How to Use the FZone Tuner for a Ukulele

Tuning acoustic instruments, such as the ukulele, can be quite difficult in a live gig situation. Playing in a live situation is stressful if you are unsure about the accuracy of your tuning. Electric tuners alleviate the stress and ensure that your instrument is in tune. The FZone tuner is an acoustic instrument tuner that works very well for a ukulele. It clips on the ukulele and detects the string vibrations. External noises don't interfere with the tuning process. The FZone tuner has an LED light that allows you to easily see it when it is dark on stage.

Instructions

1. Clip the FZone tuner onto the headstock of the ukulele. Open the clip by pressing it between your thumb and index finger. Place the FZone tuner on the headstock.

2. Press the "Power" button to turn the FZone on. The LED light comes on when the power is engaged. The tuner head rotates. Adjust the head of the tuner so that it is easily visible.

3. Play the G string and look at the LED display. The LED displays a letter. Above the letter is a series of dots going from left to right and a movable needle. When the string is in tune, the needle is aligned with the dot directly above the G. A needle to the left of the center dot indicates the string is flat, and a needle to the right of the center dot indicates the string is sharp.

4. Tune the ukulele strings to standard tuning, which is G-C-E-A. Turn the tuning peg mechanism counterclockwise to tighten the G and C strings. Turn it clockwise to loosen the strings. The E and A strings are exactly the reverse. Turn the tuning mechanism clockwise to tighten the strings, counterclockwise to loosen them. Play the G string and adjust the string by turning the tuning mechanism until you see G. Tighten the string if it is flat and loosen it if it is sharp. Adjust the string until the needle is directly aligned with the dot above the G. Repeat the process with the other three strings.

5. Play the ukulele for a few minutes. Check the tuning.

References

• Stewart MacDonald: The F Zone Digital Tuner
• Ukuleles: Tuning The Four String Ukulele