Tuner Technique

[cbtd]

I just picked up a Turbo-Tuner ST-200 on recommendation from another member here. It is a great tuner and will be replacing my TU-2. The thing that I found very interesting was the instructions that came with it.

They suggested in order to improve the accuracy, you should use the neck pickup, dial back the tone a bit and pluck the string with your thumb instead to help minimize harmonics that would throw off the tuner.

I have been playing guitar since tuners were something you blew into to get a tone or a two pronged thing you tapped on your knee. I never knew the correct way to use an electric tuner. Following the above instructions was a big help as I was always pretty much doing it just the opposite.

[schenkadere]

I've come to prefer piezo clip ons.

[jnepo1]

To add to the instructions, always tune up rather than tuning down.

[1955]

I do use my thumb, but I've lately been using the bridge instead - think I saw somebody say it was better. I don't know. People used to tell me to use the neck.

I would figure the bass notes increase accuracy due to vibration so maybe the neck is correct? Fun topic!

[swleamon]

Originally Posted by jnepo1

To add to the instructions, always tune up rather than tuning down.

Always!! And I'd you are sharp and go down back up give the string a small tug before going up.

Another tip when going drop d, tune a bit flat as the string will have a tendency to go sharp otherwise in the middle of the song.

[limbe]

There are lots of people here who knows more than me about tuning but anyway,to use your neck pickup with the tone control down and plucking with your thumb will minimize overtones.(harmonics).Only the thumbpicking will do any good if you are using a clip-on tuner.Pencil-lead or Big Bends Sauce in the nut slots will help to keep the guitar in tune assuming your nut is cut right.Any of the string-locking-itself methods when tuning and strings that have a good angle when they pass the bridge and nut are a necessity..........

[rolling56]

If i am going to finger pick then i use my thumb to tune but if i am going to use a plectrum or hybrid picking then i use a pick to tune.

Always play for 5 minutes or so before you tune to get the strings heated up.

[Space Station Philippe]

Hmmm. I would tune as I play, plectrum or not, on the pickup I'll be using the most.

[cbtd]

With the strobe tuner, you can see that it definitely gets a better read on the pitch of the string when you use the neck pickup and play with your thumb closer to the neck.