Afinados

Afinados is the plural form of afinado in both Spanish and Portuguese, referring to notes, instruments, or voices that are in the correct pitch, or to people who sing or play in tune. The term appears in musical contexts as an adjective describing accuracy of pitch and as a noun in phrases related to tuning.

In music, afinar means to adjust the pitch of a note, instrument, or voice to match a reference pitch. The reference standard often used in Western practice is A4 = 440 Hz, though standards may vary by genre, region, or historical period. The process of tuning is called afinação (Spanish) or afinação (Portuguese), and it can involve adjusting string tension on instruments, reed and mouthpiece adjustments on wind instruments, or arranging the tuning of a keyboard or ensemble so all parts align harmonically. Tuning can be performed with electronic tuners, tuning forks, pitch pipes, or professional technicians, especially for complex instruments.

In ensembles, being afinados is essential for achieving clean harmony and accurate intervals. Singers and instrumentalists strive for correct intonation within the given tuning system, and musicians may adjust their pitch in real time as part of ensemble listening. The term also extends to everyday speech, where someone described as afinado is considered to sing or play well in tune; conversely, desafinado denotes being out of tune.

Related concepts include intonation, musical temperament, and the role of the afinador or tuner in maintaining pitch standards. See also afinação, afinação de instrumentos, desafinado, and intonation.