Musical Instrument Repairer how-to

How to Tune a Piano by Ear and Tuner

Tuning takes skill and patience.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Tuning takes skill and patience. In short: set; check; tune, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set the temperament octave.

  2. Check intervals.

  3. Tune octaves outward.

  4. Set pins firmly.

  5. Check unisons.

  6. Play-test.

Safety reminders for musical instrument repairers

  • Use torches safely
  • Ventilate finishes
  • Handle tools carefully
  • Lift pianos with help

Bench · Apprentice · Commission · Estimate · Portfolio · Regulation: see the full musical instrument repairer glossary.

More musical instrument repairer how-to guides

Learn this in Musical Instrument Repairer trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz