Tuning

I found that interesting also... it seems to indicate that there is more going on at the nut/string intersection besides a simple slot to "guide the string".  There is also a bit of friction there, especially on the wound strings that can allow a bit of imbalance of tension on either side when tuning. I expect it helps equalize that tension so your tuning does not "creep" when you begin playing.  I do know that the practice is common in violin tuning.  Good video though!

Now if someone could just explain in simple terms why the "Referance A" note is not 440 anymore and changed to 445?
Has evolution changed our hearing (for the better) in the last couple hundred years?

Just curious;
Doug

I wondered why also BGD, the 440 reg tuning works for me.

Depends upon the group. Some conductors prefer alternate tunings. Sometimes a composer will specify an alternate tuning. Sometimes the orchestra has to tune to a fixed pitch instrument like a pipe organ. From what I understand orchestras in Europe tend to tune slightly sharp...I think its to brighten the timbre of the instruments but I'm not quite sure.

I tune to a=415 because I like the dark sound, reduced string tension, and superior bendability of an instrument in Ab.

Interesting.  Using my snark, I tend to tune my lower strings a little sharp, and my high strings right on the mark.  I guess, maybe there's a little something to what he's talking about and I never even realized why I do it besides it sounds more "right".  I'll have to try what he's suggesting and see if I like that better (although I don't have the minus points, I think I might be able to figure it out somewhat).  In the end though, I think every guitar is probably a little different in how IT sounds best!

I learned the hard way that when you're playing under lights you need to put that guitar onstage for a bit so it heats up.

I mentioned this tuning method about a year ago after watching the same video. After thinking about it a long time,  I have to question if it's something more relevant to his guitar. Guitars as the wood ages can change somewhat. So is his guitar evolving over the years ? Years of traveling, humidity changes, stress on the wood components, and what ever else affects wood put together is this manner.  Would he tune a new guitar the same way ? Would it sound the same ? He doesn't say enough about how he decided on this method. My friends 10 year old Martin D-45 on the low E string must be played just below the fret or the note is not in pitch. It's that way all the way up the neck. Just that string. The guitar didn't start out that way. Maybe this would work on that string ? I'm not against this method and I know JT has a very interesting thought process and I respect that. I'd just like to know more about why he decided to tune this way. If anyone tries it let us know.

Joe