Tuning Instructions

Directions for tuning

Below there are links to MP3 files for the tuning notes. These tones are what a string should be close to when finished tuning. The key to string tuning is to never make the string too tight. If the tone of the string goes higher than the indicated tone, you could break the string.

Sing the note along with the MP3 file. then sing the note of the string you are trying to tune. If they differ, notice if you had to make your second sung note lower or higher than the first. If the string note needs to be higher, then tighten the tension of the string until your notes match.

If you are not sure that the string note is lower than the MP3 note, loosen the string until you are sure if is lower.

Don't get frustrated with this. It is an art. At the beginning, If you want to avoid all the tuning confusion you could take the instrument to a music store to have the staff kindly tune the instrument. While at the store you may want to ask about the purchase of a calibrated tuning machine. And get the staff to show you how it works before leaving the store if you are unfamiliar with these units.

Instruments will be tuned in the student lessons.

There are also a number of free apps for devices that will help calibrate the pitch.