Tuning Method Question

[tonyg]

I have an Ohana BK-14 (baritone) tuned to conventional DGBE. When I tune the open strings using an clip-on tuner, sometimes when I play a first position chord, (which is all I use) or use a capo, (or both), it can sound a little off. But if I fret each string at the third fret when using the electronic tuner ( F A# D G ), or tune it to itself from the D, it sounds great! Since I play strictly by myself, it doesn't matter if I'm a hair off.....as long as it sounds good to my ear when I'm playing first position chords or using a capo. Not sure why this works, but I'm happy it does. Your thoughts?

 

[puppywins]

I personally have noticed a discrepancy based on my finger position or strength. Play with where the pad of your finger falls in the fret. That can influence the tone.

 

[LorenFL]

On my ukes that have less-than-perfect intonation, I tend to tune them to the 3rd fret. This minimizes the error going up or down the neck from there. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.