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    How to tune your instrument 

 

Tuning instruments is a part of the regular process of playing a string instrument. Kind of like shoe laces, sometimes they come loose or need an adjustment. I am always happy to tune an instrument. Any day!       

 

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR PARENT TO WATCH.  


My Advice:

  • Please watch the entire video before attempting to tune.  It will ensure that you do not break a string.


  • Watch the video several times.  There’s a lot of information and a lot of steps to follow.



How to tune a VIOLIN


How to tune a VIOLA


How to tune a CELLO


How to tune a BASS



Questions? Please email me! I will get in touch with you!


[email protected]




***Need a tuner? Here’s an article with some of the best to choose from: https://orchestracentral.com/best-tuner-apps/


I personally like the Tonal Energy app.

Once you have watched your video, here is a step by step to follow with your parent:


  1. Pluck all 4 strings and determine if you can adjust the pitches well enough using only the fine tuners.


  1. If you have a string that is very out of tune, determine which string.  Say the pitch to remind you of which string you will be tuning.


  1. Set your tuner up to receive the sound when you pluck.


  1. With the instrument facing you, loosen the fine tuner of that string (lefty-loosey) 3 or 4 turns.


  1. Follow the string up to the correct peg.  Repeat the name of the string to remind yourself. (You don’t want to turn the wrong peg!)


  1. Loosen the peg slightly toward you to loosen the pressure out of the peg box.


  1. With your other hand, you will be plucking the string. 

 

  1. Give the peg one small turn away from you with a good push into the peg box to make the peg stick.  Check pitch with tuner.


  1. Continue Step 8 until the tuner shows that you are close to pitch.  Try NOT to go past the pitch.  That is the danger zone for breaking a string!


  1. Once you are close enough, go back to the FINE TUNER to make the small adjustments to bring it into tune.


P.S.  The OTHER strings will probably need to be adjusted with the fine tuners after tuning this string with the peg.