​​​​Lesson – Using F2 as a Check Note to Tune A4

Using the F2 Check Note to Get Better Accuracy

We can use F2 to measure the relative sharpness of A4 and the fork.

We can do this if we "set" F2 flat so that it produces beats with
both A4 and the fork.

If F2A4 and F2Fork both beat at the same speed, then A4 and the Fork are both "sharp" the same amount,
i.e. they are the same pitch.

Using F2 as a check note allows us to know if A4 is sharp or flat when A4 is very close to the fork.

This diagram shows the fifth partial of F2 as being close to A4 but flat of A4. A4 and the fork produce different beat speeds with the 5th partial of F2, and we can use those different speeds to measure the relative pitches of A4 and the fork.

Next lesson - Tune A4 Using F2