Technical merit in piano tuning is analogous to technical merit in the visual arts, or in musical performance. It is distinct from the highest qualities of the art, but is a necessary foundation. In painting, for example, it includes such things as perspective, application of colour theory, and "correct" sciagraphy. In piano tuning, it is mostly about progression in the beat rates in the tempered intervals, and stability of tuning.

The 19th century theory of tuning purports to say precisely what beat rates should do, in tuning equal temperament. In actuality, the theory falls far short of describing the variability and complexity of the behaviour of piano tone, to a level of precision important in piano tuning practice itself. Technical merit in terms of beat rates is therefore not as precise a science as the 19th century theory implies.

Technical merit in piano tuning is an essential step towards production of tone and intonation, which is where the real art lies. 

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