Got a tuner question

pica · #1 03-21-2010, 10:39 AM

I use a Korg electronic tuner. When I tune the G string, the tuner reads F#. I've got it set at 440 Hz, were my instructor said it should be. It reads all the other strings properly. Any ideas?

dogbluedrummer · #2 03-21-2010, 12:02 PM

Yep. Turn your G tuning key a little.

pica · #3 03-21-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogbluedrummer

Yep. Turn your G tuning key a little.

When the tuner says the string is in tune, that being the needle straight up, the tuner reads F#, not G

Thunder Pulse · #4 03-21-2010, 02:30 PM

Sounds like it's reading F# on your G string because it's a half-step flat, and reading all the other strings properly because they're already in tune.

What is the model number of the tuner?

pica · #5 03-21-2010, 03:22 PM

Its a combination tuner/metronome. Model# TM-40. Could the tuner be bad?

the_man_dan · #6 03-21-2010, 03:32 PM

try getting in tune according to your tuner. then tuning with the fifth fret method. if the tuner is ok, (as in your high string is actually a f#) you will hear dissonance when you finger 5th fret on the d string. if the tuner is malfunctioning, then it will sound fine.

Thunder Pulse · #7 03-21-2010, 03:35 PM

I'm still not sure the issue has been explained.

Are you saying that you know the G string is properly tuned to G and the tuner is reading/displaying incorrectly?

If the G string was a half step flat (tuned to F# in other words), then the tuner would show an F# in the display and the needle would be straight up and down.

pica · #8 03-21-2010, 03:45 PM

I'm not sure I'm explaining it right. When I'm tuning the G string using the tuner, and the needle is straight up indicating the string SHOULD be tuned to G, the readout on the display is saying F#. Hope that helps.

Thunder Pulse · #9 03-21-2010, 03:57 PM

Unfortunately that doesn't clarify things. Do what the poster above my other reply said: Play your D string at the 5th fret and the open G string at the same time. The notes should sound identical. If they do, then there must be an issue with the tuner.

However, if there's a dissonance between the two notes, then your G string is tuned a half step flat (to F#) and needs to be tuned up a half step to the proper pitch, G.

WayneS · #10 03-21-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pica

I'm not sure I'm explaining it right. When I'm tuning the G string using the tuner, and the needle is straight up indicating the string SHOULD be tuned to G, the readout on the display is saying F#. Hope that helps.

The tuner doesnt know which string you are tuning. All it knows is notes. Tune it to where the needle is straight up and it says G. Then pick the D string on the 5th fret and see if its the same note as the open G.

If so, there you go. If not then replace the tuner.

pica · #11 03-21-2010, 04:06 PM

Thanks for your help guys. I'll try the above mentioned.

Thunder Pulse · #12 03-21-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneS

The tuner doesnt know which string you are tuning. All it knows is notes.

Good point, I should have said that myself. That's why I think the G string is probably tuned a half step flat.

Fergie Fulton · #13 03-21-2010, 04:08 PM

Sometimes a bass will give "overtone" or "ghost readings". It may be an intonation problem. Check the tuning at the 12th fret and adjust the saddles to bring it in tune. Other reason pick-up height, the magnets may not be the right distance to give a good reading.

I use my tuner to tune to a fretted E on the A string (7th fret) and tune the rest by ear as my basses can be to "touchy" for a tuners sensitivity.

WayneS · #14 03-21-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

Good point, I should have said that myself. That's why I think the G string is probably tuned a half step flat.

I'm thinking that the E, A, and D strings were already close to being in tune, so the tuner said E, A, and D. Then he went to G and it said F# that threw him off track.

I'm kinda thinking that he just dont know yet how to use a tuner (no offense Pica).

Chris K · #15 03-22-2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

Sometimes a bass will give "overtone" or "ghost readings". It may be an intonation problem. Check the tuning at the 12th fret and adjust the saddles to bring it in tune. Other reason pick-up height, the magnets may not be the right distance to give a good reading.

I use my tuner to tune to a fretted E on the A string (7th fret) and tune the rest by ear as my basses can be to "touchy" for a tuners sensitivity.

The most common source of overtones (no ' ', they do exist

) are the OTHER strings. Always mute the rest when you tune one string.

F.e. if pica plays a 5-stringer, his B-string will give F# (in the same octave as his G-string), which is the 2nd overtone to B.

**251** · #16 03-22-2010, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pica

I'm not sure I'm explaining it right. When I'm tuning the G string using the tuner, and the needle is straight up indicating the string SHOULD be tuned to G, the readout on the display is saying F#. Hope that helps.

Your explanation is clear. Let me restate what has been posted before.

The needle is straight up because the string is vibrating at F#. You are using a chromatic tuner which shows the note played. You are 1/2 note flat. Bring the string up 1/2 note.

JimmyM · #17 03-23-2010, 02:01 AM

this post, while being hilarious, also makes me mad. what is it with new guitarists and bass players these days? nobody wants to learn how to tune by USING YOUR EARS??? when i first started playing, the very first thing i learned was how to tune by ear. and nowadays kids use tuners and still can't tune properly! your tuner is saying F# because you're tuning up to an F#, not a G!!!

if you're the least little bit serious about playing the bass, learn how to tune by ear.

JimmyM · #18 03-23-2010, 02:13 AM

btw, what kind of instuctor doesn't teach a beginning student to learn how to tune by ear? i actually blame him for this fiasco because if he was really instructing you, he would have taught you how to tune by ear.

Pvt.Parts · #19 03-23-2010, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

this post, while being hilarious, also makes me mad. what is it with new guitarists and bass players these days? nobody wants to learn how to tune by USING YOUR EARS??? when i first started playing, the very first thing i learned was how to tune by ear. and nowadays kids use tuners and still can't tune properly! your tuner is saying F# because you're tuning up to an F#, not a G!!!

if you're the least little bit serious about playing the bass, learn how to tune by ear.

Agreed completely, but it's difficult tuning by ear when all your ears hear is your guitar player's amp blasting.

JimmyM · #20 03-23-2010, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pvt.Parts

Agreed completely, but it's difficult tuning by ear when all your ears hear is your guitar player's amp blasting.

is the guitarist blasting 24 hours a day? does he come home with you and blast while you're trying to practice on your own?

come on, dude, you know what i meant...once you learn how to tune by ear, then you can use a tuner for times like when your guitar player blasts.