5 Easy Steps To Change A Tuner On A Guitar

Changing a guitar tuner

Changing a tuner on a guitar can be a daunting task for beginners, but it’s a necessary skill that can save you time and hassle in the long run. A properly tuned guitar will sound better, stay in tune longer, and be easier to play. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to change a tuner on a guitar, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

The first step is to gather your tools. You’ll need a new tuner, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. If your guitar has a floating bridge, you’ll also need a hex key. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of changing the tuner.

Start by removing the old tuner. To do this, simply unscrew the screws that are holding it in place. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pull the tuner out of the guitar. Be careful not to damage the guitar’s finish when you’re doing this. Once the old tuner is removed, you can install the new tuner. To do this, simply insert the new tuner into the hole and screw it into place. Be sure to tighten the screws securely, but don’t overtighten them. Once the new tuner is installed, you can tune your guitar and start playing.

Changing a tuner on a guitar is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change a tuner on your guitar without any problems. With a little practice, you’ll be able to change a tuner in no time.

Identifying the Right Tuner

Choosing the appropriate tuner for your guitar is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

Type of Tuner:

Type	Features
Clip-on Tuners	– Attaches directly to the guitar’s headstock – Compact and portable
Pedal Tuners	– Floor-mounted stompbox – Durable and reliable – Often includes additional features like pitch shifting
Rack Tuners	– Part of a rack system – Highly accurate and stable – Suitable for professional setups

Tuning Accuracy:

Accuracy refers to the tuner’s ability to detect the correct pitch. Look for tuners with a high tuning precision, typically expressed in cents (¢). A tuner with a precision of ±1¢ or less is considered highly accurate.

Interface:

The interface of the tuner determines how easy it is to use. Consider the size and clarity of the display, the type of indicators used to show the tuning status, and the overall layout of the controls.

Additional Features:

Some tuners offer additional features that can be useful, such as pitch shifting, transposing, metronome functions, and the ability to store custom tunings. These features can enhance the tuner’s versatility and make it more convenient for various musical applications.

Removing the Old Tuner

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools: a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Remove the strings from the tuner. To do this, use the flat head screwdriver to gently pry the strings out of the slots in the tuner. Be careful not to damage the strings or the tuner.
Remove the screws that hold the tuner in place. There are typically two or three screws that hold the tuner to the headstock of the guitar. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws.
Gently pull the tuner away from the headstock. Be careful not to damage the guitar or the tuner. Once the tuner is removed, you can discard it.

Preparing the Guitar Body

Before removing the old tuners, it’s crucial to prepare the guitar body to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather materials: You’ll need a set of new tuners, a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your guitar), and a masking tape or painter’s tape.
Clean the guitar surface: Wipe down the body of the guitar with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
Mask off the area: Using masking tape or painter’s tape, carefully tape around the headstock and neck areas where you’ll be removing and replacing the tuners. This will protect the finish from any accidental scratches.
Remove the strings: Carefully remove the strings from the tuners. Loosen the string tension gradually by turning the tuner counterclockwise. Once they’re loose, pull them out of the peg holes.
Locate and mark the tuner mounting holes: Before removing the old tuners, mark the mounting holes with a pencil or pen. This will help ensure precise alignment when installing the new ones.

Installing the New Tuner

Now that you have the tuner, you can start the installation process. Here’s how you do it:

Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools. You will need:

Phillips head screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Wire strippers
Soldering iron and solder
Electrical tape

Remove Old Tuner

Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws holding the old tuner in place. Carefully lift the old tuner out of the guitar body.

Prepare the Wires

Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires on both the new tuner and the guitar. Twist the exposed wires together and solder them. Cover the solder joints with electrical tape.

Mount the New Tuner

Align the new tuner with the mounting holes on the guitar body. Insert the screws and tighten them using a Phillips head screwdriver. Ensure the tuner is securely fastened.

Connect the Wires

Connect the red wire from the tuner to the positive terminal on the guitar’s output jack. Connect the black wire from the tuner to the negative terminal. Secure the connections with electrical tape.

Test the New Tuner

Plug the guitar into an amplifier and turn it on. Turn on the tuner and pluck a string. The tuner should display the note being played. Adjust the tuner as necessary to ensure it is accurate.

Check and Adjust

Once the tuner is installed, make sure the tuning pegs are properly adjusted. Play each string and adjust the pegs until the tuner indicates the correct tuning. You may need to repeat the tuning process a few times to achieve accurate tuning.

Adjusting String Tension

Adjusting string tension is crucial for proper guitar tuning. Here are the detailed steps involved:

1. Check the Guitar’s Truss Rod

Before adjusting string tension, ensure that the guitar’s truss rod is adjusted correctly. A too-tight truss rod can result in excessive tension, while a too-loose truss rod can cause strings to buzz.

2. Tune the Guitar to Standard Pitch

Tune the guitar to its standard pitch (E, A, D, G, B, E) using a tuner. This will provide a baseline for adjusting string tension.

3. Use a String Winder to Adjust Tension

Hold the string winder on the tuning peg and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the string or clockwise to tighten it. Tightening the string will increase its tension, while loosening it will reduce tension.

4. Check the String’s Tension

Once you’ve adjusted the tension, strum the string and check its pitch using a tuner. The pitch should match the desired note.

5. Fine-Tune the String’s Tension

For precise tuning, it’s helpful to use a combination of the string winder and the guitar’s tuning pegs. Turn the tuning peg slightly while strumming the string to pinpoint the exact pitch you want.

Here’s a table summarizing the effects of adjusting string tension:

Adjustment	Effect
Tightening the string	Increases tension, raises pitch
Loosening the string	Reduces tension, lowers pitch

Intonating the Guitar

Intonation refers to the accuracy of the guitar’s fretted notes in relation to its open strings. To intonate your guitar, you will need a tuner and a hex key or screwdriver.

Tune the open strings: Use a tuner to ensure that all six open strings are in tune.
Check the 12th fret harmonic: Play the harmonic at the 12th fret of each string. This harmonic should sound exactly the same as the open string.
Adjust the bridge saddle: If the 12th fret harmonic is sharp, move the saddle slightly towards the nut. If it is flat, move it slightly away from the nut.
Repeat steps 2-3 for each string: Check the 12th fret harmonic for each string and adjust the corresponding bridge saddle accordingly.
Fine-tune the intonation: Using a tuner, play each fretted note and compare it to the corresponding open string. Make small adjustments to the bridge saddle until the fretted note is in tune with the open string.
Advanced intonation techniques: For more precise intonation, you can use a strobe tuner or intonation files. These tools can help you achieve optimal tuning for your guitar’s specific setup.

Verifying Tuning Accuracy

To verify the accuracy of your tuner, you can use a reference tone. This can be a tuning fork, a pitch pipe, or a sound from an electronic tuner. Compare the pitch of your guitar string to the reference tone, and adjust the tuning peg accordingly. Repeat this process for all six strings.

Another way to verify tuning accuracy is to use a harmonic. Lightly touch the string at the 12th fret and pluck it. The resulting harmonic should sound an octave higher than the open string. If it doesn’t, the string is out of tune. Repeat this process for all six strings.

Finally, you can use a tuner app on your smartphone or tablet. These apps typically use a microphone to listen to the sound of your guitar and then display the tuning status. Tuner apps can be a convenient and accurate way to tune your guitar, but they are not always reliable in noisy environments.

To use a tuner app, open the app and place your guitar near the microphone. The app will listen to the sound of your guitar and display the tuning status. Adjust the tuning peg accordingly until the app indicates that the string is in tune. Repeat this process for all six strings.

Method	Pros	Cons
Reference tone	Accurate	Requires an external reference tone source
Harmonic	Quick and easy	Not as accurate as reference tone method
Tuner app	Convenient and portable	Not always reliable in noisy environments

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Broken Strings

This is the most common problem encountered when tuning a guitar. The solution is to replace the broken string. If you don’t know how to do this, take it to a guitar technician.

Pegs That Won’t Turn

This can be caused by a number of factors, including dirt, grime, rust, or a bent peg. Try cleaning the peg with a toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the peg.

Pegs That Turn Too Easily

This is usually caused by a worn-out worm gear. The solution is to replace the worm gear.

Tuner Not Working

This can be caused by a number of factors, including a dead battery, a loose connection, or a malfunctioning tuner. Try replacing the battery and checking the connections. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the tuner.

Strings Out of Tune

This can be caused by a number of factors, including a change in temperature, a shift in the nut or bridge, or a worn-out string. Try adjusting the tuner or re-mounting the strings. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the strings.

String Buzz

This is caused by the string vibrating against the frets. The solution is to raise the string action or file down the frets.

Fret Noise

This is caused by the strings vibrating against the frets. The solution is to raise the string action or use a lubricant on the frets.

Tuning Keys Loose

This can be caused by a number of factors, including wear and tear, or a loose screw. The solution is to tighten the screw or replace the tuning key.

Tips for Choosing a Tuner

When selecting a tuner, consider the following factors:

Accuracy: Look for tuners with a high level of accuracy, as even slight deviations can result in intonation issues.
Ease of Use: Opt for tuners that are simple to operate and feature clear and easy-to-read displays.
Type: Choose between clip-on tuners, which attach directly to the guitar, and pedal tuners, which integrate with your pedalboard.
Pitch Reference: Most tuners use A-440 as the standard tuning reference, but some offer adjustable references for alternate tunings.
Calibration: Ensure the tuner can be calibrated to match the pitch of the guitar’s strings (typically 440 Hz).
Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the tuner, especially if you plan to carry it regularly.
Battery Life: Choose tuners with long battery life or rechargeable batteries to avoid interruptions during use.
Display: Look for tuners with bright and visible displays that make it easy to see the tuning status in various lighting conditions.
Additional Features: Some tuners offer additional features such as tone generators, metronomes, and pitch pipes, which can enhance your guitar practice.

Accuracy	Ease of Use	Type
High	Simple to operate	Clip-on or pedal
Moderate	Clear and easy-to-read displays	Pros and cons for each
Low	Difficult to navigate	Depends on personal preference

Regular Maintenance

To ensure your tuner stays accurate, it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance. Here’s how:

Clean your tuner: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the tuner’s exterior, removing any dirt or debris.
Inspect the battery: Replace the battery when necessary to avoid power issues.
Check the calibration: Regularly check your tuner’s calibration using a reference pitch source like a tuning fork or online tuner.
Handle with care: Avoid dropping or exposing your tuner to extreme temperatures.
Store properly: Store your tuner in a dry, safe place when not in use.

Calibration

Calibrating your tuner ensures it provides precise readings. Follow these steps:

Select the desired tuning: Choose the tuning you want to use (e.g., standard, drop-D).
Pluck a reference note: Play a note on a reference pitch source (e.g., 440Hz A4).
Adjust the tuner: Use the tuner’s calibration adjustment to match the reference pitch. Most tuners have a knob or button to do this.
Check the tuning: Play the same note again on your guitar. If the tuner displays the correct pitch, the calibration is complete.

10. Tips for Successful Tuner Maintenance and Calibration

1. Clean your tuner regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup.

2. Replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator signals low power.

3. Calibrate your tuner frequently, especially before important performances or recording sessions.

4. Handle your tuner with care to avoid damage from falls or rough handling.

5. Store your tuner in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use.

6. Use a reliable reference pitch source for accurate calibration.

7. Set your calibration slightly sharp to compensate for string stretching.

8. Check the tuner’s accuracy periodically by comparing it to other tuners.

9. Consider getting your tuner professionally calibrated if you experience persistent tuning issues.

10. Regularly monitor your tuner’s performance and adjust maintenance intervals as necessary.

How To Change A Tuner On A Guitar

You’ll need a new tuner, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. First, remove the old tuner by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Then, remove the old tuner from the guitar body. Now, take the new tuner and insert it into the hole in the guitar body. Screw the new tuner into place using the screwdriver. Finally, use the pliers to tighten the nut on the tuner.