I'm about done with my 6th build. For all my previous ones I've done open G and D at a scale of 24-25". This current one will be fretless at a shorter scale of 20". I'd like to try a different tuning on this one but wasn't sure which would be best.
Any ideas?
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I often build short scale instruments. This is how I think of it when I choose strings and tunings....
Take a tape measure up a normal guitar and measure your scale length, find that fret, grab a capo and pop it on. (You can do all of this in your head). These are your notes for normal guitar strings at normal string tension. With this in mind, you can choose which notes and tunings you require and choose which string thickness you need to achieve your desired tuning without changing normal guitar strings tention too much.
Remember and take note that string thickness will require bridge compensation to stay in tune as you travel up the fretboard. Generally speaking, the thicker the string the greater the bridge compensation.
I built a 19" scale length 6 string guitar that is tuned to normal tuning by loosing the high E string, shifting all the strings across the guitar and using a set of strings for a 7 string guitar. The heavier bass string needed quite some compensation and still sounds a tiny bit off but I can jam and play everything in tune as any normal guitar with it. Guitar players who play it either get it or scratch their head in amazement asking how?? I just say "magic' :)
Agree with Wayfinder...you're on the long side of baritone ukulele scale at 20".
Do you have your strings yet? I usually let my string choice determine the tuning.
Best? ... That's your call. Ideas? You could use the DGB or GBe strings out of a standard pack and go from there. CGC, DGB, GBD are just a few easy possibilities. You could tune your CBG to CGB (major 7th?? I could be wrong on that.) Might make for an interesting sound.
I haven't gotten strings yet. All I have on hand are the 1st, 2nd and 6th strings of a standard set (Ebe). I'm at a loss of what tuning I could use these for.
Replies
I often build short scale instruments. This is how I think of it when I choose strings and tunings....
Take a tape measure up a normal guitar and measure your scale length, find that fret, grab a capo and pop it on. (You can do all of this in your head). These are your notes for normal guitar strings at normal string tension.
With this in mind, you can choose which notes and tunings you require and choose which string thickness you need to achieve your desired tuning without changing normal guitar strings tention too much.
Remember and take note that string thickness will require bridge compensation to stay in tune as you travel up the fretboard. Generally speaking, the thicker the string the greater the bridge compensation.
I built a 19" scale length 6 string guitar that is tuned to normal tuning by loosing the high E string, shifting all the strings across the guitar and using a set of strings for a 7 string guitar. The heavier bass string needed quite some compensation and still sounds a tiny bit off but I can jam and play everything in tune as any normal guitar with it. Guitar players who play it either get it or scratch their head in amazement asking how?? I just say "magic' :)
http://www.ukulelescales.com/ebooks/7-must-know-ukulele-scales-bari...
Agree with Wayfinder...you're on the long side of baritone ukulele scale at 20".
Do you have your strings yet? I usually let my string choice determine the tuning.
Best? ... That's your call. Ideas? You could use the DGB or GBe strings out of a standard pack and go from there. CGC, DGB, GBD are just a few easy possibilities. You could tune your CBG to CGB (major 7th?? I could be wrong on that.) Might make for an interesting sound.
We-ell...
DAd
FCf
DAF#
Just to name a few...