If you play your 'A' and it is flat (or sharp) then you are likely at a pitch between the notes either side, or playing another note entirely! As such, you'll clash with others playing the same note. This is why you need to tune, especially in a band. Between each note is an exact tone (a 'step') or semi-tone (a half 'step.) For example, look at the 'A.' This is the concert pitch note that most bands and orchestras tune up to. See below the C Major Scale: As the notes move higher up the Stave (the lines music notation is written on), the higher in pitch they sound, and vice versa. Clef: A symbol at the start of the stave to indicate the pitch of an instrument. This word can also be used to describe any note that sounds higher than it ought. Sharp: A sharp ( #) note is a semi-tone (half step) higher that it's natural counterpart. This word can also be used to describe any note that sounds lower than it ought. Flat: A flat ( b) note is a semi-tone (half step) lower that it's natural counterpart. Scale: The name given to a certain collection of notes. Pitch: How high or low something sounds, (i.e - soprano singer = high pitched | bass singer = low pitch.) Note: The name given to a certain pitch in music. But what does that really mean to tune your instrument? To get your head around this, it helps to know some key musical terms. Firstly, to ensure the instrument is in tune with itself and secondly, to ensure it is in tune with others.

There are two key reasons why tuning your instrument is important. In short, to Tune your instrument is to ensure it plays at the correct pitch.

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