tuning with harmonics

[AnUprightMan]

I have got this wacky roomate that claims he tunes with harmonics. whatever he is doing it is certainly different then the way i tune my guitar. I wanted to ask him about it but he moved out. what is the deal with tuning w/harmonics?

[cyberfret]

Here is a lesson on how to tune with harmonics.

http://www.cyberfret.com/first-fret/tuning-with-harmonics/

--Shawn

[mjamer]

That method of harmonic tuning is only really good for playing power chords... right? I was taught tuning with harmonics per your lesson actually puts your guitar out of tune (unless you're playing powerchords). Something about (don't shoot me cause I can't remember totally) instruments of old were built for one key only.. and then redesigned to be able to play in any key using temperments and that's how our frets laid out.. our 5ths are supposed to be 2 cents flat (G is 2cents flat to C, D is 2 cents flat to G, A to D) and so on.

I went ahead and looked around for what could be answers, here is a link I found that explains it:

http://pages.globetrotter.net/roule/temper.htm#_nr_248

please let me know if i'm reading that correctly..

mjamer