Know which string you are tuning
The 6th string is the thickest and lowest: low E. Then come A, D, G, and B; the 1st string is high E. German notation often calls the English note B “H,” so do not mistake a naming difference for a different pitch.
How to tune with a tuner
- Select standard tuning or a chromatic tuner mode.
- Pluck only one string and mute the others so the tuner receives a clear signal.
- First confirm that the detected note name is plausible for that string.
- Turn the correct tuning machine slowly. If the pitch is low, increase tension; if it is high, reduce tension.
- Wait for a stable reading before moving to the next string.
- After all six strings, check again from low E to high E.
Why a second pass is normal
Tuning changes the overall tension on the instrument slightly. With new strings or a movable bridge system, a string that was already correct may shift a little while you tune the others. A quick second pass is normal and does not mean you tuned incorrectly.
Safety before speed
If a string becomes much tighter while the tuner still shows an unexpected note, stop and verify the string, octave, and tuning machine. Do not keep tightening blindly. Move slowly when replacing strings or recovering from a badly detuned instrument.
Use alternate tunings deliberately
Drop D, Open G, and other tunings intentionally depart from E–A–D–G–B–E. Standard tuning is the best shared reference for beginners. If a piece needs another tuning, it should be identified explicitly.
If you want to check the guitar tuning directly, the Tuner is the relevant next step.