What pickup do you use when tuning?

[ratherdashing]

I've always been told to use the bridge pickup for tuning the guitar. This is true for both electronic tuners and tuning by ear. I agree that I am a lot more successful than when I use the neck pickup, but I can't really figure out why.

What do you do? If you always use the same pickup for tuning, explain why please.

Thanks.

 

[jeremy]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

less overtones i assume

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I've never really paid any attention, so I guess I use either one.

Jeremy is probably right, though. That makes a lot of sense.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I've always heard that you should use the neck pickup. I always figured it was for less volume If you pump too much signal into a tuner it will distort and have trouble tracking notes. I've tuned with both however without any problems . . .

 

[emilio]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

i never knew about this so to me it didn't matter until now.

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I've always used the bridge pickup. But that is what I'm using most of the time anyways.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

Usually bridge pup, but not really aware oif it. I don't go out of my way to set it on the bridge, it just usually is there.

 

[MikeS]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

bridge, when I'm not tuning by ear.

When setting up and intonating it's always the bridge. No real reason, but I like Jeremy's guess.

 

[Robbiedbee]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

My tuner clips to the head of my guitar, and tunes using vibrations in the wood, so I guess it doesn't matter.

If I'm tuning by ear, I'd usually use the neck pickup. It sounds fuller, so I can 'hear more of the note'. It's probably a way-off way of thinking, but I find it easier.

 

[mrturtle_91]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I use whatever pup is on when I go to tune (I have a tuner in my effects pedal). It's usually the bridge pup, I find it's a lot clearer so I can listen to it while I tune.

 

[Johnny L]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I tune with the bridge pickup, because that's what I'm using most of the time.

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

Now that I think about it, I used to tune w/ 5th and 7th fret harmonics all the time. Natural harmonics are easier to hear on the Bridge pickup. But I've been using a tuner for years, so it shouldn't really matter.

 

[I_M_Ken]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

i use the neck. i like how it sounds better than the bridge thru my amp when in tuner mode on my pedal.

 

[baritone]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

When tuning by ear, I use the bridge pickup because our ears are mose sensitinve to higher tones and pitches, which are much more prominent with the bridge pickup. Also, the harmonic overtones which sound out better with the bridge pickup will server to guide us to a pleasant-sounding tuning.

When tuning with an electronic tuner, I choose the neck pickup for the same reason. The harmonics and other overtones which are magnified by the bridge pickup may also make an electronic tuner jump around a little, and the neck pickup will help subdue that.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

When tuning by ear, I use the bridge pickup because our ears are mose sensitinve to higher tones and pitches, which are much more prominent with the bridge pickup. Also, the harmonic overtones which sound out better with the bridge pickup will server to guide us to a pleasant-sounding tuning.

When tuning with an electronic tuner, I choose the neck pickup for the same reason. The harmonics and other overtones which are magnified by the bridge pickup may also make an electronic tuner jump around a little, and the neck pickup will help subdue that.

+1!

 

[EveryMn]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

I use the bridge. Usually because that's what I have it set on in the first place. I haven't really thought about it before...

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

When tuning by ear, I use the bridge pickup because our ears are mose sensitinve to higher tones and pitches, which are much more prominent with the bridge pickup. Also, the harmonic overtones which sound out better with the bridge pickup will server to guide us to a pleasant-sounding tuning.

When tuning with an electronic tuner, I choose the neck pickup for the same reason. The harmonics and other overtones which are magnified by the bridge pickup may also make an electronic tuner jump around a little, and the neck pickup will help subdue that.

+ 10. Five "pluses" for the process, and the rest for getting it right by using the word tones (that are heard)...instead of notes (which are read). Words have meaning, and this is one my little pet peeves.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

With a tuner, I use the neck pickup. I remember being told it works better. By ear, I kill the volume on the guitar, and tune acoustically with harmonics.

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

If I'm tuning by ear, I'll use the bridge pickup so the harmonics ring out more clearly.

- Keith

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: What pickup do you use when tuning?

Neck... the Strobostomp jumps around way less with the neck pickup and the volume rolled back.