Have you ever wondered why your guitar sounds a certain way, or why some chords seem to ring out more clearly than others? It all boils down to musical tuning, the system that determines the specific pitches of your strings.

In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of tuning systems, specifically comparing two main approaches: equal temperament (ET) and just intonation (JI). Even if you’re not a music theory whiz, don’t worry! We’ll break it down in a way that makes sense for every guitarist (and other musicians).

Continue reading Equal Temperament vs Just Intonation: A Beginner’s Guide

Keeping your guitar in tune is the foundation of good playing, and for years, musicians have relied on dedicated tuners to achieve that perfect pitch. But lately, there’s been a new contender in the tuning ring – the built-in tuner.

These little gadgets seem like a dream come true – no more digging for a lost clip-on tuner, right? Well, as much as I hate to burst your bubble, the reality of built-in tuners isn’t quite as rosy.

Continue reading Are Built-In Guitar Tuners Good?

You know the feeling – all the strings ring out in perfect harmony, but when you pluck the G string, it sounds somewhat off. As if it’s not quite in tune, even though your tuner says everything is okay. You twist the tuning peg ever so slightly, but the G string just won’t cooperate.  This is a common plight for many guitarists, leaving them frustrated and their music out of whack. 

But fear not, fellow string-benders! There is one big reason why the G string might be acting up. Let’s explore!

Continue reading Why Is G String Always Out of Tune on Your Guitar?

There’s no denying John Frusciante’s god-like status. His ability to weave melody and mayhem into six strings is a constant source of inspiration. But there’s one Red Hot Chili Peppers song that holds a special place in my tuning toolbox: Scar Tissue.

Continue reading John Frusciante’s Guitar Tuning on Scar Tissue Made Him a Legend

The short answer to this is: no, phone guitar tuners aren’t good, as your phone isn’t meant for tuning guitars.

Continue reading Are Phone Guitar Tuners Good?

Personally, I’ve never liked playing five-string basses, but I must admit that having that low B string really comes in handy — especially when I have to play drop D songs.

There are two main methods for tuning a 5-string bass: by ear and using an electronic tuner. 

In this guide, I will explore both methods and provide step-by-step instructions on how to tune a 5-string bass to the standard tuning (B, E, A, D, G). Moreover, I will discuss some other popular alternate tunings for five-string basses. Read on!

Continue reading How to Tune a 5-String Bass Guitar

As a huge King Crimson fan, Robert Fripp’s otherworldly guitar work has always captivated me. A big part of his sound lies in his unique tuning system – New Standard Tuning (NST). Intrigued by its potential, I decided to embark on a journey to understand and master NST.

This guide shares the knowledge I’ve gathered, offering a roadmap for fellow guitarists interested in exploring the Robert Fripp guitar tuning. Let’s delve into the world of NST!

Continue reading The Robert Fripp Guitar Tuning: Demystifying the NST