Chinese Pentatonic Scales... Let's build a CBG with Chinese scale(s) - Cigar Box Nation2024-03-29T10:21:42Zhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/chinese-pentatonic-scales-lets?groupUrl=ChinaCBGs&commentId=2592684%3AComment%3A414843&groupId=2592684%3AGroup%3A390239&feed=yes&xn_auth=nohere is a screen grab from my…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-25:2592684:Comment:4293322011-01-25T09:34:23.497ZThe Phrygian Kidhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JefLong
<p><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/jeflong/fretScreenGrab.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/jeflong/fretScreenGrab.jpg"></img></a> here is a screen grab from my calculator beta with a pythagorean fingerboard on left (with white dot markers) and 12tet fingerboard on the right (black dots) please note this is rendered to only 400 pixels so there is some rounding. I stuck it in photoshop and dropped *'s down the right hand side by the equal temperament fingerboard, showing the most obvious differences between the…</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/jeflong/fretScreenGrab.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/jeflong/fretScreenGrab.jpg"/></a>here is a screen grab from my calculator beta with a pythagorean fingerboard on left (with white dot markers) and 12tet fingerboard on the right (black dots) please note this is rendered to only 400 pixels so there is some rounding. I stuck it in photoshop and dropped *'s down the right hand side by the equal temperament fingerboard, showing the most obvious differences between the two temperaments, and I dropped x's on the left by the pythagorean neck to indicate the frets you need for your scale.</p>
<p>.. wait til you see a just tempered neck btw..</p> Okay, Jef. I just didn't know…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-25:2592684:Comment:4292222011-01-25T08:31:13.614ZRand Moorehttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandMoore
<p>Okay, Jef. I just didn't know what to expect. Sounds like a cool program. I'll build a fretboard using the Oriental Scale and your Pythagorean numbers and another using the Stew-Mac 12EQT numbers and I'll let you what I think. I'll put my other projects on hold while I get these built so we don't have to wait to long for results.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Rand.</p>
<p>Okay, Jef. I just didn't know what to expect. Sounds like a cool program. I'll build a fretboard using the Oriental Scale and your Pythagorean numbers and another using the Stew-Mac 12EQT numbers and I'll let you what I think. I'll put my other projects on hold while I get these built so we don't have to wait to long for results.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Rand.</p> the numbers are spot on mate.…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-25:2592684:Comment:4293202011-01-25T08:17:28.912ZThe Phrygian Kidhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JefLong
<p>the numbers are spot on mate. Pythagorean and just temperament are calculated on ratios and usually expressed from the bridge. just subtract the scale length first then multiply by -0.1 for cm</p>
<p> </p>
<p>i can practically guarantee you my calculator is at least as accurate as stew macs, it uses objective C double long floats, should be good to 16 or so decimal places.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, the diminished second is by far the most obvious difference, but every fret but the octave is in…</p>
<p>the numbers are spot on mate. Pythagorean and just temperament are calculated on ratios and usually expressed from the bridge. just subtract the scale length first then multiply by -0.1 for cm</p>
<p> </p>
<p>i can practically guarantee you my calculator is at least as accurate as stew macs, it uses objective C double long floats, should be good to 16 or so decimal places.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, the diminished second is by far the most obvious difference, but every fret but the octave is in a slightly different spot. The thirds, both major and minor, are both quite different too.</p>
<p>my calculator can synthesize sounds and apply the ratios to the frequency as well, so i can actually hear the difference ;) believe me, the human ear can detect a 1 cent (100 cents = 1 equal tempered semitone) so all the differences are of significance<br/> <br/> <cite>Rand Moore said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/chinese-pentatonic-scales-lets?groupUrl=ChinaCBGs&xg_source=activity&id=2592684%3ATopic%3A414553&groupId=2592684%3AGroup%3A390239&page=2#2592684Comment428861"><div><p>Hi Jef.<br/> <br/> I saw that the numbers you gave me were "<strong>as measured from the bridge</strong>" and I'm used to seeing them "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>", so I edited out everything except the important numbers into a tabbed-separated table using Notepad and then cut and pasted them into Excel to have it do the math to convert your numbers to "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>" by subtracting the numbers from 500. I also converted them from "<strong>mm</strong>" to "<strong>cm</strong>" which is what I normally use to do a fretboard. Then I got to thinking I should compare them to what the <strong>Stew-Mac</strong> (12EQT) <strong>Fret Calculator</strong> gave me. What I noticed was that except for one fret position, there was only a small difference in the fret placement numbers. The differences were "insignificant". But there was the <strong>one anomaly: fret position #1</strong> which I haven't been able to explain away. The numbers are:<br/> <br/> Stew-Mac (12EQT): <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>2.81 cm</strong></span><br/> Pythagorean: <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2.50 cm</span></strong><br/> Difference: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>0.31 cm</strong></span> // (2.81-2.5)<br/>
Diff as a %: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10.91 %</strong></span> // (2.81-2.5) / 2.81 * 100 = 11.032028469750889679715302491103</p>
<p>Ai-Yah! Even the MS Calculator program gives a different answer.<br/> But a 10 or 11% difference is significant.</p>
<p>Maybe you can double check the numbers you gave me?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I can email you the excel spreadsheet if you like. The anomaly troubles me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Rand</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Hi Jef. I saw that the numbe…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-25:2592684:Comment:4288612011-01-25T07:30:14.819ZRand Moorehttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandMoore
<p>Hi Jef.<br></br> <br></br> I saw that the numbers you gave me were "<strong>as measured from the bridge</strong>" and I'm used to seeing them "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>", so I edited out everything except the important numbers into a tabbed-separated table using Notepad and then cut and pasted them into Excel to have it do the math to convert your numbers to "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>" by subtracting the numbers from 500. I also converted them from…</p>
<p>Hi Jef.<br/> <br/> I saw that the numbers you gave me were "<strong>as measured from the bridge</strong>" and I'm used to seeing them "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>", so I edited out everything except the important numbers into a tabbed-separated table using Notepad and then cut and pasted them into Excel to have it do the math to convert your numbers to "<strong>as measured from the nut</strong>" by subtracting the numbers from 500. I also converted them from "<strong>mm</strong>" to "<strong>cm</strong>" which is what I normally use to do a fretboard. Then I got to thinking I should compare them to what the <strong>Stew-Mac</strong> (12EQT) <strong>Fret Calculator</strong> gave me. What I noticed was that except for one fret position, there was only a small difference in the fret placement numbers. The differences were "insignificant". But there was the <strong>one anomaly: fret position #1</strong> which I haven't been able to explain away. The numbers are:<br/> <br/>
Stew-Mac (12EQT): <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>2.81 cm</strong></span><br/>
Pythagorean: <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2.50 cm</span></strong><br/>
Difference: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>0.31 cm</strong></span> // (2.81-2.5)<br/>
Diff as a %: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10.91 %</strong></span> // (2.81-2.5) / 2.81 * 100 = 11.032028469750889679715302491103</p>
<p>Ai-Yah! Even the MS Calculator program gives a different answer.<br/> But a 10 or 11% difference is significant.</p>
<p>Maybe you can double check the numbers you gave me?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I can email you the excel spreadsheet if you like. The anomaly troubles me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Rand</p> Thanks for the data, Jef. I'l…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-25:2592684:Comment:4292112011-01-25T05:36:15.322ZRand Moorehttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandMoore
<p>Thanks for the data, Jef. I'll let you know when I have some results.</p>
<p>-Rand.</p>
<br/>
<p>Thanks for the data, Jef. I'll let you know when I have some results.</p>
<p>-Rand.</p>
<br/> Sorry, i used an earlier buil…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-24:2592684:Comment:4284952011-01-24T20:31:56.588ZThe Phrygian Kidhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JefLong
<p>Sorry, i used an earlier build that delivers the inch value with a decimal, doh!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2011-01-25 07:30:34.901 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 0 is at 500 mm or 19 11/16 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:30:34.902 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 1 is at 475 mm or 18 11/16 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:30:34.902 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 2 is at 444 mm or 17 1/2 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:30:34.903 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 3 is at 422 mm or 16 19/32 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:30:34.903 JeFret…</p>
<p>Sorry, i used an earlier build that delivers the inch value with a decimal, doh!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2011-01-25 07:30:34.901 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 0 is at 500 mm or 19 11/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.902 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 1 is at 475 mm or 18 11/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.902 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 2 is at 444 mm or 17 1/2 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.903 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 3 is at 422 mm or 16 19/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.903 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 4 is at 395 mm or 15 9/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.904 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 5 is at 375 mm or 14 3/4 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.904 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 6 is at 356 mm or 14 - inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.905 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 7 is at 333 mm or 13 1/8 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.905 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 8 is at 316 mm or 12 15/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.905 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 9 is at 296 mm or 11 21/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.906 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 10 is at 281 mm or 11 1/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.907 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 11 is at 263 mm or 10 3/8 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.907 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 12 is at 250 mm or 9 27/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.907 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 13 is at 237 mm or 9 11/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.908 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 14 is at 222 mm or 8 3/4 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.908 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 15 is at 211 mm or 8 5/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.909 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 16 is at 198 mm or 7 25/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.909 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 17 is at 188 mm or 7 3/8 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.910 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 18 is at 178 mm or 7 - inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.910 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 19 is at 167 mm or 6 9/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.911 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 20 is at 158 mm or 6 7/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.911 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 21 is at 148 mm or 5 27/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.912 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 22 is at 141 mm or 5 17/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.912 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 23 is at 132 mm or 5 3/16 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.913 JeFret Util[50728:207] fret # 24 is at 125 mm or 4 29/32 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:30:34.913 JeFret Util[50728:207] fretboard ends at 119 mm or 4 21/32 inches</p> 2011-01-25 07:23:19.028 JeFre…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-24:2592684:Comment:4284942011-01-24T20:24:54.893ZThe Phrygian Kidhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JefLong
2011-01-25 07:23:19.028 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] Calculate a 500mm scale length Pythagorean Tempered fingerboard to 24 frets<br></br>2011-01-25 07:23:19.030 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 0 is at 500 mm or 19.69 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:23:19.031 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 1 is at 475 mm or 18.69 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:23:19.031 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 2 is at 444 mm or 17.50 inches<br></br>2011-01-25 07:23:19.032 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 3 is at 422 mm or 16.61 inches<br></br>2011-01-25…
2011-01-25 07:23:19.028 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] Calculate a 500mm scale length Pythagorean Tempered fingerboard to 24 frets<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.030 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 0 is at 500 mm or 19.69 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.031 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 1 is at 475 mm or 18.69 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.031 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 2 is at 444 mm or 17.50 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.032 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 3 is at 422 mm or 16.61 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.032 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 4 is at 395 mm or 15.55 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.033 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 5 is at 375 mm or 14.76 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.033 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 6 is at 356 mm or 14.01 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.035 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 7 is at 333 mm or 13.12 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.036 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 8 is at 316 mm or 12.46 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.040 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 9 is at 296 mm or 11.67 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.041 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 10 is at 281 mm or 11.07 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.042 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 11 is at 263 mm or 10.37 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.042 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 12 is at 250 mm or 9.84 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.043 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 13 is at 237 mm or 9.34 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.043 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 14 is at 222 mm or 8.75 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.044 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 15 is at 211 mm or 8.30 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.045 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 16 is at 198 mm or 7.78 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.045 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 17 is at 188 mm or 7.38 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.050 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 18 is at 178 mm or 7.01 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.052 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 19 is at 167 mm or 6.56 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.052 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 20 is at 158 mm or 6.23 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.053 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 21 is at 148 mm or 5.83 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.054 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 22 is at 141 mm or 5.54 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.054 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 23 is at 132 mm or 5.18 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.056 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fret # 24 is at 125 mm or 4.92 inches<br/>2011-01-25 07:23:19.059 JeFretGui 1[50659:207] fretboard ends at 119 mm or 4.67 inches<br/><br/>
<br/>
<cite>Rand Moore said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/chinese-pentatonic-scales-lets?groupUrl=ChinaCBGs&xg_source=activity&id=2592684%3ATopic%3A414553&groupId=2592684%3AGroup%3A390239&page=2#2592684Comment427895"><div><p>Hi Jef:</p>
<p>I was pretty disappointed with the result of my Major Pentatonic Fretboard. It turned out to sound just like my Diatonic fretboard less a couple of notes (which is why it sounded so familiar). Another source says it's the intervals that make it sound "oriental", but I think that is only part of the answer. As you say, the other part is how the Chinese scales are calculated, and not having a convenient calculator, I thought I'd test the "different intervals" idea separately with the odd intervals of the Oriental Scale. But, yes, I'd like to see how much a difference in "scale calculations" (or how the temperament is handled) would sound. So, maybe I'll make two fretboards so I can test these 2 factors separately. I'll actually have to make a second instrument "test-bed" so I can hear them at (nearly) the same time. The current series of fretboards are being designed with a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>scale length of 500mm</strong></span> (50cm). The <strong>Pythagorean method</strong> is what I have seen repeatedly when Googling the Internet about Chinese pentatonic scales. You can post your results here to share with everyone. Thanks.</p>
<p>-Rand.</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Hi Jef:
I was pretty disappoi…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-23:2592684:Comment:4278952011-01-23T23:04:18.073ZRand Moorehttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandMoore
<p>Hi Jef:</p>
<p>I was pretty disappointed with the result of my Major Pentatonic Fretboard. It turned out to sound just like my Diatonic fretboard less a couple of notes (which is why it sounded so familiar). Another source says it's the intervals that make it sound "oriental", but I think that is only part of the answer. As you say, the other part is how the Chinese scales are calculated, and not having a convenient calculator, I thought I'd test the "different intervals" idea separately…</p>
<p>Hi Jef:</p>
<p>I was pretty disappointed with the result of my Major Pentatonic Fretboard. It turned out to sound just like my Diatonic fretboard less a couple of notes (which is why it sounded so familiar). Another source says it's the intervals that make it sound "oriental", but I think that is only part of the answer. As you say, the other part is how the Chinese scales are calculated, and not having a convenient calculator, I thought I'd test the "different intervals" idea separately with the odd intervals of the Oriental Scale. But, yes, I'd like to see how much a difference in "scale calculations" (or how the temperament is handled) would sound. So, maybe I'll make two fretboards so I can test these 2 factors separately. I'll actually have to make a second instrument "test-bed" so I can hear them at (nearly) the same time. The current series of fretboards are being designed with a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>scale length of 500mm</strong></span> (50cm). The <strong>Pythagorean method</strong> is what I have seen repeatedly when Googling the Internet about Chinese pentatonic scales. You can post your results here to share with everyone. Thanks.</p>
<p>-Rand.</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Jef Long said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/chinese-pentatonic-scales-lets?groupUrl=ChinaCBGs&commentId=2592684%3AComment%3A427473&xg_source=activity&groupId=2592684%3AGroup%3A390239#2592684Comment427473"><div><p>hey Rand.</p>
<p>this is a really interesting idea, good one. If you havent cut your fret slots yet, I have a fret calculator that can do pythagorean and just temperament. I think you can only approximate the sounds you are looking for with 12 tone equal temperament, which is all any online claculator will give you. Just shoot me a scale length if you like.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> ** the reason Dianne is looking at split frets is because she is taking care to carry the scale over to the second string, which is tuned to a perfect fifth. There will always be a one note differential, to account for the difference between these two keys. McNally (and most dulci makers) address is with the "6 1/2" fret. Otherwise the scale generated from the middle string will be different. eg in a C tuned strummer the middle string is G. If the frets for the middle string are the same ones as layed out for the root note string (ionian mode) there will be a F#, not a F on that string. Hopefully that makes sense. This pentatonic you are looking at here is exactly what we call a 'major pentatonic' here in the west, 1,2,3,5,6,1 I think Freddie King, the hideaway, the stumble, that kinda thing straight away. The oriental sound will have to come from your approach to temperament, imho.</p>
</div>
</blockquote> hey Rand.
this is a really in…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-23:2592684:Comment:4274732011-01-23T22:27:19.712ZThe Phrygian Kidhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JefLong
<p>hey Rand.</p>
<p>this is a really interesting idea, good one. If you havent cut your fret slots yet, I have a fret calculator that can do pythagorean and just temperament. I think you can only approximate the sounds you are looking for with 12 tone equal temperament, which is all any online claculator will give you. Just shoot me a scale length if you like.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> ** the reason Dianne is looking at split frets is because she is taking care to carry the scale over to the second…</p>
<p>hey Rand.</p>
<p>this is a really interesting idea, good one. If you havent cut your fret slots yet, I have a fret calculator that can do pythagorean and just temperament. I think you can only approximate the sounds you are looking for with 12 tone equal temperament, which is all any online claculator will give you. Just shoot me a scale length if you like.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> ** the reason Dianne is looking at split frets is because she is taking care to carry the scale over to the second string, which is tuned to a perfect fifth. There will always be a one note differential, to account for the difference between these two keys. McNally (and most dulci makers) address is with the "6 1/2" fret. Otherwise the scale generated from the middle string will be different. eg in a C tuned strummer the middle string is G. If the frets for the middle string are the same ones as layed out for the root note string (ionian mode) there will be a F#, not a F on that string. Hopefully that makes sense. This pentatonic you are looking at here is exactly what we call a 'major pentatonic' here in the west, 1,2,3,5,6,1 I think Freddie King, the hideaway, the stumble, that kinda thing straight away. The oriental sound will have to come from your approach to temperament, imho.</p> Hi All.
I've built and test…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2011-01-12:2592684:Comment:4176852011-01-12T03:08:17.200ZRand Moorehttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandMoore
Hi All.<br />
<br></br>
<p>I've built and tested my 'D Major Pentatonic' fretboard for my 3-Stringer testbed CBG. My first reaction was that the sound was not oriental sounding at all. If fact the notes sounded quite familiar to me, as though I've heard them before in folk and mountain music. Then, I noticed how similar the Major Pentatonic fretboard was to the Diatonic fretboard. Most of the fret positions were the same, and the notes were indeed the notes I have heard many times before on my D-A-D…</p>
Hi All.<br />
<br>
<p>I've built and tested my 'D Major Pentatonic' fretboard for my 3-Stringer testbed CBG. My first reaction was that the sound was not oriental sounding at all. If fact the notes sounded quite familiar to me, as though I've heard them before in folk and mountain music. Then, I noticed how similar the Major Pentatonic fretboard was to the Diatonic fretboard. Most of the fret positions were the same, and the notes were indeed the notes I have heard many times before on my D-A-D tuned diatonically tuned stick dulcimers (canjos, CBGs and strum stick). This Major Pentatonic fretboard was made using the Western chromatic scale as is expressed in the Stewart MacDonald fret calculator<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></a>. What I now need to do is to find a way of calculating the fret positions using the Chinese 12 Lü chromatic scale (more research). Then do another fretboard to determine if that one will sound more oriental. Another reason it may not sound oriental is that I'm using metal cut-nail frets and steel strings. So, I think the next thing to do is to change out the strings to nylon or Aquilla Nylgut. I shot the following photo comparing the three fretboards I've made so far: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Major Pentatonic</strong></span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Diatonic</strong></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Blues Scale</strong></span> ("Bluescimer").</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/305694523?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/305694523?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></a>Assuming the instrument is tuned to D, I've labled the notes for each fret-position and circled those which were the same. Fret 0 (nut) is on the right. To enlarge the photo for easier viewing, just click on it. Hope this comparison is educational. If you find any errors, let me know. I'm no expert.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Rand.</p>