
Using the instrument tuner
GarageBand includes an instrument tuner that you can use to check the tuning of any Real Instrument connected to your computer. The tuner is especially helpful when playing and recording guitars, basses, and other instruments that may need regular retuning.
The instrument tuner shows a horizontal scale with zero (0) in the center. The note name is displayed to the left of the scale. When you play a single note on your Real Instrument, the pitch is shown in relation to the correct pitch for the note displayed.
To use the instrument tuner:
- Make sure the Real Instrument you want to tune is connected to your computer.
- Select the Real Instrument track for the instrument you want to tune.
- Click the tuner icon (the tuning fork) at the left of the time display, or choose Control > Show Instrument Tuner.
- Play a single note on the instrument and watch the instrument tuner.
Red lights to the left of center indicate that the instrument is flat and needs to be raised in pitch.
Red lights to the right of center indicate that the instrument is sharp and needs to be lowered in pitch.
The green light in the center indicates that the note is perfectly in tune.
Be sure to play only a single note while tuning. The instrument tuner can’t tune to a chord, or if you play different notes rapidly.
The instrument tuner works for Real Instruments, but not for Software Instruments. The instrument tuner works when the project is stopped or playing, but not during recording.
