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Permalink Reply by JL on April 12, 2017 at 4:36am

GDG tuning with guitar strings at a 17 inch scale, puts you right about the 7th fret relative to a 25.5 guitar: BEADF#B,

so if you go with strings #4, #3, and #2 on a 17in scale tuned to GDG you will be at the same tension.

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Permalink Reply by James Bolan on April 12, 2017 at 10:45am

Thanks Jl I kind figured some string variables would be involved . Honestly wasn't sure how to figure the tensions.

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Permalink Reply by JL on April 13, 2017 at 1:09am

I just use my spreadsheet fret calculator to look at the approximate scale length to see what fret that lines up on compared to a standard scale git, then take the notes at that fret to see what's closest to the desired tuning. no tension calculations needed. It also works for longer scales, I add some -1, -2, -3 frets to my spreadsheet fret calculator to do the same thing.

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Permalink Reply by Lane Martin on April 12, 2017 at 7:43am

Another possibility would be to get a "low G" set of tenor ukulele strings and use the 1, 3, and 4 strings (A, C, G) and tune it to GDG.

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Permalink Reply by James Bolan on April 12, 2017 at 10:37am

Thanks Lane. Didn't know about low G tenor strings. Not sure how nylon strings would sound but might be the best option for kids

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Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on April 13, 2017 at 7:57am

Weird. I replied to this and my reply has vanished.

Spooky!

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Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on April 13, 2017 at 8:00am

My bad. It was in a different forum.

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Permalink Reply by James Bolan on May 11, 2017 at 3:22am

Found out the string tension didn't matter. I tried all kinds of variations that have been discussed. But what sounded best was the normal set up.So scale length doesn't seem to make any difference.

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