How do you tune your strings if u don`t have a tuner?
Thank u

Well, you can use a keyboard, but I doubt you will have asked the question if you had a keyboard/piano. So, there are programs that will play the the right pitches on your computer. I have found a couple of shareware programs (you have to buy them: Chromatia & In-tune tuner). But here is a free program which should satisfy without doubt.

http://www.wadsworth-lutes.co.uk/zips/tuner.zip

If you find that you cannot run the program, you can always take lessons in absolute pitch or recording tuned open strings on the tape.


Jay

Buy a set of pitch pipes, very cheap, very easy.

Liz

lol :D

Jay

I use my piano, or the "A" on my metronome and then tune my other strings to it. It`s kind of hard to explain how you do it exactly so I suggest you ask someone to show you.

If yr ears can pick up microtones, then train em to tune yr instruments `nakedly`. Listen to the A, then bow across A, D to get perfect 5th, and so on. Adjust yr peg and fine tuner every now and then, until all strings are a perfect 5th apart.

I have just seen this on one of my occasional visits so, I apologise for the lateness of the reply.

My wallet keeps reminding me that Christmas is fast approaching. Why not ask for a little electronic tuner. They are not expensive and the flashing lights and beeps when you are in tune are as great help.

You can do it using harmonic, in a way similar to the guitar. If you only touch (but do not press) the "A" string at half of its length and bow it, you will hear one harmonic. Now touch the "E" string, but not at its half, but at its third (1/3), where the fifth is. If these strings are in tune, both souns should be the same. If they are not, you should ajust one of the strings. It is similar in the other strings:
1/2 A = 1/3 E
1/2 D = 1/3 A
1/2 G = 1/3 D
You can tune the A using the telephone tone, which is 440Hz (the frequency of A). And then tune the other strings acordingly.
This method is complicated but it works if you cant hear perfect fifts.