How to Tune a Cello to the A String

One of the most important skills in learning to play a cello is tuning your instrument. The strings on string instruments lose their tension with practice and with age, and you must adjust them periodically to maintain the proper tone. The thinnest string is the A string. Next to it is the D string, then the G string and the fourth and thickest string is the C string. Read on to learn how to tune a cello to the A string.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piano
• Synthetic tuner

Tune to the A String

1. Tune the thinnest string to the A below middle C on the piano. You also can use electronic tuners to do this step.

2. Put your index finger on the D string, directly in front of the base of the neck, and play the note. It should match the open A string in sound, and you can play the D and A string together to see if they harmonize.

3. Turn the fine tuner on the tailpiece to make small adjustments in tuning. Use the peg if the D string is really out of tune.

4. Place your index finger on the G string, directly in front of the base of the neck as you did in Step 3, and play the note. It should match the D string in tone. Play the G and D string together, tuning the G string with the fine tuner or pegs as necessary.

5. Repeat the techniques in Steps 3 and 4, tuning the C string to the D string.

Tune With Harmonic Method

6. Touch the A string lightly about three-fourths of the way up from the peg and play to produce a harmonic D sound.

7. Press lightly on the D string with your index finger at the halfway point up from the peg, the spot in front of the base of the neck. While doing this, lightly touch the A string with your little finger. The sounds should match.

8. Use the peg for major tuning or the fine tuner on the tailpiece for minor adjustments on the D string.

9. Tune the G string next. Lightly press the D string three-quarters of the way up from the peg. Then lightly touch your index finger to the G string at the halfway point up from the peg, while lightly touching the D string with your little finger.

10. Listen to the sounds and make the tuning with the peg or fine tuner on the G string.

11. Repeat the techniques in Steps 1 through 3 to harmonize the C string with the G string.

Tips & Warnings

• When tuning your cello, push the tuning pegs in so that they are snug; otherwise, they could slip and undo your tuning. Be sure, however, that you don't push them in too tightly or you could break the peg trying to loosen it.