Why Guitars Are Not Tuned in Fifths
Guitars are predominantly tuned in fourths, with the exception of the major third interval between the G and B strings. This tuning offers several advantages that make it well-suited for a variety of music styles. In this article, we will explore why guitars are not typically tuned in fifths and how alternative tunings can be achieved with unique considerations.
Advantages of Fourth Tuning on Guitars
The fourths tuning allows for:
Playability and Ergonomics
The fourths tuning facilitates easier finger positioning and movement across the fretboard. This is particularly beneficial for common chord shapes and scales used in a wide range of musical genres. Players can readily navigate the fretboard without excessive strain or discomfort.
Chord Voicings
The tuning enables a variety of chord voicings and fingerings that are more comfortable for players. The major third interval between the G and B strings provides a balanced sound for major chords, making them easier to play and produce a richer tone.
Standardization
Guitar tuning has become standardized over time, with most players accustomed to the standard EADGBE tuning. Deviating from this could complicate communication and learning, as most instructional materials and teachers focus on this tuning. Standardization ensures a consistent learning environment for beginner and intermediate players.
String Tension
While some instruments like the violin are tuned in perfect fifths, doing so on a guitar would result in uneven string tension. This would make it more difficult to maintain pitch stability and intonation across the fretboard, ultimately affecting the instrument's comfort and performance.
In musical terms, the current tuning allows guitarists to play a wide variety of music, from classical to rock, without needing to constantly retune their instruments or adjust their playing styles. This adaptability has contributed to the widespread adoption of the fourths tuning across different musical traditions.
Theorizing Fifth Tuning on Guitars
While the standard tuning is widely accepted, guitars can be tuned in fifths with some creativity. In fact, some musicians experiment with this tuning to achieve unique sounds and playing techniques. The benefits and challenges of tuning in fifths are discussed below.
Alternative Fifth Tuning
I have a classical guitar that I keep tuned in fifths: C2 G2 D3 A3 E4 B4. This tuning scheme offers several unique advantages and disadvantages:
Resonance and String Gauge
While lower tunings provide better resonance, the C2 interval is pushed to its limits with a conventional guitar. The low C2 is typically very difficult to achieve with a reasonable amount of resonance, especially with a heavy string gauge. The guitar can only accommodate low tones up to a certain point, often around the B string, before entering the bass range.
String Stability
The B4 string presents a particular challenge for traditional guitar strings. Heavy fishing line or monofilament is often used in this position, as it can be difficult to maintain the tuning without frequent retuning.
Finger Stretching and Chord Voicings
Tuning in all fifths would mean that chord and scale fingerings would be more similar to those on a mandolin. While the mandolin's shorter neck allows for easy finger stretches, a conventional guitar's longer neck can make such stretches taxing or even impossible. This tuning would make it difficult to achieve some common guitar chord voicings, especially those that require a wide span between fingers.
The standard tuning for guitars, like violins, violas, and cellos, is a compromise between the long scale of the instrument and the size of the typical human hand. This tuning was adopted to balance playability, ergonomics, and the ability to play a wide range of music.
Robert Fripp's "New Standard Tuning"
A practical alternative to tuning all strings in fifths is Robert Fripp's "New Standard Tuning": C2 G2 D3 A3 E4 G4. This tuning loses the fifth between the top two strings but retains the ability to use a standard set of 12-string guitar E strings for the G4.
This alternative tuning allows for many of the benefits of fifth tuning while maintaining the standard string tension and stability. This makes it a practical choice for those who want to experiment with fifth tuning without the challenges associated with traditional fifth tuning on a guitar.
Conclusion
While fifth tuning offers unique benefits and creative possibilities, the standard fourths tuning on guitars remains the most practical and widely accepted tuning due to its playability, ergonomics, and standardization. Alternative tunings, such as Robert Fripp's "new standard tuning," offer a balanced approach for those who wish to experiment with fifth tuning on their guitars.