What should I do first?
Did you just receive your violin in the mail and are wondering how to start tuning?
Please go the Level 1 of the Trala app, and click Course 3, How to Tune. This will help you get started with tuning. After watching this, you can also tap the tuner button in the bottom of the app and then the help button for a tutorial.
For more information, visit the link here.
How do I use the tuning pegs?
First, view the article on our website here, if you haven't already.
To make big adjustments, you will use the pegs at the top of the violin. (For smaller adjustments, see below about how to use the fine tuners on the body of the violin.)
When tuning the large pegs, it's important to place the violin in your lap with the F holes facing you. It is easiest if you are sitting down.
Pick a string you want to tune.
From there, push the peg in while twisting slowly and carefully. Make sure you are pushing in the entire time and twisting little by little to avoid the string popping off.
Turn the peg away from you to make the pitch higher. Turn the peg toward you to make the pitch lower.
If the pegs still won't turn, you may need to bring your violin into a violin shop for a luthier to help adjust your pegs.
How do I use the fine tuners?
First, view the article on our website here, if you haven't already.
To make small adjustments, you will use your fine tuners. These are located by the upright piece of wood (the violin bridge).
Turn the fine tuner to the right/clockwise to make the pitch slightly higher. If you need to go higher, but your tuner is turned all the way in, you may have to tighten the string slightly back at the peg (at the other end of the string), and then you'll be able to loosen the fine tuner until you get to the right pitch.
Turn the fine tuner to the left/counterclockwise to make the pitch slightly lower. Be careful not to fully unscrew the fine tuner. If the fine tuner is nearly all the way out, you may need to loosen the string a tiny bit back at the peg (at the other end of the string), and then you'll be able to tighten the fine tuner until you get to the right pitch.
Use a tuner app (like the one in Trala) to tell you when you have the correct pitch.
TIP: If you can't turn the fine tuners, try using a piece of fabric to help you turn them. If you still have trouble, you may need to take your violin into a violin shop for a luthier to help you further. Fine tuners shouldn't need to be forced.
I'm having trouble with the tuner in the Trala app
Tap the button in the upper right corner that says Help and you will be guided through the tuning process. If you still need help, review the article here.
How often should I tune my violin?
It's normal for your instrument to go out of tune between practice sessions, and sometimes even during a session. If your instrument is new or gets transported between sessions it is more likely to go out of tune.
So, plan to check and fix your violin's tuning before every practice session. With practice, tuning will become a snap for you.