How to Tune Your String Instrument

There are many different ways to tune an instrument, you can do it by memory or get a reference. You can use the tuning pegs or the fine tuners, if you have a classical instrument. This tutorial will give you good tips and ideas on how to tune your string instrument with ease

This is the most important part of tuning a string instrument. If you don't know for sure, look up the strings. The instrument I will be using is a violin, so the tutorial may not be the same for guitars or instruments with different amounts of strings. I will try to list a few here. The strings (from left to right when facing the instrument) on a violin are G D A E Viola (left to right when facing it) C G D A Upright bass (left to right when facing it) E A D G Cello C G D A Guitar E A D G B E That's all I really know off the top of my head. And remember, this is from left to right when you are facing the instrument.

Some people can do this by memory, others may need a reference or two. If you know it by memory, you can go ahead and skip this step, if you don't, you need to read on! There are many references for tuning our instrument. There's websites and apps galore, but In my opinion, the gadget that you hook onto the string (as seen in the picture) is the most reliable. Just put it on one string at a time, somewhere near the playing area of the instrument and strum/ bow the string. The tuner has a meter on it that will tell you wether it's too sharp or too flat, it's very simple to use and very reliable. If you are using the Internet, just simply go to the search engine you usually use, and type in the instrument you use. For example, I would type in "violin tuner" and a wide variety of results will pop up. Not all are very accurate so be careful! There's also a large variety of useful apps that can help you tune just was well as the manual tuner would.

Tuning is the easiest part! Just listen to your reference (if you need one) as you turn the pegs or fine tuners. Turning the pegs to the right will make the string have a higher pitch and turning them to the left will make the string have a lower pitch. Turn the pegs left and right until you eat it just right. But be careful because strings can snap very easily.