{"id":1780776,"date":"2024-04-05T15:17:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T19:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/?post_type=articles&p=1780776"},"modified":"2024-04-05T15:18:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T19:18:31","slug":"how-to-tune-marching-tenors","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/articles\/how-to-tune-marching-tenors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tune Marching Tenors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this guide, we will show you how to tune your marching tenors like a pro. Follow the instructions below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Prepare the Tenors<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
  2. Install the Drumheads<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
  3. How to Tune Marching Tenors<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Before we begin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure you are using marching tenor heads<\/a>! These heads are specifically designed for marching tenors. Standard drumheads cannot withstand the high tension needed for marching tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prepare the Tenors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    TIP: <\/strong>Use a high-tension drum key<\/a>! High-tension drum keys give you extra leverage, making it easier to tune your marching tenors. Also, using two drum keys will speed up the tuning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you change marching tenor heads, there are a few things you need to do first. Having clean shells sets you up for success when you tune in. Make sure you use the cross-lug pattern<\/strong> because, like with a car tire, you want even tension on all sides to prevent bent hoops or shells from going out of round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Remove the drumhead. Set your hardware to the side.<\/li>
    2. Wipe the bearing edge<\/a> and the inside of the shell with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or wood shavings. This is also a great time to polish the shell.<\/li>
    3. Apply some bearing edge conditioner<\/a> around the bearing edges. This will ensure a smoother tuning process and make the tone sound livelier.<\/li>
    4. Apply a small bit (about four or five threads\u2019 worth) of white lithium grease on the tension rod\u2019s tip. Don\u2019t forget to wipe off any excess afterward!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
      \n
      \"Applying<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Apply bearing edge conditioner<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Apply<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Apply white lithium grease to the tip of the tension rod.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Install the Drumheads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      TIP: <\/strong>You may see some tenor lines with the heads\u2019 logos facing opposite directions on drums three and four. This is primarily for aesthetic reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Once you\u2019ve prepped the shell, it\u2019s time to install the drumhead. This will take some time, but your patience will pay off! Follow the steps below to get your drum up to tune. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Place the drumhead onto the drum shell. Rotate the head back and forth a few times to ensure it moves freely.<\/li>
      2. Place the hoop on the shell, insert the tension rods into the lugs, and finger-tighten them until they\u2019re under tension.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        How to Tune Marching Tenors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        TIP: <\/strong>We recommend replacing and tuning marching tenors at least one day before a performance. Since the heads will be under high tension, this will give them a chance to stretch enough to stay in tune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Marching tenors are melodic instruments, and since they\u2019re so pronounced, you need to ensure they can sing. It\u2019s recommended to start with drum four, as it will give you a great starting point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Turn the drum key one to one-and-a-half turns using the cross-lug pattern. Tune them so they are in tune with each other.<\/li>
        2. If the drums still sound pretty low, give them another one to one-and-a-half turns. Once you\u2019re done, double-check that they\u2019re in tune with each other.<\/li>
        3. Let them sit overnight so the heads have time to settle in.<\/li>
        4. Come back the next day. Start bringing the tenor drums up to their final pitch, again making sure they\u2019re in tune with each other.<\/li>
        5. Play for a bit to break the heads in and recheck the tuning.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \"Using<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Use a high-tension drum key to tune the tension rods.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          To what pitch should I tune my tenors?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          The most frequently asked question in the world of tenor lines is \u201cTo what pitch should I tune my tenors?\u201d Well, the answer is that it depends. Many marching tenor lines will tune to minor thirds, but it\u2019s best practice to listen to your drum line instructor, as they will let you know what pitches to tune to.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1780781,"template":"","categories":[142726],"tags":[54264,487820,510937,115967],"storecat":[344085],"itemids":[],"manufacturers":[202712],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n