Because it is very easy to hear the pitch of the high, clear string harmonics, this tuning method gives a very accurate, pleasing tuning that takes advantage of pure intervals (fourths) to give the instrument a more resonant, vibrant sound (because pure intervals support and resonate with each other better).
Note: For those interested in tuning theory: As far as I can tell, this tuning, based on a series of pure fourths, is not an official tuning system like Pythagorean tuning, which is based on a series of pure fifths. Like the Pythagorean system, though, if all the intervals were in fact pure, the result would not add up to pure octaves between the two E strings. I believe that most of the (slight) "fudging" necessary takes place around the B string, which is tuned with the third rather than the fourth.
Harmonics are played by touching the string very lightly at the fret, rather than holding it down just below the fret. You must be comfortable with playing harmonics to use this tuning method; it is not recommended for beginners.
Tuning Using Harmonics
Tune the low E string using a tuning fork, keyboard, etc.
Tune the A string by matching the harmonic at the fifth fret of the 6th string to the harmonic at the 7th fret of the 5th string.
Tune the D string to the A string and the G string to the D string using the same procedure (matching the 7th fret harmonic of the higher string to the 5th fret harmonic of the lower string).
Tune the B string by matching the open B string to the harmonic at the 7th fret of the 6th string. Some guitarists match the harmonic at the 5th fret of the B string to the one at the 9th fret of the G string, but this is more difficult and also gives a less satisfactory tuning.
Tune the top E string to the B string using the 5th fret/7th fret harmonics.
Check the tuning using an E's and B's only chord (see above, and adjust as necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment