How to use this program?
There are two ways you can tune your guitar using this program.
You can choose between two devices - digital input (described below, referred
to as Fourier) and midi device. (referred to as Midi :-) You can switch between these devices by
checking the appropriate sub-menus in the Device menu or using hot keys. (Ctrl + F,
Ctrl + M)
This program supports several ways of receiving sound from your guitar:
simply plug your guitar into your microphone connector on your soundcard
Connecting your guitar directly into your soundcard is the most convenient
way, because there is probably only minor noise to occur (on the way from your
guitar to your soundcard). It is the most recommended way of tuning.
if your guitar has no output (like most of Spanish guitars), you have to get
a microphone and connect it to your microphone connector
This also works well, but you have to avoid all unnecessary sounds in order to
tune your guitar. For example, when somebody speaks to you when you are tuning
your guitar, you will probably unable to tune it, because the signal will be
distorted.
if you have no microphone, you can plug your headphones (from walkman, for
example) into your microphone, but this way is not very recommended
This is the worst way and should only be used when there are no other
possibilities left. But anyway, if you decide to use headphones, be sure to hold your
headphones pretty close to the strings on your guitar - to be able to catch the
signal. If your headphones are big enough, they can act as a microphone. (but
not of very high quality :-)
Remark: If you do not know what ”hole” on your soundcard the microphone port is, consult your soundcard manual
(or ask your grandmother ;-)
Now, here are the necessary steps to make this program tune your guitar:
- Choose a way of connection (described above)
If you are using direct ”plug-in” connection, set the volume on your guitar to maximum. (with volume
knob)
On electric guitars turning off the bass pickup gets better results.
If you are using microphone connection, make sure your microphone is on. (some
of them have a nasty little thing called switch :-)
- Now choose the type of tuning.
This can be done by clicking the green infobox (located in upper right corner
of the program window),using menu (Main | Tuning type...) or using shortcut
(Ctrl + T).
If you want to tune your guitar in standard tuning, you don’t have to set anything, this type of tuning is default.
- Click the string (or press key on your keyboard) to be tuned and proceed to
point four.
You can also use the keyboard to switch between strings. Press number keys
1,2,3,4,5,6 or 0 to choose a desired string. Zero key is used to switch any string
OFF. I have found keyboard switching more convenient - it’s better than ”shooting” with mouse when holding a guitar in your hands.
- Strike the chosen string on your guitar.
When you strike the string, the blue light should turn green and the ray meter
should show you the position. When the ray is on the left from the central
position, tune your guitar up. (to higher frequency) When it is on the right, tune
it down. Be sure to strike the string you have chosen in the program or the
program will not work properly. Also be sure to strike only one string at time.
When the ray appears at the centre, the string is OK. Try using a pick, it
produces a stronger and brighter sound.
Remark: The green light means that the signal is powerful enough to begin with
computing. Without the thing like this, the tuner would show improper values when
the signal is low. (due to influence of noise)