12-String Acoustic Guitar:
How To Tune the 12-String Guitar
Lesson 2

The smaller case letters represent one octave higher in pitch...

View of designated notes for each string at the peghead...lower case letters represent one octave higher:

Now for the different methods of tuning...

1. Tuning the guitar to itself. First you'll need a reference such as a tuning fork, piano or guitar. Once you have E pair of strings tuned to concert pitch (by another instrument as reference), you only need to fret to match the other strings as follows:

A strings matches E strings at the 5th fret of the E strings
Be sure to tune the octave string (thinner gauge string) one octave higher than the bass A.

D strings matches A strings at the 5th fret of the A strings
Be sure to tune the octave string (thinner gauge string) one octave higher than the bass D.

G strings matches D strings at the 5th fret of the D strings
Be sure to tune the octave string (thinner gauge string) one octave higher than the G.

B strings matches G strings at the 4th fret of the G strings
Be sure to tune the unison string (same gauge string) in unison with the B.

E strings matches B strings at the 5th fret of the B strings
Be sure to tune the unison string (same gauge string) in unison with the E.

2. Tuning the 12-String Guitar to an electronic tuner. This is the method I recommend to all beginners since it's the easiest approach and the most accurate approach. There are a variety of tuners available on the market. Be sure to get one that's designed for guitar....such as a Korg GA-20.

Click here for more info on the highly recommended Korg Chromatic Electronic Tuner

Most electronic tuners have an automatic mode where the user can see both an LCD readout depicting a needle that centers when properly tuned and the note being played. This will also work well for the strings that are tuned one octave higher than the bass strings. There are usually LEDs that also give a green or red light depending on whether you've reached the designated note. I highly recommend that all beginners have an electronic tuner as a reference. This is also considerate to others who have to listen to you practice. When you're accurately tuned, it's difficult to hit a sour note.

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