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Stage 1 · Hold, Fret, Pick · 4 min

Checkpoint: Six Open Strings

Play each open string and listen for an even sound. Check buzzing by ear; pitch feedback does not assess fretting technique or tone quality.

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First, tune your guitar

Use standard tuning: low E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, high E4. Check every string before playing. This tuner is free to use.

Choose your tuner
Select the string you are checking

Target: string 6, Low E (E2)

82.4 Hz · A4 = 440 Hz · open string, no fret pressed

The tuner will show the detected note and octave here.

Reference tones demonstrate pitch using a synthesized sound. Playback stops microphone capture and includes time for the sound to fade.

Pick a string, then start the tuner. Play one string at a time.

  1. Trace the selected string to its tuning peg before turning it. Peg directions differ between guitars.
  2. Pluck one string and make small adjustments. Recheck the correct octave if the reading is far away; stop if a string feels unusually tight.
  3. After the last adjustment, make another pass over all six strings. There is no speed requirement.
Confirm what you checked

These are your confirmations. Pitch readings never tick a box or award lesson completion for you.

Make yourself comfortable

  • Check whether you can find the strings independently and hear when more than one sounds.
Lesson references · sounds and diagrams

Find a string. Hear its pitch.

String 6 · E2 · open (fret 0)

String 6 is the thick low E. String 1 is the thin high E. Reference tuning: A4 = 440 Hz.

Synthesized reference pitch. Playing a reference stops microphone capture; let the sound fade before playing your own note.

Work through it

  1. Prepare a quiet checkCheck tuning and stop any reference tones. Keep the string-name diagram available for preparation, then hide it for your first pass.

    Look: Check whether you are using microphone feedback or your own listening check.

    Listen: Only the guitar should supply the attempted note.

  2. Make one complete passSay each string name, then pluck strings 6 through 1 once each. Mute between notes. Use as much time as needed; this is not a rhythm race.

    Look: Compare the selected string with your intended string.

    Listen: Notice any extra ringing string or unclear attack yourself.

  3. Use the resultRepeat the least certain string after checking its label. Finish with one more complete pass and record one improvement or one item to revisit.

    Look: Keep this attempt separate from earlier practice results.

    Listen: Judge extra ringing by ear; do not treat a pitch match as proof of clean tone.

Your practice blocks

Use these as a guide. Pause or repeat any block.

  1. 30 secPrepare and tune.
  2. 90 secComplete the first independent six-string pass.
  3. 60 secReview the least certain string with the diagram.
  4. 60 secRepeat the complete pass and record your self-check.
Your self-check

If it feels difficult

  • You reach for a string by habit without checking its name. Pause, point to the requested string, say its name, and then play.
  • No reliable microphone result is available. Use your own listening check and save what you noticed. A self-check does not give a microphone pitch score.

Ready for another step

You can find all six strings without guessing and can repeat an uncertain note deliberately.

Revisit the open-string exercise for the strings you confused; you can continue practicing reading too.

What this check shows: Your string choices and listening check, plus any available pitch feedback.

It does not assess: Clean fretted notes, chord competence, or rhythmic accuracy.

Keep your hand and shoulder relaxed. Stop and reset if you feel pain. Pitch feedback cannot judge tension, fingering, or buzzing.

This lesson uses your own assessment. Pitch, timing, tone quality, and technique are not scored here.