Hello there, i'm from Argentina and i'm kinda new cigar box player, i really would like to try an ACEA tuning, but i dont know wich strings gauge choose, to preserve mi cigar box well. thanks for your hellp!
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Option 1 using a standard pack of light tension strings, tune down a bit for less tension.
#5 (A) tuned to A
#4 (D) tuned down to C
#3 (G) tuned down to E
#2 (B) tuned down to A
Option 2 using a standard pack of light tension strings tuned up to their medium tension application
#6 (E) tuned up to A
#5 (A) tuned up to C
#4 (D) tuned up to E
#3 (G) tuned up to A
yes you can tune a light tension set up a full 4th without breaking them and use them as "medium" tension strings. A light tension A is the same gauge as a medium tension D, etc.
One other thing...ACEA is going to be an A minor tuning (need the C# for A major). No problem if that's what you want, but I thought I'd mention it in case you wanted a major chord tuning.
thank you all for the answers, and sorry if i posted in the wrong way
Here is a whole slew of information about strings and tuning... http://www.cigarboxguitar.com/knowledge-base/category/tunings-and-s...
This is a master string guide for a 25" scale... http://www.cigarboxguitar.com/knowledge-base/master-string-size-tun...
Tune G up to A
B up to C
D up to E
And G up to A
Normally, you can tune a string up or down one whole note from its stated value.
For ACEA, you could use the middle 4 strings from a standard 6-string set, like so:
E-A-D-G-B-E
So now, you have A D G B
Leave the A string alone, that is your first A
Tune the D down to C
Tune the G down to E
Tune the B up to A
Tuning that G down to E might be a bit too far, resulting in a floppy string that goes out of tune too easily, so you might want to replace the G with the thinnest E string.
You also need to be aware of your scale length. ACEA could also be a ukulele or mandolin tunng. Most ukeleles have scale lengths ranging from 13-21", where most guitars have scale lengths ranging from 22-27", with the most common being 24 and 25.5". Those longer strings will put too much tension on a short scale neck, resulting in potential breakage, of either the string, the neck, or the box, or even all three. Ukuleles and mandolins use thinner strings.