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Old 02-03-2021, 03:49 PM
funktheory funktheory is offline
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Default Tuning and Chords

Hi, I have bought my first acoustic guitar and im tuning it using the guitar tuner app. The one question i have is i cant find E no matter how much i try , only E4 chord, does that matter? Im learning so i dont really understand yet thank you
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Old 02-03-2021, 04:01 PM
gfspencer gfspencer is offline
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What App are you using?
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Old 02-03-2021, 04:35 PM
Earl49 Earl49 is offline
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It's actually pretty common that many tuners and tuning apps just don't read the bass E string very well. That is particularly true if the strings are going dead and do not have many overtones left. I will often tune that bass string to a 12th fret harmonic (E) or a 7th fret harmonic (B). There is also the old standby of tuning the 6th string fretted at the 5th fret to match the open 5th string. Both are A's. On most guitars, if you make them match perfectly while fretting, the E string may be a couple of ticks flat when played open.

Your tuner reads the E chord because it finally has enough information to lock on top pitch. Another common error is continually plucking the string over and over. You have to pluck it once and wait a couple of seconds for the tuner to lock on. The string may even be a tiny bit sharp at first but will quickly settle back down to pitch.

And don't worry about being new. Once as new pilot going into a check ride, I apologized to the instructor about "only" having ~100 hours. He looked me right in the eye and said. "Even birds start with zero flight time. Let's go fly". Welcome to the AGF and to guitar.
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Old 02-03-2021, 04:38 PM
LakewoodM32Fan LakewoodM32Fan is offline
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I remember being a new player and when money was really tight for me. That said, buying a sub $20 Snark headstock tuner is one of the best investments you can make at this stage.
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Old 02-03-2021, 04:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by funktheory View Post
Hi, I have bought my first acoustic guitar and im tuning it using the guitar tuner app. The one question i have is i cant find E no matter how much i try , only E4 chord, does that matter? Im learning so i dont really understand yet thank you
Hi funktheory and welcome to the forum!

I'm not sure how to respond, because you mentioned a tuner and chords in the title, but tuners only tune the individual strings, and you form chord shapes by pressing down fingers on the strings in appropriate frets.

Could you explain your issue a bit more.

Again, welcome to the forum!




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Old 02-03-2021, 04:57 PM
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Hi again
Here's a simple explanation and demonstration of tuning an acoustic guitar.



It's only 3 minutes long, and well done. It even points you to a free tuning app for smart phones.

I like the fact he covers the topic clearly, and you then have a guide as to how the strings should sound.

Hope this adds to the discussion…




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Old 02-03-2021, 06:12 PM
aeisen93 aeisen93 is offline
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Instead of using an app, I would recommend just purchasing a Snark. They are easy to use and very accurate.
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Old 02-03-2021, 08:06 PM
Italuke Italuke is offline
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I'm guessing that "E4" is designating the octave of that particular E, that is the 4th E on a piano.
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Old 02-03-2021, 09:44 PM
Fatfinger McGee Fatfinger McGee is offline
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Hi Funk, welcome to the guitar and AGF. Have you tried GuitarTuna app? It shows each note next to the peg you turn, makes it a little easier when you’re learning.

https://yousician.com/guitartuna
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Old 02-03-2021, 10:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Italuke View Post
I'm guessing that "E4" is designating the octave of that particular E, that is the 4th E on a piano.
Yes. Piano key 44 is the 4th octave E.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_key_frequencies

The "high e" on guitar.
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Old 02-04-2021, 02:46 AM
funktheory funktheory is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aeisen93 View Post
Instead of using an app, I would recommend just purchasing a Snark. They are easy to use and very accurate.
Im using the Guitar Tuna app. Thank you, i have just bought a snark to try that instead
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Old 02-04-2021, 03:21 AM
funktheory funktheory is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatfinger McGee View Post
Hi Funk, welcome to the guitar and AGF. Have you tried GuitarTuna app? It shows each note next to the peg you turn, makes it a little easier when you’re learning.

https://yousician.com/guitartuna
Thats the app i was using but i couldnt get E only E4 and i was terrified of snapping the strings
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Old 02-04-2021, 05:47 AM
Fatfinger McGee Fatfinger McGee is offline
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Default Tuning and Chords

Quote:
Originally Posted by funktheory View Post
Thats the app i was using but i couldnt get E only E4 and i was terrified of snapping the strings


Gotcha. A snark is easier but for future reference you can tune the low E by ear using the A string.

1. Get the A string tuned right.
2. Hold down the E string at the 5th fret and pluck it. That should be an A.
3. Tune the E until that fretted note matches the A.

You can also do that in reverse and tune all the strings, it’s called relative tuning the guitar. Good thing to know. If you’re playing alone it really only matters if it’s in tune to itself.
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Old 02-04-2021, 05:51 AM
Italuke Italuke is offline
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I believe guitar tuna will always have a number after the letter. It's called the octave register. There are several systems to designate the specific octave of a pitch. I'm sure there's a wikipedia entry that explains this. I'm too lazy to look...

Don't worry, you'll always see a number not just a letter, on most app tuners.
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Old 02-07-2021, 04:46 PM
Andyrondack Andyrondack is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by funktheory View Post
Hi, I have bought my first acoustic guitar and im tuning it using the guitar tuner app. The one question i have is i cant find E no matter how much i try , only E4 chord, does that matter? Im learning so i dont really understand yet thank you
You have the tuner set B for bass guitar, E is the 4th string of a bass, either set it G for guitar or C for chromatic.
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