Staying In Tune

At the beginning of each year, people make resolutions. They resolve to lose weight, write a book, be more spiritual, quit smoking, record a music E.P. or mix-tape, among other things. In order to accomplish these goals they have to stay in tune with their resolution and have it resonate with the rest of their life.

One of the instruments that I have learned to play by ear over the years is the guitar, which has 6 strings. In order to play correctly the strings have to be tuned to the correct pitch – E, B, G, D, A and E (from highest to lowest). Sometimes people use alternate tunings but they still have to be tuned to those tunings. If they’re not tuned correctly, then the music does not sound beautiful. The picture above is from my tuner – Snark. It is a beautiful piece of technology that allows me to very accurately get the pitch that I need in place. I love it.

Playing by ear invariably includes keeping in tune especially when you’re using an instrument that requires precise monitoring of pitch, such as the voice or a stringed instrument like the violin or cello. It could make or break your performance when you’re out of tune. Similarly when you are accompanying someone on the guitar or piano, you have to listen to make sure that you are in the same key and that you’re staying in tune with the rest of the ensemble. The key to all of this is staying consistent and focused, always checking your TUNER to make sure that you’re in tune.

As a christian I always pray that I stay in tune with my Creator, just like when I’m playing my instruments. One of the main ways I stay in tune is to pray as often as possible. I also SCHEDULE time to read the Bible and other devotionals. If you can schedule your dentist appointments, you can schedule your devotional time. It’s important for your journey through life and you need it to stay in tune

So keep on praying and playing. Keep on practicing your instrument. Keep on smiling as you Play It By Ear!!! Stay In TUNE!!!