Well as a follow on from my first post about upgrading my instrument i did actually plump for the Ibanez Soundgear SR 300EB and i'm loving it,except for one thing..I can't for the life of me tune the A3 String,i'm using an Electronic tuner By Roberts and the other strings aren't a problem,what happens is, in using the tuner ,the A string Initially tunes into the E4 string,at the sharp end so i increase the tension on the tuning peg and it jumps to the G 1 STRING so i'm struggling to find the A CHORD,?Anyone help,what am i doing wrong,could it be a problem with the pick up,it's annoying more than anything.
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Struggling with tuning...
- Thread starter Ifonlyicould58
- Start date
Always tune UP to pitch...
So tune lower than the desired note, and tug on the string a little bit... From there, slowly tune UP to pitch. If you can get the E string to pitch, the Open A string can be tuned to the 5th fret on the E string (thicker).
So tune lower than the desired note, and tug on the string a little bit... From there, slowly tune UP to pitch. If you can get the E string to pitch, the Open A string can be tuned to the 5th fret on the E string (thicker).
It sounds like a problem with the tracking ability of the tuner.
I can find very little info on a Roberts tuner other than they are apparently inexpensive.
Get a better tuner.
I can find very little info on a Roberts tuner other than they are apparently inexpensive.
Get a better tuner.
Or even better, learn to tune by ear. The only thing I ever need a tuner for is for a starting pitch.
E string 5th fret harmonic = A string 7th fret harmonic. And so on across the strings.
There are also bass/guitar tuning videos on Youtube. In my day, you used a tuning fork :geezer:
Also: your tuner is bad.
There are also bass/guitar tuning videos on Youtube. In my day, you used a tuning fork :geezer:
Also: your tuner is bad.
A few tips, in no particular order:
- Learn to tune by ear! And then, once you are in tune by ear, use the tuner to double-check or fine-tune.
- Get a better tuner!
- Make sure you are muting the unplayed strings so they don't make sympathetic vibrations. Lightly touch the other strings so that the string you're tuning is the only one that rings out.
- With cheap tuners, sometimes you get better results tuning by the 12th fret harmonic than the open string.
- Make sure your A string has enough wraps around the tuning peg to get good downward pressure in the nut slot.
Thank you for all the replies,i did actually give up on the Roberts tuner and went on an online bass guitar tuner and by playing around a bit i did manage to get the A String tuned correctly,may as well throw the tuner in the bin..lol
Don't throw the tuner in the bin just yet. Some tuners aren't all that great with a bass, but may work perfectly well on your guitars.
You're still going to need a hand held, clip on, or pedal tuner, as an on line tuner won't be much help when you're out playing somewhere.
You're still going to need a hand held, clip on, or pedal tuner, as an on line tuner won't be much help when you're out playing somewhere.
- Apr 20, 2009
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I have found pedal tuners to be quicker and more accurate than clip-on tuners. I like the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-300, they're faster than other tuners I've used, and I own three of them plus the mini for my small board. The Peterson Strobostomp, TC Electronic Polytuner, BOSS TU-3 and Korg Pitch Black all get good feedback. Here's a talkbass thread: Best foot pedal tuner?.
As far as clip-on tuners, I've tried Fender and Polytune and Snark and I like the Snark best, but if I have a pedal tuner I'll use it before the clip-on. Here's a talkbass thread: Clip on tuner?
Hope this helps!
As far as clip-on tuners, I've tried Fender and Polytune and Snark and I like the Snark best, but if I have a pedal tuner I'll use it before the clip-on. Here's a talkbass thread: Clip on tuner?
Hope this helps!
Sonic Research. Absolutely. My ST-300 is built like a tank, fastest tracking, most accurate, and easier to read in any condition, than any tuner I've owned.
They ain't cheap but they're impressive.
They ain't cheap but they're impressive.
For a clip on I like the Snark. In fact that's all I use unless I'm setting intonation, then I'll use a plug in. Never had a pedal tuner.
You are touching upon many different issues here. Many are deep enough subjects that one could write a book on each topic.
Here are some thoughts:
1. Yes, get a better tuner. Each tuner type has its benefits and shortfalls. Good idea to learn when to use what kind (for example, clip on vs. for example a Boss TU12-H, etc.). I only use a clip on (Snark - the red one) for quick tuning, etc (not for recording). if I'm not going to use my ear. For more serious tuning, I use the Boss. MANY people use this style of boss tuner and some use things like clip-ons for live.
2. Yes, learn to tune very well by ear. Critical.
3. Understand the difference between tuning your instrument, intonation, and the limits of each.
4. Understand the difference between the different ways of tuning your instrument by ear (harmonics, open strings, octaves, etc.).
Many things impact tuning an instrument including you and the instrument. Playing out of tune is a terrible thing and we all have done it and many famous recordings are out of tune. But, we all wish we could improve it. So we try.
I went through a long period of frustration and struggle on this topic. I would hate to have to see someone else go through it considering how much info there is now available online. A deep topic, but VERY interesting and will help you immeasurably as a musician in learning, live, recording, practicing, music history, everything.
Just my 2 cents (no pun intended - maybe you get it or will soon enough???).
LL
Here are some thoughts:
1. Yes, get a better tuner. Each tuner type has its benefits and shortfalls. Good idea to learn when to use what kind (for example, clip on vs. for example a Boss TU12-H, etc.). I only use a clip on (Snark - the red one) for quick tuning, etc (not for recording). if I'm not going to use my ear. For more serious tuning, I use the Boss. MANY people use this style of boss tuner and some use things like clip-ons for live.
2. Yes, learn to tune very well by ear. Critical.
3. Understand the difference between tuning your instrument, intonation, and the limits of each.
4. Understand the difference between the different ways of tuning your instrument by ear (harmonics, open strings, octaves, etc.).
Many things impact tuning an instrument including you and the instrument. Playing out of tune is a terrible thing and we all have done it and many famous recordings are out of tune. But, we all wish we could improve it. So we try.
I went through a long period of frustration and struggle on this topic. I would hate to have to see someone else go through it considering how much info there is now available online. A deep topic, but VERY interesting and will help you immeasurably as a musician in learning, live, recording, practicing, music history, everything.
Just my 2 cents (no pun intended - maybe you get it or will soon enough???).
LL
I've a Boss TU-3, Boss TU-80, an old Seiko ST737, and my wife's Snark SN-2.
I've also used my POD XT when in the basement workshop.
They all work well for both bass and guitar.
Each type has its uses whether it be stomp box, hand held, clip on, or bench device.
At the moment, my largest tuner is a Fender Mustang III v2.
I've also used my POD XT when in the basement workshop.
They all work well for both bass and guitar.
Each type has its uses whether it be stomp box, hand held, clip on, or bench device.
At the moment, my largest tuner is a Fender Mustang III v2.
