how to tune using harmonics?

[collicsws6z28]

I've always used a tuner when playing, but would like to know this way as well. Did some searches on here but couldn't get a clear answer

[dmusic148]

Well, first you need to get at least one string in tune. I do the G first, referenced from the piano or other known-to-be-in-tune instrument in the room. Then strike the harmonics at the 7th fret on the G, and the 5th fret on the D, together, and tune the D to the G.
Then move to the A and D strings, striking the 7th and 5th fret harmonics for those two strings. And so on. With practice it's easy.

[mkrtu9]

Get your E string tuned then harmonic the fifth fret on the E string and at the same time harmonic the seventh fret on the A string. You will hear a wa wa sound and the closer the wa wa's the further away from in tune you are. Once you don't hear a wa wa then the A string is in tune with the E string. Do the next string with your A string and on down the line until you are out of strings.

Hope I got that right, haven't done it in a long time.

[onlyclave]

I wouldn't tune with harmonics unless you are playing solo, as in you are the only person playing.

Tuning with harmonics will get the bass in tune with itself but it will most likely be out of tune with the other instruments.

DISCLAIMER: Double bass players will tune to the orchestra using the A harmonic on the D string (440hz) and then tune the other strings with natural harmonics, but then a double bass player can adjust his intonation in real time.

[Erick Lam]

And always tune up. If you turn the peg up too much and the string is sharp, start over. Depending on how old your strings are, pulling on the string as to stretch it might be enough to bring it back down.