The Standard Guitar Tuning for a 6-string guitar is the foundational tuning for countless styles and genres. It provides a balanced approach, allowing for a wide array of chords and scales to be played with relative ease. This tuning is the universal reference for guitarists worldwide.

Verbal and Technical Analysis

Standard tuning has evolved to provide an excellent compromise between simple fingering for a multitude of chords and the ability to play common scales with minimal left-hand movement. The consistency in intervals across most strings is a key feature.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from thickest to thinnest string). The interval between most adjacent strings is a five-semitone interval (a perfect fourth). Specifically, this applies to the intervals between the 6th (low E) and 5th (A) strings, the 5th (A) and 4th (D) strings, the 4th (D) and 3rd (G) strings, and the 2nd (B) and 1st (high e) strings.

This consistent interval allows notes of the chromatic scale to be played efficiently, with each of the four fingers of the left hand typically controlling one of the first four frets (index finger on fret 1, little finger on fret 4, etc.). This design yields a symmetry and intelligibility to fingering patterns across the fretboard.

The crucial exception to this pattern is the interval between the 3rd string (G3) and the 2nd string (B3), where the interval is only four semitones (a major third). This specific exception is intentionally designed to make fundamental barre chords possible and more ergonomic, aligning the guitar's architecture with common chord voicings.

As a result of this thoughtful design, a vast array of open chords and movable shapes are readily accessible. Common open chords such as E Major, A Major, D Major, G Major, C Major, and various minor and seventh chords are easily formed. This tuning is the cornerstone for most popular music, classical compositions, and jazz standards, offering an extensive palette for musical expression.

How to Tune

This is the reference tuning for a 6-string guitar. If your instrument is already set to Standard tuning, no adjustments are necessary. If you are tuning to Standard from another configuration, or simply performing a pitch check, here are the target notes and movements for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High e): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Please note that for any string requiring a change of more than 4 semitones (either up or down) from its current pitch, it is generally recommended to consider using a different gauge of strings to maintain proper string tension and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to E2 (the lowest E note on a standard 6-string guitar).

5th String (A): Tuned to A2 (a perfect fourth above the low E).

4th String (D): Tuned to D3 (a perfect fourth above A).

3rd String (G): Tuned to G3 (a perfect fourth above D).

2nd String (B): Tuned to B3 (a major third above G).

1st String (High E): Tuned to E4 (a perfect fourth above B).