"Adjustment"

Before most musical performances, especially when stringed instruments are used, the performer prepares the instrument. First, the performer typically tunes, and then, frequently when amplifiers or external electronic effects are used, the performer hones his or her sound to perfection. Often, while tuning, I’ve experienced the pleasant sensation one feels while listening to music; to me, tuning is quite musical. It reminds me of spaceships, or some large objects, taking flight.

However, I think to most non-musicians, and to those who play non-stringed instruments, tuning is something to be ignored. Before an orchestral performance, the orchestra tunes, and the feeling of the audience is one of waiting and expectation, not of enjoyment. To most, tuning is not the content of a musical performance. But, today it will be.

I’d like to share with the world my positive, appreciative feelings for tuning. Additionally, I’d like to reveal what is often a subconscious routine to the spotlight of artistry. Every time I perform, I do this ritual in passing.

The piece should be performed with a calm perseverance by the performer, and a dedicated look. The formal layout of the piece is as such:

1. Bring gear on stage. Guitar in case, with cord underneath guitar in the case. Amp should have all equalizer knobs set to their highest values.

2. Plug in amplifier.

3. Lift guitar. Remove cord. Plug one end into amplifier.

4. Get strap. Place on guitar. Place on body. Adjust.

5. Plug cord into guitar. Turn amp on. Guitar should be with rhythm pickup selected, at full volume.

6. Place left hand over an A-major barre chord, with right hand as if it’s about to strum.

7. Take pause.

8. Go to piano. Play an A two measures below middle C. Tune A string to piano.

9. Switch to the bridge pickup.

10. Play the harmonic on the seventh fret of the A string followed by the harmonic on the fifth fret of the low E string. Repeat as necessary to tune E string.

11. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the A string followed by the harmonic on the seventh fret of the D string. Repeat as necessary to tune D string.

12. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the D string followed by the harmonic on the seventh fret of the G string. Repeat as necessary to tune the G string.

13. Play the fourth fret of the G string, followed by the B string open. Repeat as necessary to tune the B string.

14. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the B string followed by the harmonic on the seventh fret of the E string.

15. Confirm that the two E strings are in tune by playing the low E string followed by the high E string.

16. Look at the audience. Pause.

17. Place the left hand over an A-major barre chord, with right hand as if it’s about to strum.

18. Switch to the rhythm pickup.

19. Place the left hand over an A-major barre chord, with right hand as if it’s about to strum.

20. Take a pause.

21. Play a small series of notes (any notes). Adjust the treble to an appropriate level.

22. Repeat the previous step for mid and low.

23. Play an A-major barre chord.

24. Turn off amplifier.

25. Unplug, etc. clean up.

26. The end.


I think it’s preferable if the audience doesn’t understand that the tuning and sound adjustment is the performance. I’d like for them to feel mild, pleasant confusion momentarily as I walk off stage.