When you start playing guitar, it's really important to know when it needs tuning. A guitar that’s out of tune doesn’t sound good, and it can be tough to play along with others. Here are some easy clues to help you figure out if your guitar might need tuning:

1. Dissonance: This is a fancy word for when notes don’t sound good together. If you strum an open G major chord and it sounds strange with a C major chord, then your guitar might be out of tune.

2. Open Strings: When you play open strings, they should sound clear and nice. If they sound messy or harsh, it’s a sign that your guitar needs some tuning.

3. Harmonics: You can play harmonics by lightly touching the strings at the 5th fret and the 7th fret. If they don’t sound similar, one or both of those strings could be out of tune.

4. Intonation: If notes played at the 12th fret sound really different from the same notes played open, your guitar may be out of tune along the neck.

5. Subjective Feel: Sometimes, you might just have a feeling that something isn’t right. Trust yourself! If it sounds off, it probably is.

By keeping an ear out for these clues, you’ll be able to keep your guitar well-tuned and enjoy playing more!