Lesson 10- A Better way to tune
This lesson will deal with accurate tuning. There has been little thought on this subject over the years, although I have been witness to many pieces ruined by inaccurate tuning or simple carelessness in tuning. I myself have suffered in competitions from this basic matter.
I started thinking about tuning very much when I began performing with guitarist Antigoni Goni. It became critical for both guitars to be tuned accurately and quickly without constant checking and re-checking. With thought, a solution came to me which works very well as a soloist and when I am playing with multiple guitarists.
I found that most of my own tuning problems occurred when the tuning was slightly off on one string and then became multiplied as I tuned the rest of the guitar. To eradicate this, I use only one string- the High "E" - to tune all of the the strings. I also think that the easiest interval to judge tuning is the UNISON.
Using these facts, I arrived at the following method-
1. Get Ist string (High "E" String) in tune (of course)
2. Tune "B" string 5th fret to open first string
3. Tune 12 fret harmonic on the third string (G) to third fret, first string (PLAY HARMONICS first so they ring into the natural note )
4. Tune 7th fret harmonic, 4th string (A) to 5th fret first string
5. Tune the 7th fret harmonic, 5th string to the open first string
6. Tune the 5th fret Harmonic, 6th string to the open first string
Harmonics are clearer if you play nearer to the brdge (not too close!) with rest strokes.
Also-
DON'T EVER USE VIBRATO WHEN TUNING!!!!!! :)
I like the register of this tuning method. The notes ring well and are easily judged. It has helped me in many stressful situations when my ears were not fully cooperating. Try it and let me know what you think.