Scale length vs tuning note

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rand Moore on July 14, 2011 at 11:02am

Hi Matt

There may be some reason a particular tuning would require a particular scale length, but I don't know what the reason would be. Let me think about that question a bit. String tension is the only reason I can think of. Rather than explain it all here, you can read about string length and string tension at this link: Liutaio Mottola. If you exceed the string tension by a lot, then you break the string. Other than that, you can use the open G tuning with any scale length, assuming you pick the right strings.

When selecting a scale length, I consider ease of fingering and my preference is for a shorter scale length instrument. Most of the ones I make have a 50cm (a tad less than 20"), but then my instruments all tend to be diatonically fretted (seven frets per octave instead of 12 like the major scales) for easier learning/playing for novices. For chromatically fretted instruments, you will likely want a somewhat longer scale length so there will be sufficient room between frets for easy fingering, especially above the 12th fret.

When working with a new scale length, I often look to see what sized strings similar instruments use and either try them, or guitar strings of similar size. For instance if you decide on building a 3-Stringer, say a 24" scale, chromatically fretted, tuned to G-D-G', you can look at the standard set of guitar strings: E-A-D-G-B-e and see that the A-D-G strings would work if you tuned A back  down to G. So, as a first attempt, you could try the 3rd, 4th and 5th stings from a set of standard guitar strings. If you are going to use magnetic pickups (pups), however, you should make sure all your strings are steel, and you may find you need to go with electric guitar strings. Piezoelectric pickups will work on all types of strings, even nylon.

 

Also, here is a link to an easy to use string gauge calculator recommended by Diane of Chicago. 

 

-Rand.

Permalink Reply by Matt Quinney on July 15, 2011 at 7:04am

Thanks for the reply!  What you wrote confirms what I had pieced together from other information on the site, that the important parameter is to choose a string size that won't be to loose or too tight for the note you are tuning it to,

Permalink Reply by Rand Moore on July 16, 2011 at 3:10pm

You got it! I wish I could say things so concisely.

-Rand.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 16, 2012 at 6:14pm

tone = scale + string gauge + tension

 

I think that the 2 main reasons open G is so popular is that it is a very "singable" key and most players use their CBGs to accompany singing....

 

and

 

If you want sort of a "middle of the set" (not using the heaviest string "E") selection of strings, you would be using A-D-G (5-4-3) out of a typical set... and a GDG tuning would be easy to get to.

 

A little experience will let you marry string gauge and tension and scale length to get a CBG that plays how you want it to feel...

the best,

Wichita Sam

 

 

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 16, 2012 at 9:50pm

Open G is popular because it is very easy to sing to and will "fit" the ADG strings...

 

Remember tone = scale length + string gauge + tension

 

You can adjust any of these to get to a sound you want... a little experience will let you find a combo that fits you. 

 

the b est,

 

Wichita Sam