If you play violin, you will need to tune it every time you take it out to practice or play. Tuning can be tricky at first, so if you're not comfortable with the process it may help to read this guide on how to tune a violin.
Introduction
Violins are extremely delicate instruments, and it is important to take care when tuning them. The strings, particularly the E string, snap fairly easily, and when this happens they may lash at your face or arms. For this reason, you should be gentle when tightening any string, and never hold the instrument close to your face when tuning.
Step 1: Get a Tuner
There are several things you can use as tuning aids: tuning forks, a piano or organ, an electronic tuning device, or an online tuner. If you opt to use a piano, make sure it has been properly tuned itself, or your violin will be off key. To find a free online tuner, just do a quick Google search to reveal numerous sites.
Step 2: Tune
- Find the tone for the A string on your tuner
- Start with the fine tuners at the bridge, if your violin has them
- Adjust the tuning knobs until the correct tone has been reached
- If the tone is too far off to be corrected by the fine tuners, use the pegs at the scroll of the violin
- Turn the pegs just a centimeter or so at a time
- Tune until the string, either plucked or bowed, matches the tone from your tuner
- If your pegs are hard to move, purchase some lava soap and rub it around the peg
Step 3: Maintain
After playing for a bit, you may find that your strings have slipped and your notes sound off. Be mindful of this, and stop your playing (unless you are in the middle of a performance, obviously) to fix any wayward strings.
