The Finer Points of Tuning

The importance of tuning is often overlooked.  Even if you only know a few chords they will sound much better if your instrument is properly tuned.  One player being out of tune can often throw off the entire group, so do us all a favor and be sure you're properly tuned! There are several options for making sure you are in tune and ready to play.

The easiest and most commonly used tuning tool is the electronic tuner.  These come in a variety of styles, sizes, colors and options.  You can get mini tuners that can stay on your headstock at all times (which will help you not lose them).  You can also get the standard electronic tuner that comes with the option of either using the microphone or the vibration option.  Using the microphone can be tricky if you are in a loud room so the vibration option may be useful in that situation.  You can get a good electronic tuner for under $20, we recommend the Tune Tech Tuner or the Snark Tuner.  Both are great options and are relatively inexpensive.

If you are looking to upgrade to a more accurate electronic tuner, we recommend the Peterson Strobe Tuner.  These tuners are more accurate than conventional electronic tuners but also come with a higher price tag.  If you are playing on stage and it's important that you are in perfect tune then the Peterson might be the right tuner for you.  The Peterson company also has software that can be purchased for your smartphone or tablet to turn it into a tuner as well.  www.petersontuners.com for more information.

Then there is the tried and true method that many musicians still prefer and that is the tuning fork.  The award winning guitarist Wyatt Rice still uses the tuning fork method and he teaches it to students in his workshops.  We had a workshop with Wyatt here and he demonstrated how he uses the tuning fork to tune his guitar.  Using the fork method requires a good ear and some training.  So it may not be for beginners.  There are some advantages to the tuning fork, first of all it doesn't require batteries.  There is never a fear of dead batteries when using a tuning fork.  Second, it's a very economical tuning method as most tuning forks are relatively inexpensive. It also emits a very pure musical tone, which can lead to more accurate tuning if used by a musician with a good ear.  The downside is you have to know what you're doing.  A novice musician may have a hard time using a tuning fork without some practice.  Also, they can be difficult to use in a loud environment because it's difficult to hear the pitch emitted by the tuning fork over crowd noise.

Whichever option you choose be sure to use it, every time.  Instruments, especially when played outdoors, can be tricky to get in tune and stay in tune.  So like everything else in your musical journey keep practicing!  If you have any questions about the products mentioned here or tuning techniques contact us at caposmusicstore@gmail.com or (276) 525-1880.

Trouble Keeping Your Banjo In Tune?

Are you having trouble keeping your banjo in tune?  There may be a few minor things that could be the problem. Banjo construction can be a cause for tuning issues. Banjos are different than other stringed instruments in that they don’t have a neck joint like a guitar would, where it is glued or held together somewhat permanently.  The neck of a banjo is not glued to the pot so the neck has a miniscule amount of movement where it meets the pot and can adjust with slight movements.  This small amount of shift in the neck and pot joint can create tuning problems.  Also, your strings are resting on a floating bridge making banjos more susceptible to tuning issues.  The way you hold the neck of your banjo can make tuning issues worse.  If you are too rough on the neck of your instrument or hold it too tightly it can cause your banjo to go out of tune.  Most professional banjo players keep a clip on tuner on their headstock to combat tuning issues while playing. You will see them tune often during performances to make sure they haven’t knocked their instrument out of tune while performing.   One other helpful tip is to tune your banjo after you are seated or in the position you will be playing in, this will help decrease the chance of movements causing your instrument to go out of tune.   So in conclusion take extra care to be gentle on your neck and tune often.  Having an instrument that is out of tune will make your playing less enjoyable for you and those around you.