so my first try at tuning inevitably led to a snapped A string. and i`ve read some stuff on restringing and think i might need some supervision. do i need to loosen the tension slightly on the other strings until i can find help? i`d read that leaving it uneven could be trouble.
many thanks.

I had that problem when I first got my violin. Mom snapped one. It`s better when tuning to use the fine tuners (the little knobs on the black part by the bridge), for it`s less likely to snap. I`m terrified to try tuning using the regular knobs. My teacher has always restringed it.

There is no reason why the strings should break unless you tune way over the correct pitch. Don`t worry about it, just get the right pitches and try again.

Liz

If you`re unsure, take your violin to a real string instrument shop and ask them to replace the string for you. To do it at home, insert the free end into the little hole in the black peg, then turn it carefully, keeping the string winding evenly, like you see the other strings done. When the string is mostly on, make sure the bottom of it is hooked into the fine tuners and kept tight. Then tighten it slowly.

When you tune, do it with an electric tuner or a piano, move the pegs small amounts, and don`t go over the correct pitch. There is no reason for the string to snap.

nah don`t release the tension of the other strings, unless your fond of a fallen bridge and a collapsed sound post. leave the tensions on the other strings and visit a music shop. have them restring it, but new strings are annoying because they go out of tune easily. you need an electronic tuner, it makes your life so much easier. soon you`ll learn how to tune properly. you can just tell your violin is out of tune and you can tell your turning the pegs up too much just by hearing the string plucked.

Hi,
Don`t worry about snapping your string. It happens to a lot of people. I have been playing for about 5 years i just about a week ago i snapped a string :0 When you are tuning with your pegs make sure to pluck the string you are tuning at the same time untill you think it is close to the corect pitch and then tune it up with yout fine tuners. Thats how i do it!! Another good idea is to get a tuning fork incase you can`t quite get the pitch just right. Hope i helped you. Have fun playing your violin!!!

haha. I broke 5 A`s in about 2 months on my viola, but I had an abnormally sharp finetuner...

^ they broke at the bottom ring, so it wasn`t a tension thing.