Tuning Terminology

Question 1

False Beats

Answer 1

A false beat is heard from a single string that has an imperfection, either from the manufacturer or from age (like rust or bad termination points on the bridge or capo). If you feel like you are tuning against a false beat, test it by muting all other strings in the unison except for one. If a beat is heard from a single string, it is a false beat. Although it is difficult, it is possible to tune a string with a false beat because the real beat can still be heard when played in a unison. Also, a false beat will not speed up or slow down as you turn the tuning pin. False beats are more prominent in the treble section.

Question 2

Adjacent or Parallel Intervals

Answer 2

run chromatically up the scale (C-E, C#-F, D-F#)

Question 3

Contiguous Intervals

Answer 3

stacked in succession (C-E, E-G#, G#-C).

Question 4

Perfect Consonance

Answer 4

notes that are considered to be pleasant to the ear when played together and have a slower beat rate. An example of this would be your fourths and fifths. When you hear fourths and fifths they sound pleasant and have no need for resolve.

Question 5

Imperfect Consonance

Answer 5

thirds and sixths. These sound less pleasant when played together and have a higher beat rate per second.

Question 6

minor 3rd (m3)

Answer 6

3 half steps

Question 7

major 3rd (M3)

Answer 7

4 half steps

Question 8

fourth (P4)

Answer 8

5 half steps

Question 9

fifth (P5)

Answer 9

7 half steps

Question 10

sixth (M6)

Answer 10

9 half steps

Question 11

octave

Answer 11

12 half steps

Question 12

frequency definition of an octave

Answer 12

when the note is double the frequency of another note, it is an octave above

Question 13

number of cents in a half step

Answer 13

100

Question 14

number of cents in a whole step

Answer 14

200

Question 15

When should you perform a pitch raise on a piano?

Answer 15

When it is 20 cents or more flat

Question 16

How many cents can you raise a rusty string

Answer 16

Not more than 25c in a sitting, and be cautious

Question 17

What should you do when raising the pitch of a rusty string?

Answer 17

Loosen it until you hear a click before tightening it

Question 18

When will a piano likely need more than one pitch raise?

Answer 18

When it is 100 cents or more flat

Question 19

What happens when a piano’s pitch is raised

Answer 19

tension is added to the plate/harp, strings and soundboard. When the soundboard flexes a little, it can cause the strings to be out of tune by the time you get to the end of the piano. For this reason, we quickly tune it multiple times, each time bringing it closer and closer to where it needs to be.