How to Tune Your Guitar by Ear Using Natural Harmonics

Why Harmonics Beat Open String Tuning by Ear

Tuning open strings by ear can trick your ears because guitar strings produce rich overtones alongside the fundamental note. When you pluck natural harmonics at the 5th and 7th frets, you isolate high chime-like frequencies that produce an unmistakable acoustic pulsation called "beating" whenever strings are out of sync.

As the two notes approach identical pitch, the wavering pulse slows down. Once the pulse stops completely, both strings are in perfect unison.

Step-by-Step 5th & 7th Fret Harmonic Method

Start by tuning your low E string to a reliable reference note like our online tuner or an A440 fork. Once your 6th string is locked in, follow this sequence:

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• A String: Lightly rest your finger above the 5th fret of the low E string and pluck. Immediately touch the 7th fret harmonic of the A string. Adjust the A tuning peg until the pulsating wobble disappears.
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• D String: Play the 5th fret harmonic on your A string and match it to the 7th fret harmonic on the D string.
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• G String: Play the 5th fret harmonic on your D string and match it to the 7th fret harmonic on the G string.
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• B String: Because the interval between G and B is a major third instead of a fourth, touch the 7th fret harmonic on your low E string and match it to the open B string.
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• High E String: Play the 5th fret harmonic on your low E string and match it to the open high E string.
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Always Tune Up to the Pitch

Whenever a string is sharp, detune it below your target note first, then slowly tighten the peg up to pitch. This ensures the worm gear inside the machine head remains under positive tension so your string will not slip mid-song.