"All guitar players should be issued Stratocasters and floor-pedal tuners." But no amps, right? Of course, if everyone had a Boss TU-whatever pedal tuner, then the problem would be fussing over changing batteries whilst others are performing! The point is to be quiet when others are "on," and do your tuning when it's your turn to play/sing/wank in public. I have different electronic tuners, for different instruments, and know a few tricks -- for instance, when tuning by ear, you pluck near the bridge, but for electronic tuners, near or at the octave point gets better results (I guess it emphasizes the fundamental over the harmonics or something). But I don't use 'em till I'm "on." Then a quick tuneup and I can start my song/set/concert. In any case, tuning is part of your set, or playing in tune is, anyway, so use your own time to tune before you start performing. And if your instrument is in tune by the electronic tuner (or the ears of yourself and the rest of the band), but still sounds "out" once you start fretting, it's probably time for new strings or a guitar repair/replacement (Is your bridge saddle leaning? Is your neck corkscrewing? Is the top bulging?). Being in tune sometimes means more than that the open strings match some standard set of pitches. Don't, however, expect your audience to sit quietly while you restring your 12-string! And if you need to warm up your vocalizer parts before your turn, sing on the bloody choruses! If you're any good, your added voice will support the other singers, making you more welcome when it's your turn. Ditto playing along when there's instrumental music to make. Don't take over, even if you're good enough to do so, but offer your talents when appropriate (but ask first; unaccompanied singers might or might not like your attempt at a bagpipe accompaniment). My approach, at least what I try to do, is support the music being made, either by playing or singing along (if asked/allowed) when it's someone else's turn, or accepting others playing and singing when it's my turn (and is appropriate). If no other "voice" is needed, I'll hold off. If there are already three banjos, I'll play guitar, or mandolin, or harmonica or nothing. I don't always succeed in stifling my enthusiasm for accompanying others, but I try. My hope is that my epitaph will read, "Played well with others." Bob Clayton
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