string).
String Notes (6th to 1st)
- 6th String (Thickest): E2 (82.41 Hz)
- 5th String: A2 (110.00 Hz)
- 4th String: D3 (146.83 Hz)
- 3rd String: G3 (196.00 Hz)
- 2nd String: B3 (246.94 Hz)
- 1st String (Thinnest): E4 (329.63 Hz)
Why Standard Tuning?
Standard tuning was chosen because:
- Balanced Sound — The intervals between strings create a balanced, pleasing sound
- Easy Chord Shapes — Major and minor chords have ergonomic finger positions
- Historical Standard — Centuries of music theory and thousands of songs are written in this tuning
- Beginner-Friendly — The fret patterns are optimized for learning
How to Tune to Standard
Using Guitar Tuner Ultra
- Visit the Guitar Tuner app
- Select “Guitar” as your instrument
- Choose “Standard” tuning preset
- Click on the 6th string
- Play your 6th string and match the note to E
- Repeat for each string (5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st)
By Ear (Traditional Method)
If you don’t have a tuner:
- Start with the 6th string — Tune it to an E note using a reference (piano, tuning fork, or another guitar)
- Use intervals — Fret the 6th string at the 5th fret (A), then tune the 5th string to match
- Continue the pattern — 5th fret on each string matches the open next string (except 3rd-2nd, which is at the 4th fret)
- Fine-tune the 1st string — Use octave matching or a reference note
Reference Intervals
| From String | Fret | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (E) | 5th | 5th string open (A) |
| 5th (A) | 5th | 4th string open (D) |
| 4th (D) | 5th | 3rd string open (G) |
| 3rd (G) | 4th | 2nd string open (B) |
| 2nd (B) | 5th | 1st string open (E) |
Common Beginner Chords in Standard Tuning
Major Chords
- C Major (X32010) — Frets on 2nd, 3rd frets
- G Major (320003) — Open string chord
- D Major (XX0232) — Easy open string chord
- A Major (002220) — Three fingers on 2nd fret
- E Major (022100) — Natural open chord
Minor Chords
- A Minor (002210) — Very easy for beginners
- E Minor (022000) — Easiest chord on guitar
- D Minor (XX0231) — Simple three-finger chord
Tips for Perfect Tuning
- Use a Quality Microphone — Better mics pick up more accurate pitch
- Minimize Background Noise — Tune in a quiet room
- Let Strings Settle — After turning tuning pegs, let the string vibrate for a moment before checking
- Tune Up, Not Down — When approaching the target pitch, tune from below the note
- Check Intonation — Tune the open strings, then check fretted notes (especially 12th fret harmonics)
- Fresh Strings — New strings hold tune better and sound clearer
Why Your Guitar Goes Out of Tune
- Temperature Changes — Heat and cold affect string tension
- String Age — Old strings lose elasticity
- Humidity — Affects wood expansion/contraction
- Playing Intensity — Aggressive playing stretches strings
- New Strings — Need time to stretch and settle
Next Steps
- Learn Drop D Tuning for heavier rock sounds
- Explore Open G Tuning for blues and slide guitar
- Check out beginner chord shapes in standard tuning
- Practice with common progressions
Pro Tip: Tune your guitar every time you play, even if it was in tune yesterday. Consistent tuning develops your ear and ensures you’re learning proper intonation.