how-to-tune-the-guitar

Hear each string tone.

Basic explanation
We are using each string starting from the 6th string at the 5th fret, to tune the next open string below it.

Starting from the top "6th" string at the 5th fret.

Use your 3rd "ring finger" to press the 5th fret on the 6th "E" string.

Now pick the string gently.

Then while this note is still ringing, pick the next "5th" string.

This open 5th string should sound the same as the note you are playing on the 6th string 5th fret. They are both "A" notes.

If they do not sound the same, you will need to turn the tuning peg clockwise or counter clockwise as we learned above to match the sounds.

This is where your ear will have to be the judge.
Listen to notes and try to decide if the open 5th string sounds lower, higher or the same as the note you are playing on the 6th string at the 5th fret.

Using your left hand, find the tuning key for the 5th string and turn the peg slightly and slowly clockwise (toward you) to lower the pitch or counter clockwise (away from you) to raise it.

Reposition your left hand and 3rd finger on the 6th string at the 5th fret and play both notes again. Continue adjusting the key until it matches the sound of the note played on 6th string at the 5th fret.

OK, now we do the same thing for the next string.

Starting this time at the 5th string, use your 3rd finger at the 5th fret. This note should sound just like the open 4th string.

We do this for each string until we get to the 3rd string.

When we get to the 3rd string, in order to tune the next string under it ("2nd"), we have to press the 3rd string at the 4th fret.

Starting on the 3rd string 4th fret, we get the pitch we need to tune the 2nd string.

This is the only exception to the rule. All other strings are tuned from the 5th fret of the previous string.

After doing this a few times you'll get the hang of it and it will become much easier.

How to tune the guitar