The mandolin has its origins in the lute. This wonderful instrument appeared in Italy in the 17th century and very quickly spread throughout Europe. Due to the fact that folk music has again become in demand in recent decades, mandolin sounded again at holidays, youth parties, home and club concerts. It belongs to plucked instruments, and is played with a plectrum. This instrument is tuned in the same way as a violin.
It is necessary
- - mandolin;
- - tuning fork;
- - frequency counter.
Instructions
Step 1
Mandolins are of several types. There are also related 4-string instruments that are tuned in the same way. In fact, the strings are double because they are tuned in unison. It is most convenient to start tuning from the second string, especially if you only have a regular tuning fork with "antennae" at your fingertips. Numbering begins with the thinnest one, like all plucked and bowed instruments. Extra strings are usually not counted.
Step 2
A simple tuning fork produces the A sound of the first octave, and this is how an open second string should sound. Try to tune as accurately as possible, otherwise it will be difficult to play in an ensemble with other instruments. Tune the twin string in unison. If your tuning device has several sounds, it is useful to remember how they are indicated. You need a sound, which is indicated by the letter A.
Step 3
Play the second string at the 7th fret. The fret count begins, like a guitar, from the headstock. Listen to the sound and tune the first string along it. It should give the sound of E of the second octave. If you have a well-tuned piano, you can check it. Feel free to use electronic tuning methods as well. This could be, for example, an online tuner. Tune the twin string in unison too. The sound you get is denoted in encryption as E, aka mi.
Step 4
Move to the third string. Pinch it at the seventh fret. In this state, it should sound in unison with the open second. This will be the D sound of the first octave. In the Latin version, it is denoted as D. With the paired string, do the same as in the previous cases.
Step 5
The last string also needs to be held down at the 7th fret and tuned to the open 3rd. It should give the G sound of a small octave, which is denoted in the letter as E. Tune the paired string and check the sound. Tighten the strings if necessary. In this way, both Neapolitan and Portuguese mandolins are tuned, differing from each other in the shape of the body.
Step 6
If you don't rely too much on your hearing, you can try other methods. A frequency counter can be very useful. This is an electronic device that allows you to accurately measure the frequency of sound. It can be either electronic or analog. The signal is fed to the input through a microphone amplifier from a good line microphone or from a piezo pickup that is attached to the body of the instrument. In this case, it must be taken into account that each musical sound has a certain frequency. The frequency of 659.3 Hz corresponds to the sound mi of the second octave, and the frequency of the first octave is -440 Hz. The D of the first octave and the G of the small correspond to frequencies of 293, 7 and 196 Hz.
