2. TUNE STRINGED INSTRUMENTS FROM A PITCH THAT IS FLAT UP TO THE PITCH YOU DESIRE. This procedure removes any slack in the gears of the instrument�s tuning heads. If you tune from SHARP to IN TUNE, the gears will slip as you play and the instrument will go flat. 3. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING A NOTE TO REGISTER ON THE TUNER, TRY TOUCHING THE OTHER STRINGS LIGHTLY TO STOP THEIR VIBRATIONS. This will eliminate any extraneous overtones that may disturb the tuning. 4. USE GOOD STRINGS. Old strings tend to lose their uniformity and will not vibrate evenly. Brand new strings stretch flat as you play. 5. ALL SOURCES OF FRICTION WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS. For example, if the slot in an instrument�s nut is too tight, the string will be pulled flat as it is played. A tight nut (or capo) will cause the string�s pitch to change in steps rather than evenly. 6. AVOID PRESSURE ON THE INSTRUMENT WHILE TUNING. Even moderate pressure on the neck of a guitar will cause a noticeable change in pitch. Also, press the strings straight down to the fingerboard. Bending the strings sideways is very common, especially on difficult chords, but causes the strings to be pulled sharp.
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