A natural question arises: "how to tune a 6 string guitar for a beginner?". If you have big plans and want to become a guitarist from God, at a minimum you need to be able to tuning your guitar correctly. But even if there are no such plans, you will still have to tune the guitar).
“I can’t tune my guitar” is a phrase you can often hear from a beginning guitarist, but first, let’s figure out how the strings should be tuned. The strings on a guitar are numbered from bottom to top, from the thinnest string to the thickest..
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With classic guitar tuning The 6th string is tuned to , the Latin designation "E" is often used. Usually the sixth string is tuned first, and the rest from there, but more on that a little later. This is how the strings should be tuned when classical system:
- e (the first, thinnest string is the note "E")
- B (second string, note "B")
- G (third string, G note)
- D (fourth string, note "D")
- A (fifth string, note "A")
- E (the sixth, thickest string is the note "E")
Now that we know how the strings should be tuned, let's try to tune them. By the way, you know ? To do this, we will use pegs or, as some beginners call them, “twisters”). can be turned in one or the other direction.
By turning the peg clockwise we tighten the string, giving it a higher sound, and accordingly turning it counterclockwise we loosen the string and it sounds lower.
At setting 6 string guitar twist you need to be careful so as not to break the string, especially for beginner guitarists. With experience, you will feel the tension of the string much more accurately, but for now, be more careful and turn the “twists” carefully.
Tuning the 6th string
First of all, we tune the sixth string on the guitar. To do this, we need a so-called reference sound, specifically the note “E”. Where can I get it? You can listen to it on our website, take it on another tuned musical instrument, you can use a tuning fork, or go to YouTube and search for “E notes for guitar tuning” or something like that.
Some people have perfect pitch and can determine the pitch of a note without using the above methods. This quality of hearing can be developed, but as a rule it is innate. However, not all professionals have such skills, so the method proposed below is used by both experienced guitarists and beginners.
And so, we have found a “sample” note, let’s start tuning. Tuning a 6-string guitar, as well as playing any other musical instrument, requires at least some degree of hearing. The presence of hearing in a beginner is very easy to determine, if you are able to distinguish which of two notes sounds higher and which lower, then you definitely have hearing. This is what we need now.
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Play standard note "mi" and at the same time start plucking the sixth string of your guitar. Do you feel the difference? Does your guitar string sound lower than the reference note? So you need to tighten it up a little, twist smoothly and continue tuning the 6th string until our string and the reference note sound . Try tightening and loosening the string a little until you achieve the desired sound.
Tuning the rest of the strings
can be tuned in a similar way, using standard notes, but as a rule, “in everyday life” they are tuned relative to the 6th string. The procedure is as follows:
We will use the 6th string clamped on the 5th fret and the 5th string open (that is, not clamped on any fret). We alternately pluck the fifth and sixth strings and adjust the sound of the fifth string until we achieve unison.
The remaining strings are tuned according to a similar pattern, but with a slight correction (pay attention to the setting of the second string). I will describe the entire string tuning scheme:
- Sixth string - tune either by reference note or by ear.
In this article on the site we will talk about alternative guitar tunings.
Unusual guitar tuning is a type of tuning that differs from the classical and generally accepted fourth tuning.
It is important to understand that we are talking here about open strings, that is, notes will be extracted from open strings without pressing.
Classic setting six string guitar in notes it looks like this (from the first string to the sixth): E (mi), H (si), G (sol), D (re), A (la), E (mi).
This tuning is used by guitarists 95% of the time and is considered the default tuning.
For example, if you see a chord grid with the indicated finger placement, it means that this classical tuning is implied, and you only need to use it.
On the other hand, there are a lot musical groups, who take advantage of their individual customization of tools. Often, such an alternative tuning differs little from the generally accepted one, and the changes affect only individual strings.
For example, the sixth bass string in heavy musical styles often drops a tone lower - from MI - to RE, adding an additional seventh string SI (the thickest).
Similar techniques of alternative tuning are used on the bass guitar, especially the five-string, where instead of the classical MI there is a SI or even a SI-flat in the bass.
If you look at the tabs of the same Korn, Sepultura or Cannibal Corpse, you will definitely notice the use of alternative guitar tuning.
However non-standard setting The guitar is not limited to just one string. The same metal bands, in order to give the music more heaviness and darkness, rebuild the entire guitar.
For example, the classical guitar tuning often shifts entirely down a semitone or tone, moving from the general tuning of fourths MI to the general tuning of RE.
All this is implemented simply: all the strings of the guitar are lowered at the same interval lower, which achieves a special lowered sound.
On the other hand, alternative guitar tunings are often used in other styles.
In jazz, in blues, in grunge and even in rock.
For example, when playing with a slider (a special tip placed on the guitarist’s finger), it is very convenient to line up the guitar in fifths, so that when the fret is pressed, a whole chord can be heard without dissonant notes. Similar practices are found in other styles of music.
Unusual guitar tuning, alternative tuning
In order not to bore the reader with long stories, we will present several alternative tuning options for a six-string guitar. You can use these settings variations at your own discretion.
For example, to diversify your playing, to find new musical ideas, to change the monotonous classical sound of an instrument...
Alternative tuning of a guitar is usually implemented so that all of the instrument's open strings produce a specific minor or major chord.
When playing in this tuning, you can simply press entire frets of the guitar and get new chords.
For example, by tuning a guitar in D major and plucking all the strings at the fifth fret, you will get a pure G major, and at the seventh fret you will get an A major.
Note: The examples below indicate an alternative order of notes from the SIXTH string to the FIRST string (the sixth is the far left and the first is the far right).
To execute correct setting you will have to either tighten or loosen individual strings, go beyond the generally accepted tuning.
1. Alternative guitar tuning in D major (D):
2. Unusual guitar tuning in G major (G):
3. Tuning a six-string guitar in the key of C major (C):
4. Alternative tuning E major (E):
5. Non-standard system G minor (Gm):
6. Alternative guitar tuning in D minor (Dm):
7. Unusual system six-string guitar in the key of A minor (Am):
And a few more completely unusual configuration options:
8. SOL fret tuning (G):
9. Alternative tuning in PE fret (D):
10. Guitar stand in A major (A major):
11. Tuning a guitar with sol bass:
12. Unusual tuning of an instrument with bass BEFORE:
13. Bass retuned to PE (D):
14. Guitar tuning with a lowered first string:
Note: "B" is the symbol for B-flat, and simply B is written as "H". Moreover, in the pictures for this article, “B” indicates the note SI.
This confusion is associated with the notation of the SI note in various forms of musical notation, but don’t let this scare you. In the article, the pure note SI is designated exclusively as “H”.
As you can see, there are different approaches to rebuilding a six-string instrument. In some cases, all notes are changed, and in some situations, only some strings are twisted (not all).
For example, changes are often made to the bass strings, and you may see this option especially often. The most problematic type of guitar tuning is adding strings.
To implement such a tuning, you will either need to use a seven-string instrument, or shift all the strings, adding a thick B string in the bass.
In general, you could come up with such alternative tunings yourself, experimenting with different guitar tunings.
Don't think that everything possible options are limited only to the 14 examples described above. In fact, there are many, many more alternative configuration methods!
Interesting topic. It seemed to me that on the Internet it was somehow not covered from the side that I would like (but maybe not only me?). Increased attention is paid to the actual pitch: I read on the wiki that the standard tuning is lowered by 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 tones, raised by 0.5 and 1 tone, etc. What interests me is not the actual pitch of the sound, but the tuning, i.e. the relationship of string tuning to each other, and most importantly, what can be learned from this, in the context of a classical (or “near-classical”) guitar.
So, the usual tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E (strings 6 => 1). Allows you to at least play in the keys: C major, D major, E major, G major, A major, D minor, E minor, A minor, B minor. Particularly convenient:
- A minor and A major (open basses of all major harmonic functions I, IV, V);
- E minor, G major, C major, D major, D minor (just a lot of open strings and bass).
Drop sixth tuning: D-A-D-G-B-E (strings 6 => 1). Used almost exclusively to play in D major and D minor, because an open powerful tonic bass appears.
OPEN-G build: D-G-D-G-B-D (strings 6 => 1). It is used, as far as I understand, mainly for the convenience of accompaniment. The OPEN-G tuning actually corresponds to this form of a major triad (regular tuning):
This is where the popular systems end...
In Matteo Carcassi, at the very end of his School, we have five pieces with the “E major” tuning E-B-E- -B-E (strings 6 => 1), which actually corresponds to this form of a major triad (regular tuning):
New system inspires new musical thoughts. Changing tunings will allow you to use voicings and transitions between chord forms that would not normally be possible. The new tuning will make non-standard open strings available. Playing familiar fingerings on an unfamiliar fretboard is exciting - you never know exactly what to expect. Using familiar riffs on an unfamiliar fretboard often leads to new sound patterns and variations. This book will help you find alternative ways to make music.
Why is the standard guitar tuning standard? Where did this strange combination of a major third and four perfect fourths come from? It's part history (look at the guitar as a descendant of the lute), part technology (strings that are too high and thin tend to break, and those that are too low tend to be too soft) and part chance. However, the standard is the standard, and almost everyone who plays guitar knows the EBGDAE tuning. It turns out that only some folk musicians use different tunings, who do it only because they don’t play well enough?
Well, maybe Leo Kottke knows what he's doing, and maybe Wm. Ackerman and Michael Hedges are good, and it is possible that Adrian Belew is talented... But playing with changing tunings is impossible on stage, retuning is a nightmare... strings break, float and go out of tune, the neck is deformed. And the alternative - transporting five special guitars for five tunings - is extremely inconvenient. Back to EBGDAE.
But all these “practical” reasons pale against the background of psychological inertia. "I spent years mastering one tuning, why should I try others?" Because there are entire musical worlds waiting to be exploited. Once you've tuned in and explored the single extra tuning, you'll be captivated by unexpected fingerings, simple basses, "new" open-string chords. New tunings are a way to recapture the wonder you once felt when finding your way on the fretboard - but now you can become proficient in days rather than years!
And the "practical" reasons become less compelling with the introduction of guitar MIDI controllers, which actually allow guitarists to do much more than just play like a synthesizer. With the press of a button, you can change the tuning of all six strings - no dirty-sounding or broken strings, no extra guitars. And changing the tuning itself is no longer limited by the mechanics of string thickness and fingerboard load. How about a six bass string setup? A tuning that spans six octaves? String configurations that were impossible with wood and guttural strings can now be realized through the magic of MIDI.
The book will show you how to dip your guitar into all the popular alternative tunings, how to play them with barre and open string chords, includes diagrams of scales and pictures of the notes on the fretboard. Each setting is briefly discussed, exploring its benefits and limitations, helping you with your music studies. The book is divided into four large sections, corresponding to the four main types of alternative tunings: open, instrumental, systematic, and "special" tunings.
In open tuning, all six strings are tuned to form a simple chord. This makes it easier to use unusual transitions and interesting harmonies using resonances and “seasoned” strings. Slide guitar techniques and harmonics are great in open tuning because you can play full six-note chords. And you can play barre chords with one finger!
Instrumental tunings are based on the tunings of modern and historical instruments, such as mandolin (extended for six strings), charango, zither, oud and many others. Players of these instruments will find tuning and chord charts helpful, and guitarists will find some really great ways to change the sound of their instrument.
IN systematic system the strings are tuned uniformly. This allows the chord shapes to move up and down the strings, similar to a regular barre chord moving along the fretboard. Learn a handful of chord forms in a systematic tuning and you'll know hundreds of chords!
Special tunings - collection different systems, most of which were created and/or popularized in recent years various singers and songwriters.
Explore these alternative musical universes with this study guide, complete with handy chord and scale diagrams. Don't wait... rebuild your guitar now.
Open formations in general
When open strings form a simple chord, the tuning is called open; the "open C" tuning builds a C major chord, the "open G" tuning builds a G major chord, etc. This certainly makes it easier to play in a "natural" tuning key. But limiting the game to only a few keys would be a mistake, since most open formations Versatile enough to play in many keys.
One of the most common uses open formation- the sound of open strings as a background or ostinato. This is an easy way to create unusual chord progressions and interesting continuous harmonies. When the harmonic movement is in the treble, the lower strings tend to be used as an ostinato, and vice versa.
Open tunings are ideal for using slide guitar techniques, as you can place a slide on any fret and play a full six-note chord. Likewise, harmonics are wonderful in open tuning. You can play all six harmonics at once on the 12th, 7th and 5th frets.
Many of the open tunings are highly coupled - they may differ by only one step on one string. For example, "Modal D" - "Open D" - "D Minor" or "Modal G" - "Open G" - "G Minor". The "G" tunings mentioned only differ on the second string. Consequently, chord fingerings can often "overlap", for example, a C major chord will be played with the same fingers in all three tunings (although it will not be completely identical).
Open C - C G C G C E (strings 6 => 1)
"Open C" is a deep, rich tuning that will allow you to play in many styles and keys. "Townsend Shuffle" by William Ackerman and "Requiem for Mississippi John Hurt" by John Fahey give general idea about the versatility and spaciousness of the "Open C" setting.
Three C strings and two G strings can be used to provide numerous chord variations with these notes.
Open D - D A D A D (strings 6 => 1)
The three bass strings can be used for power chords, as well as sustained ostinato sounds against the background (on thinner strings) of changing harmonies. Almost every chord type has a simple barre variation: major, minor, dominant seventh (7), sus4, 7sus4, major and minor with sixth (6). This makes "Open D" versatile and allows you to play in a variety of styles and keys. Two famous tunes in "Open D": "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchel and "Little Martha" by Allman Brother.
Common variations of "Open D" are settings one tone higher or lower:
E B E B E (strings 6 => 1) (this is the Carcassi tuning mentioned above)
C G C E G D (strings 6 => 1)
As with many open tunings, Open D's multiple D and A strings can be used to create many variations of chords using those notes.
Modal D - D A D G A D (strings 6 => 1)
The open stuns of the "Modal D" tuning make up a wonderful Dsus4 chord that is neither major nor minor due to the lack of a third. Of course, it is possible to play in both major and minor keys.
This tuning is very close to "Open D" and differs only in the third string. Therefore, "Open D" chords can be used with minimal changes to the "Modal D" tuning, and vice versa.
Open D Minor - D A D F A D (strings 6 => 1)
The "Open D Minor" tuning shares five strings with "Open D", "Modal D", and "Pelican" (D A D E A D), differing only in the third string. As with all of these tunings, "Open D Minor" has three D strings and two A strings, resulting in a wide variety of simple chords with these notes.
Open G - D G D G B D (strings 6 => 1)
In "Open G" tuning, the strings are tuned like a G major chord, making it easier to play in the key of G and related keys. Although this tuning is often used in "folk" music, Jimmy Page's "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" shows that it is more a matter of tradition than necessity.
The four thick strings match the banjo's tuning, so banjo players will find it makes life easier. Likewise, if you like "Open G", why not try the banjo?
The second, third and fourth strings are tuned exactly as in standard setting E A D G B E (strings 6 => 1). All chords on these three strings remain the same, making "Open G" one of the simplest alternative settings, in which you can play.
As with any open tuning, multiple D and G strings can be used to create new ways to play simple chords. Note that the "Open G" tuning is similar to the "Open G Minor" and "Modal G" tunings, meaning the chord shapes of these tunings can be used mutually with minor modifications.
The "Open G" tuning is very close to the Russian seven-string guitar. In fact, it is a Russian seven-string guitar without a fifth string.
Modal G - D G D G C D (strings 6 => 1)
The open guitar strings in "Modal G" make up a Gsus4 chord, which is neither major nor minor. The two pairs of fourths on strings 3-6 give a powerful sound, while the small difference of the two highest strings makes a variety of sus chords viable and interesting.
Like other open tunings, this tuning makes it fairly easy to create different variations of chords using three D strings and two G strings. Additionally, "Modal G" is closely related to "Open G" (only the second strings are different, and only in one fret).
Open G Minor - D G D G bB D (strings 6 => 1)
Used in "Orphan" and "Mist-Covered Mountains of Home" by John Renbourn, the "Open G Minor" tuning is likely a descendant of the G minor banjo tuned D G bB D, where the two lowest strings are doubled an octave down. This tuning differs from "Open G" only in the second string, so their chords are easy to carry.
The tuning of "Open G Minor" is very close to the minor gypsy tuning D G bB D G bB D (strings 7 => 1) of the Russian seven-string guitar. In fact, this is the same seven-string guitar, but without the fifth string.
Open A - E A E A E (strings 6 => 1)
Larry Sandberg says that the "Open A" tuning is especially useful for Delta Blues sounds, and it's a great tuning for slide guitar because it allows you to simply slide from minor to major on the fourth string.
As with all open tunings, it's easy to find an extra variation on a chord by taking advantage of strings that are tuned to an octave.
Instrumental tunings in general
Instrumental tunings are based on the tuning of instruments such as balalaika, charango, dobro and others. They are adapted for use on six strings by supplementing the tuning of instruments that have fewer than six strings in a practical, although not the only possible, way. For example, Zither tuning (2) expands the zither tuning of "C G C G C" to six strings, eventually becoming "C G C G C G". The balalaika tuning combines the bass (E A D) and prima (E E A) balalaika tunings to produce six strings tuned as "E A D E E A".
Balalaika - E A D E E A (strings 6 => 1)
Three thick strings are tuned exactly the same as in a regular guitar tuning. The third and second strings are tuned in unison, one tone higher than the fourth string. The first string is tuned like the third string in regular guitar tuning, held down on the second fret.
Balalaika - three-string Russian folk instrument with a characteristic triangular shape. The balalaika family extends from the large bass (EAD tuning), includes tenor, alto, and ends with the prima balalaika (EEA tuning). Balalaika guitar tuning combines the bass and prima balalaika tunings on the same neck for an interesting, almost authentic tuning.
The tuning benefits from the natural tones of E and A, and the hypnotic effect of two E strings tuned in unison. If you use regular strings, the second string will be very loose, giving the effect of a sitar sound.
Charango - X G C E A E (strings 6 => 1, 6th string not used)
This is what the scale looks like on the staff: 
This seemed like a pretty monstrous setup to me. It cannot be used on regular strings - it is too low. Apparently, they also stretch the basses instead of the upper strings...
The charango is a ten-stringed instrument from the Andes region of Peru and Bolivia, for which the shell of an armadillo is often used as a resonator. The instrument is usually held high on the chest, and the strings are paired, like a mandolin or 12-string guitar. The third pair is usually tuned to an octave, while the other four pairs are in unison. Perhaps the main feature of the tuning is that the strings do not run uniformly from low to high. They form an Am7 chord (with an E bass) and are all within the same octave. This creates very interesting fingering patterns for the right hand, as the bass (on the 3rd note) tends to syncopate.
In the Andean musical tradition, the charango plays three roles. When playing a melody, its double strings produce a mandolin-like sound. In finger style, the charango tends to sound "very fast", playing a role similar to the banjo in the American folk tradition. Finally, charango players have perfected fast strumming, in which the first finger of the right hand quickly hammers back and forth across the strings. The loose wrist style of this style is reminiscent of the "Spanish" style rasgueado, although the higher pitched charango gives it a unique feel.
Zither (1) - C F C G C D (strings 6 => 1)
A zither is like a mandolin with an extra pair of strings. Zithers can be tuned in a variety of open tunings, such as CFCGC, DGDAD or GCGDG, any of which can be used with virtually the same fingering (in our guitar tuning, this is the fingering for strings 2-6). For example, to play DGDAD, all you have to do is move existing chord shapes down two frets.
Zither (2) - C G C G C G (strings 6 => 1)
Three pairs of fifths span three octaves and create a "wider" tuning than normal. The bass is deeper and the trebles are higher. Chords tend to be very wide, with large intervals between adjacent tones, and scales invariably require sliding up and down the fretboard. The stretches are too large to be comfortable playing in a single position.
Barre on all six strings is a chord that is neither major nor minor, and these three fifths are useful for pieces that are tonally indeterminate.
Moving a riff or fingering pattern an octave is simply a matter of moving two strings. New fingerings for some chords can be found simply by changing the strings. With this trick you can form hundreds of chords from just a few standard chords. Doubling some notes gives even more possibilities.
Dobro - G B D G B D (strings 6 => 1)
Dobro is a type of guitar with a metal resonator. It is usually held horizontally on the lap and used in a similar way to a slide guitar. It is typically tuned in a G major chord, which is different from the G major chord of "Open G" (D G D G B D), although the three high strings are identical. Therefore, the same chords can be fingered on the high strings of both tunings.
The two "triplet" dobro strings are exactly an octave apart, making it easier to visualize chord shapes and move them up and down an octave. For example, a chord can be played high or low, or the two octaves can be combined to create a more “complete” version.
Lefty - E B G D A E (strings 6 => 1)
This is a left-handed tuning - the strings are simply tensioned in the reverse order, in normal tuning. The author of the book claims that it can be played in a normal position.
Interestingly, it doesn't take long to become quite proficient with left-handed guitar (assuming you're fairly proficient with regular right-handed guitar), because left/right symmetry makes many chords easier to remember. In general, scales are more confusing than chords - the sound often goes up when you expect it to go down, and vice versa. Various types strumming acquires interesting character, because "alternative bass" becomes "alternative treble".
Overtone - C E G C D (strings 6 => 1)
This tuning is highly "compressed" - all six strings are within little more than a single octave. This sometimes creates very "tight" chords and harmonies. Many major, minor and seventh chords have repeating tones that create interesting sounds.
Pentatonic - A C D E G A (strings 6 => 1)
The six strings of this tuning are within a single octave of the pentatonic scale. The tuning is very "compressed" as all six strings span only one octave. Chords tend to contain multiple copies of tones, giving the impression choral singing and depth.
Systematic formations generally
In systematic tuning, all six strings are equally spaced from each other. This means that any fingering pattern can be moved up and down the fretboard in the same way that a regular barre chord can be moved along the fretboard. Systematic tunings make learning chords very easy, since each fingering pattern will be useful for so many chords.
Minor thirds - C A C (strings 6 => 1)
Strings tuned to minor thirds form a diminished chord. This is a very "compressed" tuning, as all six strings are tuned within one decime. This is the distance that most adults can stretch their fingers on the keyboard, and the chords tend to end up in a tight arrangement, like on a keyboard.
Unlike the piano, however, chords in this tuning often contain multiple copies of a single note. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The sound of the two notes is invariably different, and the doubled notes “strengthen” each other, just as the doubled strings of a twelve-string guitar add “chorality” and depth. When plucking or plucking a chord, the doubled notes can create a unique effect similar to the sound of a mandolin with double strings.
Major thirds - C E C E (strings 6 => 1)
This tuning could be called "Open C Augmented" since it contains two octaves of an augmented C triad. Thus, it has the properties of open settings described above. At the same time, it also has the above-described properties of systematic settings.
All Fourths - E A D G C F (strings 6 => 1)
All fourths is the closest systematic tuning to standard tuning. Looking at the ease of memorizing chord forms in a systematic tuning, the question arises: why does traditional tuning lower the two highest strings down a semitone?
One reason may be the lack of major and minor triads on the full six strings, even in open position. There are, however, numerous easy-to-finger four- and five-note chords that can be easily moved along the fretboard.
All chords and scales on the low four strings of standard tuning can be used literally, and they can be directly transferred to the top two strings. Electric guitar (bass) players often find this to be a very simple and good way to extend the tuning of four bass strings to six.
Aug Fourths - C C C (strings 6 => 1)
The augmented fourth is the only interval whose inversion is equal to itself. Augmented fourth tuning is the only tuning in which all chord shapes will remain the same when the strings are reversed (as for lefties). So this setting is its own "lefty". If we lived in peace with equal number left- and right-handed guitarists, then it is possible that this tuning would be the standard!
Mandoguitar - C G D A E B (strings 6 => 1)
The four strings of a mandolin (like a violin) are tuned in a sequence of perfect fifths. The mandoguitar tuning expands this to six strings, with one fifth below the violin and another fifth above. This provides deeper bass than on a guitar, and at the same time higher treble.
However, the first open string is tuned like the first string in standard tuning, pressed down at the seventh fret. Perhaps this is a little high - it will no longer be possible to use ordinary strings.
Minor Sixth - C E C E (strings 6 => 1)
The first string is tuned the same as in standard tuning, and the remaining strings go down in sixths. The fifth and sixth strings are so low that using standard strings no longer possible.
Like the "Major Thirds" tuning, this tuning could also be called "Open C Augmented", although the strings are ordered differently (C E instead of C E), with all that that implies.
Despite this formal similarity, the two settings are quite different. The "Minor Sixth" tuning is very broad and covers more than three octaves, while the "Major Thirds" tuning only covers one and a half octaves. Chords in the "Minor Sixth" tuning tend to be spread wide, with long intervals between notes, and have low bass and high treble at the same time. Chords in Major Thirds tuning, on the other hand, tend to "compress", often with multiple copies of the same note in the same octave.
Major Sixth - C A C A (strings 6 => 1)
The first string is tuned the same as the first string in standard tuning, pinned down at the fifth fret, with the remaining strings going down in sixths. You can no longer use standard strings.
As in the Minor Thirds tuning, the strings form a diminished C seventh chord. Both tunings contain the notes C A, although the strings are in different orders and double different tones.
Despite this superficial similarity, the two tunings are quite different, primarily because the six strings of the "Minor Thirds" tuning span little more than an octave, while the "Major Sixth" tuning spans more than three and a half octaves. As a result, chords in the "Major Sixth" tuning tend to sound sparse, with large intervals between adjacent notes. Scales will be awkward because they cannot be played in a single position. On the other hand, the tuning range is huge, as there are five octaves from the lowest “C” to the highest “C”. That's as wide a spacing as most mid-sized keyboards!
Many guitarists wonder which strings are best suited to their tuning. When choosing, it is worth remembering that preferences for tension and string diameter are a very individual thing. It is for this reason that you should not take information from of this material as an absolute truth: we will present the most generalized and averaged data, according to which you can choose the optimal thickness of the set to suit your preferences.
For ease of reading the article, we will use whole string thickness designations (for example, 9-42 instead of 0.009-0.042).
Factors influencing the choice of string thickness
- Guitar scale: the longer it is, the tighter the strings will be, all other things being equal. In the table below we will be using the standard 25.5" scale. If you have a guitar with a smaller scale, then you will need to make a slight adjustment and go with a thicker set.
- String tension: The higher their tension, the thicker the strings - accordingly, they have a more powerful and voluminous sound. However, on the other hand, thicker strings have a smaller vibration amplitude, which is why their sound is not as rich in overtones, it is duller and flatter - this is especially audible on thin strings without winding.
- Third string: in most sets this is not wound (plain). In sets with a first string thickness of 12 or more, the third string is usually wrapped. IN in this case It’s worth considering that braiding increases tension - you’ll have to forget about bending by one and a half to two tones, although, on the other hand, in lowered tunings The third wound string sounds much fuller and richer.
- Today you can buy guitar strings in balanced sets (8-38, 9-42, 10-46, 11-50, 12-54, 13-56, etc.) and unbalanced(9-46, 10-52, 11-52, 12-56/60, etc.)
The former are usually used for standard tuning or tuning lowered across all strings by an equal number of semitones. The second type is ideal for lovers of drop tunings (the 6th string is lowered by whole tone), as well as for those who use hybrid and open guitar tunings.
- The thickest sets of strings (12-60, 13-72, etc.) are best suited for long-scale guitars - baritones. They have a scale length of 26 inches or more, and are used in very low tunings (for example, Standard A and lower).
In principle, such kits can also be used for instruments with a standard scale for deeply lowered tuning, but before purchasing you should consider a couple of nuances:
- You may simply not have enough scale adjustment options on the bridge, since low pitch requires its reconfiguration. In this case, either replacing the bridge or switching to a thinner set will help.
- If you use a thicker set, you will either bore out the string grooves on the nut or simply won't be able to fit the strings into them. When going back to more thin strings, they will hang around in the bored grooves, making it difficult to fine-tune the guitar.
In addition, thick strings may not fit into the peg - it will also have to be bored.
Which strings are suitable for a particular tuning?
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Guitar tuning |
Matching String Sets |
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Standard E |
8-38 is a specific set that is more suitable for experienced musicians. The very small diameter allows you to make microbends simply by pressing the strings harder against the frets (this is especially effective when using a scalloped neck). From famous musicians Yngwie Malmsteen is a fan of this set 9-42 - suitable for a beginning musician, installed on all production Fender guitars 10-46 is perhaps the most popular caliber for standard tuning: the perfect balance between comfort and tone. 9.5-44 - a compromise set for lovers of dynamic sound and frequent bends 11-50 - a favorite set of musicians performing blues and light rock: allows you to swing the guitar wood to full power 12-54 - suitable, for example, for guitars with voids inside the soundboard when playing jazz and blues. High tension |
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9-46 - similar to the classic 9-42 set for drop tuning 10-52 - analogue of the 10-46 set for drop tuning 10-50 is not a very popular set, which, according to many musicians, is more balanced for drops and more pleasant to play than 10-52 10-60 - an unbalanced kit for those who play heavy music, this kit is used by Zakk Wylde 11-54 - bright and powerful sound when playing harmonic parts on low strings 11-56 - the most spacious and deep sound, suitable for musicians with strong fingers |
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Standard D |
10-46 - light bends, tension below average. For singing lead parts 11-50 - perfectly balanced tension 12-54 - above average tension: every bluesman's dream 13-56 - strong tension, deep and powerful tone |
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10-60 is a good choice for this tuning: 1-3 strings stretch well, low strings sound monolithic and deep 11-52 - minimum thickness for this tuning, tension below average 11-54 - classic set for drop C 11-56 - enhanced sound of low strings, the difference is not always noticeable 12-54 - thicker high strings, more suitable for playing harmonic parts 12-60 - strong tension, good choice for heavy music with a minimum number of lead parts |
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Standard A |
14-68 - medium tension, excellent balance |
Helpful tip: If you want to tune your guitar to B Standard or lower, consider buying a baritone or 7-string guitar - you need to understand that not all types of 6-string electric guitars are designed for experimenting with strong detuning.
Let us repeat that these recommendations are conditional and partly subjective. Suffice it to remember the great SRV, which used the 13-56 kit for the Standard Eb build: therefore, the most important thing is your feelings. Try several different sets, experiment - and you will certainly find the optimal set for your music!
Based on materials from an article by Egor Kalgannikov, 12.2013.
If you have already decided to start playing the guitar, then the first thing you need to do when you pick up the instrument is to tune the guitar. About how it is carried out 6 string guitar tuning and this article tells the story. Let's look at how to tune a guitar with and without a tuner. Never play an out of tune guitar - it will completely damage your hearing!
Standard guitar tuning
Tuning a guitar requires each string to sound a specific note. The set of notes of all strings is called the tuning of a guitar. Tuning a 6-string guitar can be done in different tunings, but we will focus on the most common - classical tuning, which is more often called standard guitar tuning.
In short, any tuning is written as a sequence of notes of the open strings from the first to the sixth. The standard tuning is written like this:
E B G D A E
What does it mean in Russian:
Mi Si Sol Re La Mi
As you can see, the first and sixth strings sound the note Mi , but in the case of the sixth string it is Mi second octave (thick string), and the first string produces Mi fourth octave (thin). There will be more about this a little later.
Guitar tuner
In the age of technology, it would be strange if there was no gadget for tuning a guitar. But it exists and there are just a lot of options. Not only is this a very convenient thing, it is also very cheap.
This is a small clothespin that attaches to the headstock, i.e. to the place where the pegs are on the guitar. The clothespin contains a sensor that detects sound vibrations going about t strings Thanks to this, the tuner does not pick up external noise.
We will look at what these strange letters on the screen are, but for now I want to please you. The cost of this miracle on AliExpress only 3$. In music stores, such tuners are sold many times more expensive. I recommend purchasing it if necessary. It will come in handy, I use this myself. It's better to buy in this store .
Tuner for tuning a guitar on your phone
Today there is more than one online service for tuning a guitar. There are also enough programs for PC, for example the same Guitar Pro allows you to do this. But it is much more convenient to install the application on your smartphone and not depend on the Internet and/or computer.
There are tons of guitar tuning apps for smartphones. But the most complete and advanced among them all was and remains to this day the gStrings guitar tuner. I've been using it for 5 years now.
You can download it from Google Play Market ‘ A.
After all the changes made by the developers, the application has become maximally adapted to living conditions. You just need to take your phone out of your pocket, open the app and start plucking strings, not necessarily guitar strings. The application is omnivorous and is great for tuning a guitar, as well as for tuning a bass guitar, violin and any other instrument. Even the drums were once pulled up on it.
At the top of the tuner screen are consecutive notes. In the center is a tuned note, and an arrow indicates what to do with this note. If the arrow is to the left of the center of the screen, it means the note is not played. If it’s to the right, it’s overtightened.
A note is considered tuned if the arrow points to the center, i.e. on the note itself, while its color changes, in this case from gray to white. Today, all tuners have a similar intuitive interface.
As already shown above, notes are indicated by the first letters of the English alphabet. The letters go as in the English alphabet, in order, but starting with the note A:
- Do - C
- D - D
- Mi - E
- Fa - F
- Salt G
- A - A
- C - B
When talking about standard tuning, octaves were mentioned. Which octave a note belongs to is indicated in the program by a number next to the note. Under the note, its frequency is indicated in Hertz (Hz). The current sound frequency is shown in the center of the screen. For standard tuning this is:
- 1 string — E 4 — 329.63 Hz
- 2nd string — B 3 — 246.94 Hz
- 3rd string — G 3 — 196.00 Hz
- 4th string — D 3 — 146.83 Hz
- 5 string — A 2 —110.00Hz
- 6th string — E 2 — 82.41 Hz
Don't get confused! otherwise in best case scenario You'll break the string, or at worst, you'll damage the guitar.
Tuning a 6 string guitar by notes
Today, given that everyone has a smartphone or two in their pocket, this option for tuning a guitar can be considered outdated, but you shouldn’t write it off. One way or another, everyone who plans to continue playing the guitar should know it. You never know, suddenly the battery on your smartphone runs out)
The method is based on the fact that each subsequent string is tuned to the previous one by ear, by resonance. As we already know, the open first string produces the note Mi. If we hold down the second string at the fifth fret, we will also get the same note Mi and a resonance will arise between them, i.e. they will begin to enhance each other's sound.
This means that in order to tune the second string, it needs to sound the same as the open first string at the fifth fret. Therefore, we clamp the second string at the fifth fret, pluck the first string, and then the second, and try to determine whether the second string sounds higher or lower.
At the same time, to make it easier to determine whether the second string is understretched or overtightened, you can move from the fifth fret to other frets and look for which fret the resonance will occur on. If it occurs on higher frets (6,7,8...) then the second string should be tightened even more. If resonance occurs if you hold the second string at lower frets (1-4), then the second string is overtightened.
Guitar beats and tuning
When you come very close to the desired note and the difference between the notes is very close, so-called beats occur. Beating is the result of a slight difference between two close frequencies that are trying to resonate, but because of the slight difference, the sound is either strengthened or weakened. Graphically it looks like this:
When setting acoustic guitar, the beats are not only perceptible by ear, but also clearly felt by the body when touching the soundboard (body) of the guitar. This is especially noticeable on the upper bass strings, due to their thickness and lower sound frequency.
The closer the sounds of two notes correspond to each other (the second string on the fifth fret and the open first), the faster the beats will occur. And when the notes coincide, the beats will stop altogether. You just have to feel it and then you can adjust it without thinking.
By analogy for the other strings. The third string should sound the same as the second open string when plucked at the fourth fret. To tune the 4th, 5th and 6th strings, you should clamp them at the fifth fret and compare their sound with the sound of the previous string.
It turns out that all strings except the third are tuned according to the resonance between them at the fifth fret and the previous string, and the third string is similar, but is clamped at the fourth fret.
Sheet music for guitar tuning
In this way, you can tune the guitar in reverse order or starting from any string, but there is one thing in this method weak point. Initially, one of the strings must be tuned from outside. The tuning fork was invented for these purposes. A standard tuning fork produces an A note with a frequency of 440 Hz. Those. This is the first string on the fifth fret.
Especially for you, a 20-second file with the note A (440Hz) produced by a standard tuning fork was created in the Audacity audio editor. Well, at the same time, 20 seconds of the sound of the first string.
Download or listen online sheet music for guitar tuning:
You can create the sound of any note yourself in Audacity. How to do this, read the article:
Another instrument, such as a piano or a second guitar, can also serve as a reference. But it’s better to memorize some melody for yourself, preferably using all the strings separately, by playing which you could accurately determine whether the instrument is out of tune and which strings should be tuned.
For me personally, such a melody is the introduction of Viktor Tsoi’s song “Aluminum Cucumbers.” If you develop auditory memory and remember the sound of notes, then you can tune a guitar without a tuning fork, and even more so without tuners, without any problems. It just takes practice and regular play.
And finally, a video showing another guitar tuning option:
The article was written exclusively for the site