Guitars that are really in tune sound dramatically clearer, bigger, meaner and just plain more musical. Creating this perfect pitch involves overcoming many guitar tuning problems. Common faults include the guitar's action, the age or quality of the strings, string stretch, string slippage, and of course, the competence of the musician.
Many, if not most, music instruction books begin by telling the reader/musician to "tune the instrument". If only it were that easy or straightforward. It is not either of these things. Most people in the modern musical world will use an actual electronic tuner, simply follow the instructions and think that's it.
Physical conditions of your body also impact on the way you feel about pitch, intonation and tuning. The human ear canals and sinus cavities are examples of human physical variables that can do strange things with regard to perception. Allergens and different air temperatures interact with the physics of hearing. Even the cycle of electrical motors humming at the wrong resonance clashes with the harmony of musical instruments in the human brain.
Environmental elements also produce problems. Air currents, stage lighting, sunlight, and particularly humidity and thermal changes can produce problems with the mechanics of this instrument. Wooden components are most susceptible to these variations.
Other environmental variables to bear in mind include the fact that wooden components of the instrument will be liable to shrink in hot, dry conditions. Tuners and strings can stretch or shrink in different atmospheric conditions. Moisture can be absorbed at different rates by different parts of the instrument, again leading to problems.
One of the most common problems when it comes to adjusting are strings that have not been sufficiently stretched out. It is recommended to spend at least two minutes stretching strings before conforming them. Remember to tune the guitar to the style in which you play, heavy-handed or more gentle. Generally heavier strings help in setting and will stay tuned for longer. Replace weak strings or those that exhibit a build-up of dirt. Learn to understand the variations in different brands of strings.
Electric guitar adjustment should begin with the low 'E' string. Play it at the twelfth fret. The needle of the tuner should be the same as when the string is played open. Strings need to vibrate at the right frequency to achieve this correlation. Repeat the process for each string. Turn the tuning peg slowly sharper until you find the perfect pitch.
Guitar tuning problems are where art and science meet. Tangible things, the strings and instrument, the environment combine with psychological issues of human perceptions. Artistic compromises must be made.
Many, if not most, music instruction books begin by telling the reader/musician to "tune the instrument". If only it were that easy or straightforward. It is not either of these things. Most people in the modern musical world will use an actual electronic tuner, simply follow the instructions and think that's it.
Physical conditions of your body also impact on the way you feel about pitch, intonation and tuning. The human ear canals and sinus cavities are examples of human physical variables that can do strange things with regard to perception. Allergens and different air temperatures interact with the physics of hearing. Even the cycle of electrical motors humming at the wrong resonance clashes with the harmony of musical instruments in the human brain.
Environmental elements also produce problems. Air currents, stage lighting, sunlight, and particularly humidity and thermal changes can produce problems with the mechanics of this instrument. Wooden components are most susceptible to these variations.
Other environmental variables to bear in mind include the fact that wooden components of the instrument will be liable to shrink in hot, dry conditions. Tuners and strings can stretch or shrink in different atmospheric conditions. Moisture can be absorbed at different rates by different parts of the instrument, again leading to problems.
One of the most common problems when it comes to adjusting are strings that have not been sufficiently stretched out. It is recommended to spend at least two minutes stretching strings before conforming them. Remember to tune the guitar to the style in which you play, heavy-handed or more gentle. Generally heavier strings help in setting and will stay tuned for longer. Replace weak strings or those that exhibit a build-up of dirt. Learn to understand the variations in different brands of strings.
Electric guitar adjustment should begin with the low 'E' string. Play it at the twelfth fret. The needle of the tuner should be the same as when the string is played open. Strings need to vibrate at the right frequency to achieve this correlation. Repeat the process for each string. Turn the tuning peg slowly sharper until you find the perfect pitch.
Guitar tuning problems are where art and science meet. Tangible things, the strings and instrument, the environment combine with psychological issues of human perceptions. Artistic compromises must be made.
No comments:
Post a Comment