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Using A-440
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Using a tuning fork Music stores often sell two different tuning forks. One is tuned to an E, the same pitch as the first string. The other tuning fork is tuned to is an A, sometimes referred to as A-440 (frequency of 440 cycles per second). This is useful for tuning the guitar also. The A-440 tuning fork is the same sound as the 5th fret harmonic on string 5 the 7th fret harmonic on string 4. Strike the tuning fork lightly on your knee and place the end of the fork handle on the top of the guitar. You'll hear the tone resonate throughout the guitar. Now pluck the 5th fret harmonic of string 5 and as it sounds activate the tuning fork and put it on the guitar. Tune the harmonic on the 5th string to the tuning fork.

Do the same tuning process using the 7th fret harmonic of string 4.

Now you can tune the higher string using you favorite method.

When tuning the 6th string remember that the 5th string is the standard. You can test the 5th and 6th strings using the method of your choice. For example using the relative method, when you play the 5th fret of string 6 it should sound like the open 5th string. If it isn't in-tune, you should change string 6 until there is a match. Using the harmonic method of tuning you would activate the 5th fret harmonic on string 6 and the 7th fret harmonic on string 5 as usual but if they aren't in-tune you make the change on the 6th string. The 5th string has already been tuned using the tuning fork.

An A on every string I like to play an A on every string as a quick tuning test. After using an A-440 tuning fork to tune the 4th and 5th string (as described above) I replay the 5th fret harmonic on string 5 then check it against the 5th fret of string 1 (also an A). Then I replay the harmonic again and check it against the 10th fret of string 2 (of course that is an A). Next I play the 12 fret harmonic of string 5 (another A) and check it against the 2nd fret of string 3 (yep, an A). Next I play the open 5th string (A) and check it against the 5th fret of string 6. The 5th string (A) and its overtones are used as the tuning standard in this method. If this method doesn't work you probably have old strings and are due for change. You'll be glad you did. If you have new strings and this method still doesn't work you might need your intonation or neck adjusted. Or you can forget I mentioned it and "make due with whatcha got".
Tuning up to recordings Sometimes when playing along with recordings you'll find that you are slightly out of tune, less than a half step. There are several reasons that this might occur, but if you want to play along with the recording you'll have to adjust your tuning to match that of the recording. This can be a tricky situation if you don't know the original key. Let's say the song on the recording appears to be slightly higher than G but not a full half step up to Ab. It's inbetween G and Ab, but obviously that won't work for you so you have to retune so that your strings match the recording when you play in G (or retuned differently for Ab).

Which direction do you go?

Your choices are to:

  1. Retune higher so that when you play a G it is in-tune with the recording.
  2. Retune lower so that when you play an Ab it is in-tune with the recording.

If it's a guitar oriented rock or pop group I would first assume the key of G in this situation simply because the key of G is very common within those contexts. If it were a jazz tune with horns I would probably lean toward Ab. Sometimes its a coin toss and you find out later that you guessed wrong. Oh well.

Tuning up to the Environment Sometime you have to tune to an acoustic piano that is not in tune with A-440. You can't use a tuning fork in this case, you have to use the piano as the standard. Use a low E on the piano to get the pitch for string 6. Continue to tune using the method of your choice.

Sometimes it is some other instrument that you must adjust to or simply a band philsophy to tune a little flat so that the high notes of the vocals are easier to reach (strange but true). Whatever the reason, you may find yourself adjusting the tuning of your guitar frequently. With time your ability to tune will improve just as your playing will improve.