| On the topic of practicing with a tuner: I don't want to offend those who highly value the use of a tuner, but especially for someone who hasn't been playing for a long time, I would suggest limiting the amount of time you spend with the tuner on. I say this for a few reasons. First, as Ed mentioned, centering each note should be the more important factor when it comes to placing the note. Centering could be interpreted as perfectly in tune, or where the note seems to produce the most resonanat tone. The other, as a few people already illuded to, is that depending on the key you're playing in, not all notes require the same pitch placement. Simply put, an E in E major is not the same note as an E in C major. Technically the Major 3rd is supposed to be 13 or 14 cents flatter, and etc. not important for this topic. A former teacher of mine discouraged tuners (maybe a little more than needed) but encouraged trying to find a ringing, resonant tone on each note. In theory, if every note is played with the best sound possible and you use the 1st and 3rd valve slides (if available) when needed, the intonation will be taken care of. Lastly, if you spend too much practice time bending the pitches all over creation to make the tuner happy, you will end up straining your chops much more than you need to, thus hurting your sound, endurance, range, and consequently, intonation. Funny how that works. Aim for the best sound, and trust that (quality instrument willing) you will play in tune notes. Then worry about specific tuning problems later. Comment? Arguments? Agreements?
Matt |