Tuning Question

[BeginnerMandolinistTyler]

Hey everybody,
I had a quick question about what to do when tuning the strings. If I am tuning a string and i accidently tune it a little sharp, is it better to tune it down to the correct pitch or tune the string down past the desired pitch and tune the string back up until I get the correct pitch? The reason I brought this up is because I was thinking about the tension on the string and was wondering that if by tuning back down to the pitch, the string won't have the same tension as before and would detune faster or whatever. When it comes to tuning timpani (Kettle drums), if you tune up past the desired pitch, you have to start all over again, which is what I based this question on. Thanks for reading that! Hopefully, that made sense. I don't like to proof-read.

[bobby bill]

I find it is best to always tune up to the pitch.

[Tobin]

Always tune below pitch and then come back up to it.

Mike Marshall explains why in one of his videos, but it has to do with the tension being equalized between the bridge/nut and nut/tuners. Any gripping/binding action that takes place at the nut can cause unequal tension if you tune down. If you go above pitch and tune down, the tension may not equalize and you'll find it slipping out of tune as you play (i.e. when the vibration and playing action equalize it, it goes out of tune). So the best thing to do is go below pitch and come back up, that way the string is being pulled evenly from the bottom up, so to speak.

[Denny Gies]

Go back down then up to pitch. Have fun.

[BeginnerMandolinistTyler]

Thanks everyone! Its good to see everyone posting the same answer haha!

[mandolinlee]

Tyler -
Here's my reason for de-tuning below pitch then tuning up.

All mechanical devices have tolerances, clearances, backlash and/or slop in them. By de-tuning, then coming up to pitch, you are equalizing all these factors and the instrument will then tend to stay in tune as you play it.

Lee

[JeffD]

I do the same thing. Its easier for me to hear the strings are in unison doing it that way.

[Toni Schula]

My theory why you always should tune up to the pitch is the play in the gear of the tuner (mechanism). When tuning up you make sure that the correct surfaces of the worm gear are in firm contact so they will withstand the force of the string tension even if the string is playef loudly.

[belbein]

In addition, I just learned last week that you should mute one of the strings of the course when you're tuning the other. Never occurred to me before, but it makes sense.