On Tue, 11 Jul 1995, Doug Sellner wrote:

> All one needs is an audible tone refference to tune the guitar.  As the two
> tones get closer they cause a 'RING' which allows a semi skilled musician
> to tune-a-fish.

Yeah that "ring" is called beating.  It's the difference between the two
frequencies.  And you are right that lots of musicians use this technique
all the time and it works great.

However, a lot of musicians prefer to use electronic tuners, at least in
some situations.  Particularly, stage musicians like to have them.
You're playing and a string breaks -- you finish the song, then hit a
foot pedal and suddenly your tuner (with visual indicator) is in circuit
and your amp is not.  You tune up without bothering the audience, then
you're back in business.  Or, let's say another band is playing, and your
band is up next.  You probably couldn't hear yourself to tune, perhaps even
with a headset.

I personally am very accustomed to relying on my ears, a lot more than
electronic measuring devices.  I've never tried to play an instrument on
stage that I didn't first check with my ears.  But a lot of pro musicians
do this sort of thing all the time.

David
--
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