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Another Newbie String Question.... I know... I know...

I have read tons of info on what tunings and strings to use for a 3-stringer... and as a result I am even more confused. For example: If I want to tune to G-D-G (I guess this is a result of using 1-5-1). It appears that the majority of players would say to throw away both the high string and the low string on a standard pack of strings and then decide whether to use the 5-4-3 strings or the 4-3-2 strings. Is this correct so far?

So say I decide that I want to use the 5-4-3 strings for my G-D-G tuning... I can use an A string and tune it down to G and then the next string which is the middle string (D string) is fine as is....and finally we get to the smaller G string. Shoud it be tuned an octave higher? and if so won't that lead to breaking the string?

Second question: If I decide to use a different tuning like D-A-D using the 5-4-3 strings does that mean I should tune the A string from A all the way down to D? And then the D string all the way down to A.... etc ?

Third question: Which tuning leans more towards the Delta Blues sound?

Last question: Why am I still up writing this when I could be sleeping?

-thanks for any help

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on May 14, 2011 at 9:44pm

the strings in a guitar string set are made to be tuned a fourth apart..

the i v i tuning you want is a fifth and a fourth...

so any 3 consecutive strings from a set will do the job.

which 3 you use, + your scale length will determine which keys you can get to..

i get to GDG with the 654 strings from a set at a 600mm scale. If you're smart you can work out a 2nd 3 stringer in a higher register for the other half of the set..

I also do my octave paired ones in G at 600mm (this is 23 5/8) with the whole set, so I get to the middle G (G2) with both the D and G strings.

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Permalink Reply by molinee on May 14, 2011 at 9:50pm

ARRGGGGGGG! I THINK MY HEAD JUST EXPLODED.

Jef Long said:

the strings in a guitar string set are made to be tuned a fourth apart..

the i v i tuning you want is a fifth and a fourth...

so any 3 consecutive strings from a set will do the job.

which 3 you use, + your scale length will determine which keys you can get to..

i get to GDG with the 654 strings from a set at a 600mm scale. If you're smart you can work out a 2nd 3 stringer in a higher register for the other half of the set..

I also do my octave paired ones in G at 600mm (this is 23 5/8) with the whole set, so I get to the middle G (G2) with both the D and G strings.

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on May 15, 2011 at 1:34am

Hello molinee,

If you use strings ADG (5,4,3 strings) out of a pack, tune GDG. The D and G are tuned exactly the same as on a standard guitar. The low A is tuned down a whole step to G.

The same thing happens if you want to tune DAD. Use strings EAD (6,5,4 strings) out of the pack. The A and D are tuned standard. Tune the low E tune down a whole step to D.

Have you seen these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX0LEMoFoJU&feature=channel_vide...

How to get that Delta sound?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGX3bWHSHt0&feature=channel_vide...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lta5xfcY4AA&feature=channel_vide...

Available here:

http://shop.ebay.com/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&a...

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to writie if you have any further questions. Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on May 15, 2011 at 2:04am

This question gets asked a lot, yes. And yes, pretty much any three consecutive strings will give you a 1 5 1(8) tuning.

The first question, really, is: how long is your string length? That is, from nut to bridge?

Then, with that info, and with a general idea of your home note (in your case, G) go here:

http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

Enter your string length, and then enter what the open tuning of that string will be. In your case, G for the first string. Click on "calculate size". Then repeat for D, and g. (lower case meaning an octave higher, an apostrophe is an octave higher that that.)

Take those three numbers that this little calculator gave you and look at the strings in your stash. PIck the ones closest to these numbers and put them on your guitar. Play.

Maybe next time you want to build an A instrument. This calculator will help you choose the best strings, no matter what your scale length and no matter what your tuning. (1 5 1, 1 3 5, etc.)

This thing changed my life. At least, my building life.

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on May 15, 2011 at 2:42am

I'm surprised no one has tried to confuse you even further by bringing in the wide difference in string gauges... such as, the difference between extra light and extra heavy. Most just go with medium size sets, although some prefer lighter gauges... especially for simple diatonically fretted strummers.

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on May 15, 2011 at 3:31am

Well, yes, but it doesn't matter if it is heavy or light or whatever if you go by the number on the package. "Heavy" means the number is a bit higher than the one suggested by the calculator, but it will still work. I tend to go lighter than the one suggested by the calculator if I have a choice, because I am a delicate little thing.