Tuning!

[amusiathread]

I heard some interesting advice on a video from Roland Dyens (jazz, classical, solo performer). He stated (I'm paraphrasing here) that when performing for an audience, the act of tuning the guitar should be made to be musical and pleasant to listen to. He states that the space between songs really sets the mood for the next song, and should you have to tune during that time it should be done in such a way that it leads into the next piece. Otherwise, tuning is a real pain for someone to listen to, and it takes a little extra effort to get your listeners back.

I know Dyens is more of a classical player, and that he plays in a bit of a different setting. But I wondered if any of you had thoughts on this, or employ a similar approach. Or perhaps after reading this, does it make you want to try it?

[fumblefingers]

classical players tune a LOT between pieces. its part of the deal with the nylon string you see.

at the last concert i attended an elderly patron sitting behind me kept complaining about it quietly, yet loudly enough to be heard by those around him.

maybe Dyens is on to something.

[TommyD]

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

classical players tune a LOT between pieces. its part of the deal with the nylon string you see.

at the last concert i attended an elderly patron sitting behind me kept complaining about it quietly, yet loudly enough to be heard by those around him.

maybe Dyens is on to something.

What'd you think about that "elderly patron's" disturbance of the people around him. New York is full of people who kvetch in theaters for others to hear.
I'd rather hear the guitarist tuning up.
Tommy/

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by TommyD

What'd you think about that "elderly patron's" disturbance of the people around him. New York is full of people who kvetch in theaters for others to hear.
I'd rather hear the guitarist tuning up.
Tommy/

what did i think? i thought that he was a prick.

i didn't want to be a bully to an old man but if it had kept up, or worse, become louder....

[billkath]

If I'm playing something that can't be muted from the mix when out I'll usualy talk about what i'm doing to the audience. "yes folks, this is the ancient Chinese song- Tu-ning" or "Hmm-i know this thing was in tune last year-I had it welded that way"-stuff like that. I make sure any strings I have on a are well stretched and properly anchored before a gig, though, so this doesn't become an issue.

[lukeyfingers]

yeah I heard a good one from Pierre Bensusan- guitar players spend half the time tuning and the other half playing out of tune.