Learning to tune your own guitar (by ear) is a valuable skill, in my humble opinion. That being said it isn't completely necessary. For example, I use an electronic tuner when recording or playing with other instruments in groups. This ensures that we are all tuned to the same frequency. (I regrettably don't have perfect pitch!) So here is an overview of an electronic tuner (this one is made by Korg)
1. In the upper left hand side of the digital readout is the number 440Hz. This is a common standard frequency for the note A (the one above middle C on a piano*). My son likes to get a hold of this tuner and set it to other frequencies without me knowing, and it does affect the sound!
2. Right below the frequency (440Hz) you can see the letter "D". This is the note that the string is closest to in pitch. They should be (from the thickest string to the thinnest string) E-A-D-G-B-E. You may have to tighten the string or loosen the string in order to get to the right pitch for the right string.
3. Next you see the "needle" that swings back and forth over the number zero (some tuners only have the light indicators which are above the digital screen). This is how you fine tune the string that you are on. The left side of the "0" is lower or flat (b) and the right side is higher or sharp (#). The light indicators work the same. (b) is lower and (#) is higher in pitch. Tightening a string raises its pitch (#) and loosening a string lowers its pitch (b). You can pluck the string, tighten or loosen it, then pluck it again to see how close it is. Keep this up until the "needle" or light stays mostly on the "0" or between the "b" and "#" lights.
(My guitar teacher's advice is to let the note ring. In other words, don't pluck the strings in rapid succession as you try to get them in tune, give time for the note to sound clearly.)
(My guitar teacher's advice is to let the note ring. In other words, don't pluck the strings in rapid succession as you try to get them in tune, give time for the note to sound clearly.)
If you have a guitar teacher, take his/her advice on these topics.
Once again, feel free to leave comments, suggestions, or questions or email me at nativeguitarjoe@gmail.com. Thanks.
Joe
*Wikipedia contributors. "Concert pitch." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 Sep. 2011. Web. 2 Nov. 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment