Tuning

Here is a link to a webpage with audio that plays all the tuning notes the orchestra needs. You will recognize this as the tuning link Mrs. Mullinax sometimes uses in class.

Tuning at home when you're not going to see your teacher for a while

START BY TUNING WITH YOUR FINE TUNERS. Use the link at the top of this page to tune by ear or download a tuning app on your phone/iPad/Chromebook/Kindle/device. There are a number of free apps out there.

If your fine tuners are stubborn, you may need to ask an older sibling or parent for help. You may have seen Mrs. Mullinax use a pair of pliers to turn your fine tuners if your fine tuners are really bad. An older sibling or parent may be able to help you with a pair of pliers.

Tuning with the pegs?!

If you were unable to get your instrument in tune using the fine tuners, you'll have to use the pegs. If your parent thinks it's appropriate, contact a local music store to see if they can tune the instrument for you.

Were you truly unable to get your instrument in tune with the fine tuners? Maybe give it one more try to be sure. Tuning with the pegs can be challenging at first. There is the possibility you will break a string when using the pegs. If your instrument is so far out of tune that you cannot practice, get the help of an older sibling or parent.

If you are going to tune at home using the pegs, watch the video below. Then watch again with a parent or older sibling.

TO MAKE SURE I DON'T BREAK A STRING, I WILL:

  1. CHECK before tuning. CORRECT STRING/PEG

  2. PLUCK and TURN AT THE SAME TIME. No Guessing

  3. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE HEADING - LISTEN FOR WHEN TO STOP by knowing the pitch

  4. SMALL ADJUSTMENTS ONLY

  5. WHEN IN DOUBT - STOP!!! Adjust lower and try coming back up to the pitch.

This video is also great for violins and violas.

You will have to push the peg into the peg box WHILE you tune more than you see in the video. (This is because Nan has “peg heads” tension pegs. Another brand would be "Perfection Pegs." Nifty aren’t they?)

For my students, I would suggest looking at your instrument while you adjust the pegs. Remember: SMALL ADJUSTMENT ONLY!

First time tuning with the pegs? Don't expect to finish as quickly as the pros. Give yourself plenty of time and practice patience.

If you are unable to watch the videos above, this wikiHow might be useful. (Don't dismiss this article if you play viola, cello, or bass; it applies to all stringed instruments).