How to tune harmonically

[Wintermute]

Harmonic tuning is a very accurate, very quick, and very easy way to tune a bass in fourths. (Standard tuning)

I'm going to assume that anyone reading this is already familiar with what harmonics are, and how to play them. If not, that's something to be covered in another thread, which you'll have to be familiar with first.

Harmonic tuning is a method of relative tuning. This means that all your strings will be in tune with each other. But they may still be out of tune. You need to be certain at least one of your strings is in tune before you start harmonic tuning, if you're going to be playing with anyone else.

As you probably know, the harmonic over the 5th fret is identical to the harmonic over the 7th fret on the next string up. This is the basis of harmonic tuning. Play the two harmonics together.

<7>
<5>

If the two strings are perfectly in tune, you will hear one, pure tone. If they are out, you'll hear an odd phase effect. The note will seem to pulse. The slower the pulse is, the closer the strings are to being in tune. Adjust the tuning until the pulsing slows down, and ultimately stops.

That's all there is to it.






If anyone's interested, I can explain why the pulsing effect occurs, but it's not necessary to know that to be able to tune harmonically.

*****

Important note - the harmonics are only the same note if the bass is tuned in fourths (EADG). If other tunings are being used, harmonic tuning can't be applied.

Example - if you're tuned in Drop-D tuning (DADG), harmonic tuning can be used to tune the A, upper D and G strings, as they are in fourths. You'll have to use other methods to tune the lower D string, though. (such as a tuner, or conventional ear tuning)

[katana_manatee]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

Example - if you're tuned in Drop-D tuning (DADG), harmonic tuning can be used to tune the A, upper D and G strings, as they are in fourths. You'll have to use other methods to tune the lower D string, though. (such as a tuner, or conventional ear tuning)

Tune the low D by playing the twelth fret harmonic and then doing the harmonic at the twelth fret on the normal D string.

[Wintermute]

Hah, good point. Didn't think that one through very well.

[katana_manatee]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

Hah, good point. Didn't think that one through very well.

Still, someone could tune it in fifths like a cello and then they definately can't use harmonics as far as I am aware. You just chose a bit of a bad example.

[Larrivée-6-string]

Originally Posted by katana_manatee

Still, someone could tune it in fifths like a cello and then they definately can't use harmonics as far as I am aware. You just chose a bit of a bad example.

On two adjacent strings use the <3+> (or <3.2>) harmonic with the <5> on the higher string - like this:

|------------|
|-----<5>----|
|-<3+>-------|
|------------|

Th@'s how to get 5ths

[katana_manatee]

Originally Posted by Larrivée-6-string

On two adjacent strings use the <3+> (or <3.2>) harmonic with the <5> on the higher string - like this:

|------------|
|-----<5>----|
|-<3+>-------|
|------------|

Th@'s how to get 5ths

Ah handy to know, thank you.

[skingle]

Wow thanks wintermute I now understand

[Yo.]

So, since I got my E string in a drop d, if I wanted to tune all the strings to drop d, Id use harmonic tunning on A D G?

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Yo.

So, since I got my E string in a drop d, if I wanted to tune all the strings to drop d, Id use harmonic tunning on A D G?

By all the string to drop D do you mean every string a full step down? If you do then yes, you could do harmonic tuning like Wintermute explained.

[Omega Red]

3_5_7_9_12 = Frets
B_G_D_B_G = G string
F#D_A_F#D= D string
C#A_E_C#A= A string
G#E_B_G#E= E string

that way you can match any tuning you want.

[Yo.]

Originally Posted by Akira

By all the string to drop D do you mean every string a full step down? If you do then yes, you could do harmonic tuning like Wintermute explained.

Alright, thanks.

[ariayer]

um u do realize tuning by any harmonics apart from the 12 fret is really innacurate

good lesson apart from the fact that u should never ever tune like that

[bleeding_fingers]

You're a dumbass Aria. I wish I could shoot you in the face.

[ariayer]

um did i just say anything that was untrue?

[Omega Red]

Originally Posted by ariayer

um u do realize tuning by any harmonics apart from the 12 fret is really innacurate

good lesson apart from the fact that u should never ever tune like that

harmonics are a direct mathmatical ratio of string length and nodes. its a highly accurate way to tune.

[ariayer]

no sorry ur wrong do some research maybe

[Akira]

Originally Posted by ariayer

no sorry ur wrong do some research maybe

So you are accusing all the the many many guitarists who tune with harmonics wrong?
I'm not sure how it can be innacurate. You can hear the conflicting frequencies much better than with the 5th fret way.

[arialovesu]

yes , yes i am

read up iv explained it many times in guitar but most of them already know its wrong

yea read up bro

not tryin to start fights or nothin

[bleeding_fingers]

You're such a twat aria. Why don't you show us where you got this information, or something to prove that you're right and we're wrong?

[arialovesu]

um its common knowledge everyone in guitar forum knows this

its strange that u guys dont yet

mayb try google it realy is common knowledge


but sorry again for trying to help u guys