Drone tones for intonation

What it does

Sustained drone tones on any note from G3 upward, tuned to A=440 Hz. Play scales, long tones or repertoire over the drone and your ear will tell you instantly when a finger is out of place — the single most effective intonation exercise there is.

How to use it

1. 1Pick the tonic of your key. D for D major, A for A major, G for G major. Start the drone and let it run.
2. 2Play long open strings first. Match the drone, listen for the wobble to disappear, and enjoy the ring when it locks.
3. 3Add the scale slowly. One note per four counts. Hold anything that sounds rough until you can adjust the finger into tune.
4. 4Target the awkward intervals. Thirds and sixths above the drone are hardest. Isolate them and repeat.
5. 5Then play your piece over it. Any passage in that key will reveal its out-of-tune spots immediately.

FAQ

What is a drone used for on the violin?

A sustained drone gives you a fixed reference pitch. Playing a scale against the tonic drone makes every interval audible, which trains intonation far faster than playing alone.

Which drone note should I choose?

Use the tonic of the key you are practising: D for D major, A for A major, G for G major. Advanced players also drone the dominant.

How do I know when a note is in tune with the drone?

Listen for beating — a wobble in the sound. When the wobble disappears and the two notes lock together and ring, you are in tune.

Is drone practice better than a tuner?

They do different jobs. A tuner shows you a number; a drone trains your ear to hear relationships. Use the tuner to check, the drone to learn.