How does it come that the G-B string is tuned to a third ? And for example E-A to a forth ? aren't there the same amount of semi note's between them ?
Thx
How does it come that the G-B string is tuned to a third ? And for example E-A to a forth ? aren't there the same amount of semi note's between them ?
Thx
G to B is a major third which is 4 semitones
E to A is a perfect fourth, which is 5 semitones
A fourth has long been considered the most suitable interval to separate the strings given the average hand span compared to the widest fret spacings on the fretboard.
The exception of the interval of a third between the third and second strings messes up the logic of the layout a little, (compared to a bass guitar) but more than makes up for it in providing a duplicate E string (2 octaves higher) and enabling a wide range of playable chord shapes.
The grossly oversimplified version is that it allows you to make a barre across the same fret for E and A chord shapes. There's pros and cons to shapes in every tuning, and you don't always have to use 5 or 6 strings to make a chord, but this tuning has a lot going for it. 244322 is so much more finger-friendly than 244311 :mrgreen:
How does it come that the G-B string is tuned to a third ? And for example E-A to a forth ? aren't there the same amount of semi note's between them ?
Thx
This may not be a timely reply since the question goes back a few months, but I was under the impression that its done that way to make it easier to fret many chords without stretching out to far. Theres also alternate tunings.
Eric
