A tuning fork is an instrument commonly used to tune musical instruments. It is a metal device that produces a specific pitch when struck, usually the note A (440 Hz). By generating a pure tone, it serves as a reference pitch for musicians and instrument makers, ensuring that instruments are in tune with one another. Musicians often use a tuning fork to reference pitch when tuning stringed instruments or adjusting wind instruments. Tuning forks are favored for their simplicity and reliability, allowing for quick and accurate tuning without the need for electronic devices or complex mechanisms.