Standard Tuning

The most common guitar tuning, used in the vast majority of songs. Perfect for beginners and foundational for all other tunings.

beginnerStandard TuningRock • Pop

String Configuration

1(High E)
E4
329.63 Hz
2(String 2)
B3
246.94 Hz
3(String 3)
G3
196.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
A2
110.00 Hz
6(Low E)
E2
82.41 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Universal - works with 95% of songs
  • •All chord shapes and scales designed for this tuning
  • •Easiest to find tutorials and tabs
  • •Balanced tension across all strings
  • •Great for learning fundamentals

Keep in Mind

  • •Can sound predictable after extensive use
  • •Some chord voicings require difficult stretches
  • •Limited bass range compared to drop tunings

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune the low E string (6th string) to E2

Variable → E2 (up 0 semitones)

2

Tune the A string (5th string) to A2

Variable → A2 (up 0 semitones)

3

Tune the D string (4th string) to D3

Variable → D3 (up 0 semitones)

4

Tune the G string (3rd string) to G3

Variable → G3 (up 0 semitones)

5

Tune the B string (2nd string) to B3

Variable → B3 (up 0 semitones)

6

Tune the high E string (1st string) to E4

Variable → E4 (up 0 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

C Major

beginner
x32010

Foundation chord - perfect for beginners

G Major

beginner
320003

Common open chord with rich sound

F Major Barre

intermediate
133211

Essential barre chord - gateway to advanced playing

Em7

beginner
022030

Beautiful open chord for ballads

Famous Artists & Songs

The Beatles

  • • "Hey Jude"
  • • "Let It Be"
  • • "Yesterday"

Eric Clapton

  • • "Tears in Heaven"
  • • "Wonderful Tonight"
  • • "Layla"

Jimi Hendrix

  • • "Purple Haze"
  • • "Hey Joe"
  • • "All Along the Watchtower"

Practice Exercises

Open Chord Progressions

beginnerChord changes and rhythm

Practice common chord progressions in standard tuning

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice G-C-D progression
  2. 2.Work on Am-F-C-G progression
  3. 3.Focus on smooth transitions
  4. 4.Add strumming patterns
  5. 5.Practice with metronome

Scale Practice

intermediateLead guitar preparation

Master fundamental scales in standard tuning

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice major scale in open position
  2. 2.Work on pentatonic patterns
  3. 3.Practice chromatic exercises
  4. 4.Develop alternate picking
  5. 5.Apply scales to backing tracks

Related Tunings

Related Tunings

Drop D Tuning

Lower the low E string to D for powerful, heavy sounds. Perfect for rock and metal with easier power chords.

Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)

Standard tuning lowered by one semitone. Slightly easier bending, warmer tone, and used by many famous guitarists.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises