In music, out of tune means: Not at the correct pitch, either because an instrument needs tuning or because a singer or player is slightly too high or too low.
In Turkish: akortsuz, detone, falso
How it is used
Used for both instruments and people: 'The piano is out of tune', 'He sings out of tune'. The opposite is 'in tune'. Two instruments can be 'out of tune with each other'. 'Out of tune' is more polite than 'off-key'.
Example sentences
The upright piano in the rehearsal room is badly out of tune.
The backing vocals sound a little out of tune in the last chorus.
Common collocations
sing out of tune
badly out of tune
slightly out of tune
in tune
out of tune with
Related terms
tuneTo adjust an instrument so that its notes sound at the correct pitch, usually by tightening or loosening strings or moving a part of the instrument.
pitchHow high or low a sound is. Pitch depends on the frequency of the sound wave: the faster the vibration, the higher the pitch.
sharpThe symbol ♯ that raises a note by a semitone, or a note raised in this way. As an adjective, it also describes a note sung or played slightly too high.
flatThe symbol ♭ that lowers a note by a semitone, or a note lowered in this way. As an adjective, it also describes a note sung or played slightly too low.
vocalsThe singing parts of a piece of music, especially in pop, rock and jazz. The main singer sings the lead vocals, and others sing the backing vocals.
