Many individuals have their own method of tuning their instrument. We recommend
the following method. A Steinberger guitar is tuned to A-440 utilizing a tuning fork,
electronic tuner or pitch pipe.
All tuners work alike: a microphone or other sensor “listens” to your guitar. When
you play a string, the tuner analyzes the pitch and shows whether it’s flat (too low), sharp
(too high), or on-pitch. If needed, you rotate the guitar’s machine head as appropriate
to correct the pitch.
Follow these tips for more accurate tuning.
• Strings retain correct pitch longer if you tune up to pitch. If a string is sharp, tune it
somewhat flat, and then tune it up to pitch.
• Old strings are hard to keep in tune. Keep fresh strings on your guitar.
• Tuning strings below standard pitch decreases tension, so they’re easier to play.
Example: If you fret a string’s first fret and tune to that reference instead of the open
string, the tuning will be a semitone flat. However, don’t tune down too far - with
insufficient tension, the strings might buzz against the frets as you play.
• After tuning your guitar, check the string pitches again. You may need to tune a couple
times before the tuning “settles in.”
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