Woodwind.OrgThe Oboe BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard              
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Previous Message  |  Next Message 
 using a tuner pick-up
Author: johng 2017
Date:   2006-08-15 21:31

There have been a few threads about using a tuner pick-up in an ensemble as a way to isolate one's sound when tuning with a tuner. I would like to suggest another use that will assist in training the ear to hear intonation.

A tuner pick-up is an inexpensive device that gently clips on to the bell or other convenient place on your instrument and plugs into the input jack of most tuners. It picks up the sound you are making without interference from outside sources. I know of two brands: Matrix MPU-2 and Arion ARC80.

If you have a sound source with a constant pitch, like a second tuner, another player, or a tuning CD, you can play a variety of pitches and compare your pitch with both your ears and with the tuner display. If you are playing the same pitch (a unison) then it is easy to hear the beats between the two notes and bring your pitch in tune to stop the beats. For other intervals it is helpful to get a visual reference in order to tune to a pure interval.

For example, the interval of a 5th (like a C and a G), a pure interval between the two requires the higher note (G) to be ever so slightly higher than the tuner requires at it's equal tempered scale. +2 cents to be exact.

For a pure major third (C and E), the higher note needs to be lower than the equal tempered note on the tuner (-14 cents) For minor thirds (C and Eb), the higher note needs to be higher (+16 cents). On my inexpensive Korg CA-30 there are even marks on the display to show where you should be to get pure major and minor thirds.

Although it is difficult to use these tunings in larger ensembles even if you do want pure sounding chords, it is great training for the ear to be listening so carefully. The tuner and tuner pick-up are a visual aid for that ear training, but you still have to trust your ear when it comes to intonation.

John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com

 Reply To Message  |  Avail. Forums  |  Flat View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 

 Topics Author  Date
 using a tuner pick-up  new
johng 2006-08-15 21:31 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
d-oboe 2006-08-20 11:29 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
oboemoboe 2006-08-20 20:00 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
ohsuzan 2006-08-21 00:09 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
d-oboe 2006-08-21 00:45 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
johng 2006-08-21 17:18 
 Re: using a tuner pick-up  new
latestarter 2006-08-30 11:06 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

The Clarinet Pages
For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org