Mo-ning.
Other than decorating and finishing off the bridge I'm nearly done with my build. I'm now struggling to figure out what tuning would be best for me and what strings to use for it. It's a small 18-inch scale length, and hopefully more or less acoustically silent so will be using an amp. I'm a beginner player, I love blues and in particular the traditional, olde worlde, scratchy, front porch type blues. I'd like to sing along so should perhaps string and tune to that? Problem is that I don't know what my voice is in terms of tuning. I'd say I'm at the deep end of a typical male voice. With all of the above info, what would you recommend? I know there are no rules but would appreciate some advice so that I can get all of the above encompassed in one tuning if at all possible.
Ta muchly.
Ol' Grey Bear.
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Soooo here's a little video what I gone did'ed showing the final build.
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/rackuitar-demo?xg_source=activity
Humongous thanks to you all for the help. You're precious little angels ya'll are!
So I tried it at GGB and didn't like it on such a short scale so I've restrung and retuned to GDg. Still soooo high pitched though, or so it seems, and wondering if I ought to try uke strings or acoustics as someone else suggested. The tension is really up there too and having intended to put a fret board blank on there I don't think I'd make much past a millimeter or two in pressing the strings down. Struggling of what to try next. Should I plum for uke strings? Will acoustic strings be any better? It's essentially a silent instrument acoustically and I'm using the equivalent of a piezo pickup right now. What would you advise? Given the neck as it is I doubt it'll be happy for very long at this tension. Advice sought and appreciated.
See, that's how thick I really am! FCF works much better Ron, thanks very much. Strung A D G strings ready for GDG tuning but actually tuned FCF. I couldn't figure that one out? Just proves I'm #cwackers #dumbo luls. Thanks again my friend :)
Got a clip on one the other day. Seems to work fine :)
Yeah Bear, I went back and listened to Cat's Out of the Bag to get a handle on your vocal range. Sounds like GDg on that song so that's a good spot to start even on the 18" scale. You'll be better off using acoustic guitar strings since they're heavier guage than electric and you can probably use the A,D and G strings. If all you have is light electric strings you could possibly use the E,A and D strings tuned up to pitch. If the tension feels too much as you bring it up you can always just make it FCf. If you break a string trying it tell Dani I'm sorry, I was only trying to help, lol
Thanks Jim. I needed the info about where my voice is too so that really helps. Having some problems with string dampening once they're fretted so I'll change the bridge, try the GGB I'm attempting right now and if no joy then definitely try and get to that GDg with your advice and the advice of others. Much appreciated fella. For sure.
For Dirty E, try the thickest, low E string you can find, then use the D tuned up to E, and a standard B string. These may put too much stress on a 19" scale length.
Best is to use one of the online string calculators.
Thanks Ron. I'll stick with the GDg if I get no joy after changing my bridge. Too high I think per the comment to John. Silly sausage I is.
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