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Double Bass Is this normal?

Pushing too hard could stretch the string slightly, making the pitch flatter. Too much rosin, maybe? Very possible.

The primary reason for not tuning with pizzicato is that the ear perceives pitch MUCH better when high frequencies are abudant. The bow produces much more high frequencies than pizz. The reason for not tuning to stopped notes is that you cannot be perfectly certain that you are stopping then in the right spots.

So, lighten up, use less rosin. Tune using natural harmonics with the bow. I hope that helps.