We can use these overtones to cross check the pitches of each of the cello strings. This involves us dividing the cello string into certain even divisions, which reveal different overtones. ![]() Tuning cello with harmonicsĪnother method of tuning, which is super helpful when a physical tuner is not available, is tuning with harmonics. When practicing with a tuner, don’t use vibrato as that can disturb the pitch to the point that it’s not recognizable by the tuner – it can also be harder to hear your own pitch if you’re using vibrato!Īlso, play close to the bridge for a nice focus in the sound, and try to use a constant bow speed as those types of fluctuations can also cause inconsistency in the pitch reading. Now you’re ready to use your tuner to practice anything: a scale, arpeggio, exercise, or passage from a piece. Check your open cello strings with the tuner regularly during your practice session to make sure your cello strings are still in tune! Once you tune all your strings individually, the double-stop 5ths between the strings might not be perfectly in tune, so you may need to adjust slightly with your fine tuners. Use your tuning pegs to make larger adjustments, and your fine tuners to make slight adjustments. You can also choose to only tune the A string to the tuner and then tune each string from the one above, but if you’re new to working with a tuner, it’s best to make sure each string individually is purely in tune. Start by tuning all of your open strings with the tuner. I personally prefer working alone at A440, but if I know in advance that I’m going to be working with an ensemble that uses a different pitch, I will practice that repertoire at that specific pitch to get used to it. Make sure you set your tuner to your preferred pitch – the most common pitch standard is A = 440 Hz, though some orchestras and chamber groups prefer to tune to a slightly higher A like 441, 442 or even 443. Other popular apps include Cleartune, Tunable, and a number of completely free apps which are fine but won’t have as many features as the paid apps. It also has a very comprehensive pitch-generator, which we will discuss later in this article. It has a lot of helpful features, the most charming of which is a bright green smiley face that appears when you play a note in tune. My favorite tuner app is called Tonal Energy, available for $3.99 on the app store. While you can purchase a separate device like a combination metronome-tuner (Check out this article on the best cello tuners on the market), there’s really no need. Next, choose a tuner or cello tuning app. ![]() Considering intonationįirstly, it’s important to remember that the tuner itself won’t improve your intonation – it merely gives you important information you can then use to develop accuracy in the hand both within positions and when shifting, and of course, perhaps even more crucially, train your ear. ![]() Here, I’ll share the basics of practicing with a tuner, and some tips on how to get the best results from this method of practicing. Practicing with a tuner can be an incredibly informative way to help improve intonation, and these days, acquiring a tuner is as easy as spending $4 on an iPhone app. Poor intonation can sabotage our careful work in other areas of our playing, distract both the player and listener, and take us out of the moment.įortunately, we have some great tools literally right in our pockets to help us in the pursuit of ever more accurate pitch. It is a non-negotiable prerequisite for good cello playing. ![]() Whether you’ve been playing the cello for 3 weeks, 3 years, or 30 years, intonation is something that demands our care and attention.
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