How To Tune A Piano

Step-by-step how to tune a piano.

Just to clarify, I’ve received many questions about how C#3 is used when tuning F4. You’re just using it as a base line. So, whether you’re using the C#3, D3, D#3, E3 you’re not using them to tune F4, F#4, G4, E4. You’re tuning the 4th octave notes off of F3, F#3, G3, G#3. So tune F4 to F3 as close to no beats as possible. Then play C#3 with F3 and listen to how fast the beats are, THIS is your baseline. The beats could be fast, they could be slow, doesn’t matter. Now play C#3 with F4 and listen to the beats. If they sound the same as they did with C#3 and F3 then it’s a perfect 4:2 octave. If when you play C#3 and F4 the beats are faster, then F4 is too sharp compared to F3. If the beats are slower then F4 is too flat. Do the same with the other notes while moving up. This just gets you to the double octave which is what a 4:2 is. So once you get to F5, use F3 as your double octave test which you can now use since you know F3 is already in perfect tune.

[seanocean]

I just did a basic amateur tuning on my piano and it was difficult but i have so much more respect for what is going on here. But after this I am considering tuning as a hobby. Hearing things lock into pitch and come into unison is really satisfying.

[DanielLovett]

One of the best and most useful explanations, I learned something.

[paulferris]

I’m left handed. Welcome to my world. This is the best demonstration I’ve seen. Great teaching!

[difabn]

Thank you for the great and thorough video tutorials. Might be good to mention that you are working with single strings throughout this demonstration.

[daviddavenport]

WOW! Thanks so much for this video. You just clarified a lot of questions I had about octaves that hadn't been answered before. Super helpful, clear, and concise.

[fotografjindra]

Thanks for explaining. Probably the best video on this topic I have found so far :) Till now I have been able to tune only unisons by ear (the rest with ETD). Thanks :)

[thebelasarius]

As a guitar player who needs to tune a piano, this video gives me the confidence to do it

[petertobin]

Hey this video is really great 👍🏻 thanks so much for sharing your expertise..now I finally know about 4:2 and 6:3 octaves. Especially that 4:2 check 4 notes down from lower note..I finally understand how to compare those fast beat speeds. Also discovered that even without listening for the beats, you can hear if there's a difference in the octave notes! That 3rd note shows it up! Amazing thanks again! Learned so much from your vid. More power to ya.

[johnmarkhatfield]

it’s so useful to see the tuning hand. i was quickly taught and loaned a strobe tuner in 2001 when i was in high school and secretly taught myself piano. i’ve tuned many other peoples pianos. this was before youtube, facebook groups, etc to have a community to draw opinions from.

i came from guitar tuning which is great because we use often use harmonics and listen to beats.

i was taught to go sharp and then flat, but wasn’t taught to jiggle or have sharp movements. my hammer etiquette has been like yours.

it was also before aps and i wasn’t serious enough to buy a strobe. i tuned A4 and turned the tuner off. i put an ad out to tune a piano for 20 bucks. obviously it was people that wanted it majorly tuned and didn’t want to pay much. i definitely did a good preliminary tuning, but got a good experience. eventually i was tuning one a week for more money.

now i have a nice ap for $30, people to draw knowledge from, and i might try to be more professional.

[LeslieDugger]

Stretch tuning also is something guitarists learn to do after playing a while

[shortreed]

Your methodical, deliberate approach is excellent and very much appreciated🙏
I have a solid musical background and have tuned a number of pianos, incorrectly:( I purchased the A Reblitz- piano repair, tuning, rebuilding book, and then found this video. The two, hand in hand are excellent and have given me a solid understanding of the practical and theory behind beat rates, tuning hammer technique, and using the intervals to tune any piano. Breaking the piano into segments is what I’ve been doing, but without actually understanding why I’ve been doing it.
Thank you

[sonidojamon]

Best piano tunning video, hands down!

[klavyelitarkan]

that ghost partial technic made my day now, was wondering about the extremes of the bass/treble and got my answer now, thanks a lot!

[naokookadahill]

I will try your way Next tuning. Thank you for sharing this.

[JonathanBrasell]

I found this video VERY helpful. I had been frustrated and dissatisfied with my upper and lower octaves. Using this technique was game changer for me.
You mention doing a video for how you have you TuneLab set up. I’d really like to see that. I’ve found that TuneLab and I agree on the placement of the bass notes, but in the treble, my ear and the tuner can’t agree. I’d like to know what you have yours set to and what my expectations should be as far as TuneLab and my ear agreeing on the notes.

[polarpalmwv]

I can't wait to give this a try! It is a nice supplement to the aural tuning I am already learning!

[nicholasdaly]

Really genuine and informative video. I learned about beats in the upper partials and am happy. Thanks for helping me progress

[DAVE]

What a very clear and informative video, easily by far the best on YouTube in my opinion.

[timmynastics]

Ghost check has just changed the bass on my piano. Thank you!

[natecas]

I'm learning how to tune a piano and this is very helpful, thank you! I'm getting better results than relying purely on ETDs for tuning every key. You earned a new subscriber 😁