What's the best way to tune?

[KSB - Ken Smith]

In Orchestra we tune to the Oboe. I use harmonics in the 3rd position.. A on the D string 4th finger and A on the A string 1st finger. I tune untill there are no 'virbations'. The way I was taught was to 'get the beats out'! The I tune the A and E strings the same way and finally the G and D string tuning the newer string to the one already in tune. Then I start over and re-check. Also I play G/D.. D/A .. live the violins do checking the 5ths except I can only check 4ths.

Now, if you have a Piano soloist.. Do the same but tune to the Piano. On a Pop or Jazz gig you tune to the fixed instrument which is usually the Piano.

When tuning at home alone or just practicing anywhere, I use a tuning fork. I got my Fork in 1966 and it still works. No batteries needed!!

[umdenken]

I use a strange tuning system that I made up, just for double bass. :-)

I use a system of intervals: I get the g string tuned first... or assume that it is. Then I play a low G on the E string and tune it. Then I just keep moving up: I play a C on the A string and compare that to the G string open ... A nice easy fifth to tune to. Finally, I play an F on the D string compared to the G open. I find it very easy to tune to a nice 2nd interval that way.

When I'm on stage, though, I use a Boss tuner pedal set in bass mode. Works great.

[JazzDude]

I have heard of bassists tuning all strings to a particular chord from the piano - does anyone know what that chord is?

[msw]

Emin (11) It contains all of the open string notes.

One of the many possible voicings: E below middle C, D step above middle C, A a sixth above mid. C, the D a fourth above the A . and G a fourth above the D.

[JazzDude]

I guess there's no magic there, huh? Just the notes of the strings 2 or 3 octaves higher? I think that a B thrown in there would make me tune the G string sharp - I tend to hit perfect 3rds if they're in there.

[dleblanc]

Originally Posted by JazzDude

I guess there's no magic there, huh? Just the notes of the strings 2 or 3 octaves higher? I think that a B thrown in there would make me tune the G string sharp - I tend to hit perfect 3rds if they're in there.

Major thirds

[JoeyNaeger]

By playing the octave harmonics on the lower of the two strings, it creates a nice, easy to hear perfect fifth. For example, I play open G while playing the octave D on the D string. I usually use the harmonics in second position to get it in the ball park and use the fifths to fine tune it. When I'm at home, I like to tune with a drone, but at rehearsals it's just too noisy and often my tone generator's A often doesn't agree with the oboe or the principal violin's.