Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom T on October 24, 2016 at 11:21am

You may want to check out the web site that calculates string tension for you. You can compare the tension on the strings of a guitar you like to what would be required to achieve the same tension on your shorter scale. That's the best way to get strings that feel right on you short scale guitar.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on October 24, 2016 at 9:56pm

You're right - you need thicker strings to get enough tension. I would try 12s or 13s for this scale.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JL on October 25, 2016 at 6:19am

21.5 is about the 2nd fret on a 24" scale, 3rd fret on a 25.5 scale, so it would be equivalent to a drop tuning of a whole step or step and a half, which isn't that much.

Try this At Home: capo a longer scale git at this point (2nd or 3rd fret), and then retune with capo in place to standard to see how it feels.

A medium tension set on 21.5" will feel somewhere between a light and a medium on a 25.5".

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on October 25, 2016 at 5:05pm

Thank you for all the good advice and so quickly too! Link to tension guide is great!

• ▶ Reply