It is a well-known expression amongst musicians that if you haven't had guitar tuning problems, you haven't played the guitar. Being out of tune goes way beyond merely the competence of a player and the quality of the instrument. There are a whole host of issues that can create headaches.
Tuning today tends to rely largely on electronic or chromatic tuners (which can be downloaded for free) rather than the old-fashioned adjustment forks. Bear in mind that not all tuners are always accurate. Each member of a band might use a different tuner and they can all produce different results. What your tuner tells you is right might not sound good at all to your ears.
Physical conditions of your body also impact on the way you feel about pitch, intonation and tuning. The human ear canals and sinus cavities are examples of human physical variables that can do strange things with regard to perception. Allergens and different air temperatures interact with the physics of hearing. Even the cycle of electrical motors humming at the wrong resonance clashes with the harmony of musical instruments in the human brain.
Environmental elements also produce problems. Air currents, stage lighting, sunlight, and particularly humidity and thermal changes can produce problems with the mechanics of this instrument. Wooden components are most susceptible to these variations.
Other environmental variables to bear in mind include the fact that wooden components of the instrument will be liable to shrink in hot, dry conditions. Tuners and strings can stretch or shrink in different atmospheric conditions. Moisture can be absorbed at different rates by different parts of the instrument, again leading to problems.
One of the most common problems when it comes to adjusting are strings that have not been sufficiently stretched out. It is recommended to spend at least two minutes stretching strings before conforming them. Remember to tune the guitar to the style in which you play, heavy-handed or more gentle. Generally heavier strings help in setting and will stay tuned for longer. Replace weak strings or those that exhibit a build-up of dirt. Learn to understand the variations in different brands of strings.
Nail the pitch by slowly turning the set peg sharper and sharper. Always stretch the strings for a couple of minutes before adjusting. In general, heavier strings are a good thing for tightening, and will stay in tune longer.
Anyone who has ever played the guitar will be all too familiar with guitar tuning problems. Don't let them give you nightmares. Above all, don't fret.
Tuning today tends to rely largely on electronic or chromatic tuners (which can be downloaded for free) rather than the old-fashioned adjustment forks. Bear in mind that not all tuners are always accurate. Each member of a band might use a different tuner and they can all produce different results. What your tuner tells you is right might not sound good at all to your ears.
Physical conditions of your body also impact on the way you feel about pitch, intonation and tuning. The human ear canals and sinus cavities are examples of human physical variables that can do strange things with regard to perception. Allergens and different air temperatures interact with the physics of hearing. Even the cycle of electrical motors humming at the wrong resonance clashes with the harmony of musical instruments in the human brain.
Environmental elements also produce problems. Air currents, stage lighting, sunlight, and particularly humidity and thermal changes can produce problems with the mechanics of this instrument. Wooden components are most susceptible to these variations.
Other environmental variables to bear in mind include the fact that wooden components of the instrument will be liable to shrink in hot, dry conditions. Tuners and strings can stretch or shrink in different atmospheric conditions. Moisture can be absorbed at different rates by different parts of the instrument, again leading to problems.
One of the most common problems when it comes to adjusting are strings that have not been sufficiently stretched out. It is recommended to spend at least two minutes stretching strings before conforming them. Remember to tune the guitar to the style in which you play, heavy-handed or more gentle. Generally heavier strings help in setting and will stay tuned for longer. Replace weak strings or those that exhibit a build-up of dirt. Learn to understand the variations in different brands of strings.
Nail the pitch by slowly turning the set peg sharper and sharper. Always stretch the strings for a couple of minutes before adjusting. In general, heavier strings are a good thing for tightening, and will stay in tune longer.
Anyone who has ever played the guitar will be all too familiar with guitar tuning problems. Don't let them give you nightmares. Above all, don't fret.
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