User Manual

4
Next, depress the “B” string at the 5th fret,
to produce an “E” and tune the thinnest string
to a matching “E”.
Finally, go back and play the low “E” string
and tune it until the pitch at the 5th fret, an
“A”, matches the “A” on the adjacent string.
If using an electronic tuner on your electric
or acoustic/electric, simply plug in your
guitar, turn the volume up and tune from low
strings to high as noted on the tuner: E, A, D,
G, B, E.
Tuning 12-String Guitars
Due to the tremendous amount of tension
exerted on the neck by the 12 strings, we
suggest that you use a light gauge .010 to
.048 set on your 12-string guitar.
In standard 12-string tuning, the second
string in each pair is tuned to the same
pitches, E, A, D, G, B, E, and using the
same methods as the six string guitar on the
previous page.
For the E, A, D, and G strings, the  rst
smaller string in each pair is tuned to the
same note, but an octave higher in pitch than
its partner. For the B and E strings, the  rst
string in each pair is tuned in unison, (exactly
the same pitch), as its partner string.
Many players  nd it dif cult to press the
strings down on a 12-string, due to the high
tension caused by the extra strings.
A remedy that some players choose is to
tune the entire guitar to a lower relative pitch,
such as E- at or D; thereby reducing the
string tension. You may then use a capo on
the  rst or second fret, to bring it back up to
where it plays at standard pitch.
The guitar will certainly be easier to play,
and the reduced tension will put less stress on
the neck over time, but bear in mind that it
will also sacri ce a bit of the tone projection
of the instrument.
All Gretsch
®
12-strings feature a truss rod
system for superior strength and stability,
however, a 12-string tuned at standard
pitch, should be monitored regularly for
For instruments with open gear tuners, make
sure to lubricate the gear with a drop of
lightweight oil from time to time for smooth
operation.
The Chrome and Gold plating on Gretsch
tuning machines may become degraded from
the acids and oils in  nger sweat. Wipe the
machines off with a soft dry cloth after each
use to preserve their appearance and function.
Strings that have not been secured
properly to the tuning machine post may
easily slip and go out of tune. This problem
is commonly misdiagnosed as an issue with
the tuners. Check your string installation
carefully.
See illustrations 1, 2, and 3
.
Tuning 6-String Guitars
There are a couple of different methods
for tuning a guitar, depending on whether
your guitar is acoustic, electric or an
acoustic with a pickup. If you don’t own an
electronic chromatic tuner with a reference
tone, you may want to purchase one. It will
dramatically simplify tuning your acoustic or
electric guitar.
Always tune from below pitch,
up
to the
correct pitch instead of down from a higher
pitch. This will help eliminate string slack
from the tuning machine and decrease the
possibility of slippage and tuning changes
as you play. The strings should be tuned
as follows, starting from the
low
(thickest)
string, to the
high
(thinnest): E, A, D, G, B, E.
If you have an acoustic guitar use the A-
440 reference tone on your tuner, a guitar
pitch pipe, an A-440 tuning fork or other
pitch reference, and tune the second string,
“A” to pitch.
Then, depress the second, or “A” string at
the 5th fret, to produce a “D”, and tune the
“D” string to that same pitch.
Next, depress the D string at the 5th fret, to
produce a “G”, and tune the “G” string until
the pitches match.
Next, depress the “G” string at the 4th fret,
to produce a “B”, and tune the “B” string
until the two pitches match.