By Erica Garcia

Oh no! Your cello has slipped out of tune and now your open strings sound like something out of a horror movie soundtrack. While this may be a bit scary, there is no reason to panic. It is important to learn to tune your cello by using the pegs.  At some point, the fine tuners will be all the way down into the tailpiece and there is no other way to raise the pitch than to turn the peg.  Let’s review a few tips on how to make this learning process easier and efficient. 

How Do Tuning Pegs Work?

It is important that musicians understand how their pegs work.  Inexpensive instruments may have wooden pegs that have been painted black or even plastic pegs.  We do not recommend instruments outfitted this way as they are nearly impossible to tune and the strings will not hold their pitch.  Quality wooden pegs, usually made from ebony, boxwood, or rosewood, rely on friction in order to stay in place. When a peg is properly fitted to an instrument, the friction all around the peg allows it to stay in place in the pegbox. If a peg is slipping constantly, it may be a sign that the peg is not making complete contact with the pegbox. Your luthier will ensure that your pegs are properly fitted and lubricated.  Good wooden pegs that are properly fitted will last for many years.  When you bring your instrument in for a string change or a check-up, our luthier will look over your pegs to ensure that their performance is optimal. 

How Much Do I Need to Turn a Peg?

One common mistake many students make when first learning to tune their instrument is overestimating how much they will need to turn the peg. The pegs are extremely sensitive and a very small turn can adjust the pitch greatly. It is important to turn the peg slowly.  Stand with the cello facing you, grasp the peg in one hand and pluck the string. If the string is flat, turn the peg ever so slightly, support the opposite side of the scroll and push the peg in as you turn to ensure it will stick. 

How Do I Turn a Peg?

When turning a peg, you must turn while simultaneously pushing the peg into the peg box. Many students start by just turning the peg, and get frustrated when the peg inevitably does not stick and slips down in pitch. Most of the effort exerted should be to push the peg in, rather than adjusting the peg up and down. Basically, you’re turning and pushing at the same time.  

Don’t over push the peg. In addition to forcing the peg into a hole that is too tight, you're exerting a lot of force onto the scroll.  You can damage the instrument, particularly if it is a smaller size.  Place the hand that is not turning the peg on the opposite side of the pegbox to provide support to the scroll. If you turn the peg too much or too fast you risk breaking a string.

What about my fine tuners?

A few weeks ago, a nice young man came into the shop and said that his tailpiece was broken.  When he took his cello out of the case, the fine tuners for the A and the D were screwed down as far as they could go and were so tight that we had to loosen them with a pair of pliers.  Fortunately, his tailpiece was fine.  

Yes, you can and you should use your fine tuners to tune.  Try to keep your fine tuners at least half way so you can make fine adjustments up or down.  When you have some extra time, bring the fine tuner almost all the way up.  Your string will be flat and you will need to turn the peg to bring it to pitch.  

Have Patience!

You know that you will not become a master cellist in one day, you will not be the most graceful peg tuner in one afternoon.  You will develop your skills over time.  It is important to remain patient with yourself, and do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Taking a few extra minutes to tune will be a more pleasant experience than accidentally snapping a peg or a string due to frustration and impatience.  With practice, you will be able to tune accurately and quickly.