Tuning Intervals

Arsch Frisst Hose · Regular Member Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 48

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone could quickly remind me the basic rule about interval tuning within an ensemble.

By this I mean:

Major 3rd = lower the 3rd

and on and on....

Thanks,

Arsch Frisst Hose

fuzzyjon79 · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:47 pm Post subject:

I've always heard lower the 3rd, raise the 5th, but I guess that rule could change depending on what key you are in and how the tonal centers can change. I'm not an expert on harmonics, so that's about all I could say at this point.
_________________
J. Fowler
"It takes a big ole' sack of flour, to make a big ole' pan of biscuits!"

_PhilPicc · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:10 pm Post subject:

Just listen to each other as in any playing situation.

Maybe after re-reading your post I'm missing something on the harmonics.

_________________
Philip Satterthwaite

[ This Message was edited by: PhilPicc on 2004-03-24 22:24 ]

Derek Reaban · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:38 pm Post subject:

I sumbitted a post entitled "A440, Savings Bonds, and Symphony Trumpet Players" at:
http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=10693&forum=5&25

That should give you the overview of the basics, as well as several examples. To internalize the theory, however, you really need to spend time playing with other players and working with drone pitches to find the "powerful serenity" of the individual intervals. Check out the TuneUp product at:

http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=14724&forum=2

Hope this helps!
_________________
Derek Reaban
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Winds / Symphony of the Southwest

oj · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:02 pm Post subject:

Hi Derek,

Yes the TuneUp is a good tool. I had a little interview with Stephen Colley recently

One thing he said was this:
Intonation deals first with the ear, then with the challenges of the individual instrument, then with the differing timbre of the ensemble. Get it in the ear first!

The interview is here:

http://abel.hive.no/trumpet/interview/tuneup/

Regards,

Ole

trumpetmike · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:03 am Post subject:

The best way I have found for tuning is to listen.

When you hear the chord sing, then it is in tune - the natural harmonics start to work with each other and you can hear the higher harmonics sounding.

Arsch Frisst Hose · Regular Member Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 48

Hey Guys,

Thanks very much for the replies and also for the links to some great posts and articles. It was just what I was looking for.

Arsch Frisst Hose

patrick32378 · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:25 pm Post subject:

Aside from knowing the tendencies of certain intervals; I've found it most helpful to play with a drone every morning. Get yourself a Dr. Beat, or anything else that will sustain a pitch loudly and play intervals against it. Thirds/fifths at first and then work to more dissonant intervals Your body will tell you what's right and you're ear will improve dramatically.