Standard tuning

Standard tuning is the most popular tuning on a 6-string guitar. Drop D tuning is another way of tuning, where just the sixth string is tuned different. Each string is tuned to the following with standard tuning:

The first string is E4
The second string is B3
The third string is G3
The fourth string D3
The fifth string is A2
The sixth string is E2

Drop D tuning

Drop D tuning is when the sixth string of the guitar is tuned to D2 instead of E2.

Guitar tablature

Guitar tablature is six horizontal lines forming a staff. Bass guitar tablature has four lines. Each line represents one of the instrument's strings. The top line of the tablature represents the highest-pitched string of the guitar. The lowest line represents the lowest-pitched string.

Relative tuning

Relative tuning is a way of tuning the guitar without an electronic tuner or piano. The strings are tuned relative to one another. See guitar tuning for how to do it.

Guitar saddle

The saddle on a guitar is parallel to the bridge. The saddle is mostly found on acoustic guitars. It holds the strings above the bridge and the guitar.

Guitar amplifier

A guitar amplifier is an electronic amplifier that makes the signal of electric or acoustic guitars louder. The sound is then produced through a loudspeaker. Guitar amplifiers also modify the tone and can add electronic effects.

Electronic tuner

An electronic tuner is a device to detect and display the pitch of notes played on a guitar.

Capo

A capo is a clamp like device used on the neck of a guitar to shorten the strings. This raises the pitch of the strings.

Luthier

A luthier is someone who makes or repairs guitars and other stringed instruments.

Guitar pick

A guitar pick is used to pick the strings of a guitar. They are made out of plastic, metal or other material.

Guitar headstock

The headstock is located furthest from the body of the guitar. It has the tuners that adjust the tension of the strings, which affects the pitch. The headstock is also called the head.

Guitar frets

Frets are the raised metal strips embedded along the fretboard.

Guitar fretboard

The fretboard is a thin, long strip of material, that is laminated to the front of the neck. The strings run above it. The fretboard is also called a fingerboard.

Guitar inlays

Inlays are dots on the guitar fretboard. They are used as a guide to show which number fret the player is at.

Guitar neck

The neck is the long part of the guitar where the frets, fretboard, tuners... are attached to.

Guitar sound hole

The sound hole on a acoustic guitar helps to better project the sound.

Guitar bridge

The bridge on the guitar holds the strings in place on the body.

Guitar pick guard

The pick guard is located under the strings. It is used to protect the guitar finish from being scratched by a guitar pick.

Guitar tuners

The tuners on a guitar are used to tune the strings to different pitches. They are located on the headstock.

Guitar nut

The nut is a small strip of plastic or other material, located at the joint where the headstock meets the fretboard.