Tuning Tips

Precautions

Tuning a string instrument can be a little intimidating, since it is easy to break a string if you are not careful. Electronic tuners can be helpful, but they are not always easy to use; for instance, they do not usually give a good reading when you pluck the string instead of bowing it. If you try the following procedure, however, you should be able to get a fairly accurate tuning.

Step by step

To tune a string instrument, we use either the fine tuners—the small metal screws at the bottom end of the string—, or the wooden pegs located on each side of the instrument head. The three main things to remember are:

• Only use the pegs if you have to—that is, if the string is too out of tune to be tuned with the fine tuner only.
• Always pluck or bow the string as you change its pitch! Not doing so is a sure recipe for breaking it.
• Always tune going up: if you go beyond the correct pitch, just loosen the fine tuner a little and start over.

Screw the fine tuner in (clockwise) to go up. If you use the peg, turn it clockwise (looking from the right side) to bring the pitch up; you may have to slightly push in at the same time, but don't force. And remember, always pluck repeatedly at the same time. Here are the pitches you want to reach:

Violin Viola Cello

Good luck!