How to Use Tuners for String Instruments

To keep your string instruments sounding right, consider using an electronic tuners for accuracy and convenience. Before electronic tuners, people had to tune "by ear." That's a skill you should develop and never abandon, but you can use the electronic device when you must tune in a hurry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Play your instrument close to your tuner. Put the electronic tuner on a shelf, on your knee or somewhere that it can pick up the vibrations of your string play. Hold the tuner on your leg in front of your guitar. For violins, cellos or other string instruments, you must formulate a different strategy.
2. Find out your instrument's specific tuning. The tuning of each string instrument is a little different, and when you're tuning up with an electronic tuner, it's key to know which note you're tuning to. Unless your tuner is specifically showing you the note for each string, make sure you know where you're headed with tuning.
3. Play the bottom string and watch the digital or analog dials of the tuner. You want to tune the string until it falls neither sharp nor flat, but just right. The dial on your tuner should go to the middle and stay there while the note is sounding.
4. Repeat this for the other strings according to their target notes.

Tips & Warnings

• If your electronic tuner is "dial-only" (no LED light), watch the whole action of the needle. Often, the needle fluctuates while a note is being played. The true test of whether you're in tune is where the needle eventually settles. It should be close, if not directly on, the center of the dial. If you have a flashing red or green light, you can evaluate if you are flat or sharp more easily.