Why is the string position on a classical/accoustic guitar:...

Answer by jack and frances
Submitted on 10/10/2005
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Other stringed instruments similar to the guitar world wide tend to be tuned in fourths (such as E, A, D, G, etc) because the fourth is a very strong natural interval and because with 4 fingers of the left hand available it is possible to play several different possible scale patterns beginning on one open string and ending a fourth above. When the lute was introduced to Europe during the crusades, it was probably tuned in fourths as is the Arabic Oud nowadays (although tunings vary). With the use of harmony in the renaissance period, frets were used for the first time on the lute, and in order to get full chords it became necessary to alter the tuning from all fourths to mostly fourths and one major third. The modern tuning of the guitar is very similar to the tuning of the renaissance lute, but at a different pitch. This TYPE of tuning has had many variants, but guitar tuning has been standardized for about 200 years in its present configuration. It makes it possible to play easily in the maximum number of different keys, unlike "open" tunings which are usually limited to a single key. The lute tuning was G-C-F-A-D-G, with the major third between the 3rd and 4th strings instead of between the 2nd and 3rd. jack and frances www.guitar-vacation-retreats.com

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Question by Harpie
Submitted on 12/28/2003
Related FAQ: Classical Guitar FAQ
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Why is the string position on a classical/accoustic guitar: E A D G B E and not any other position

Answer by Fred
Submitted on 3/9/2004
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Because it is traditional. Not because of logic. There are much better string counts and tunings. For example, imagine all six strings tuned down one whole note. Now imagine two more treble strings and two more bass strings for a tuning of E, A, D, G, C, F, a, d, g, c. Low to high. Here we have the smooth blending of guitar and bass guitar into one instrument. Interesting?... don't you think?

Answer by bob
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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i dunno

Answer by Frank
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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because it's the normal position that is been found in guiter.but i the real sense it's E,B,G,D,A, and E.that is the normal position that is always found in guiter.

Answer by NIKKI
Submitted on 6/3/2005
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WHAT ARE THE STRING NAMES?

Answer by the long one
Submitted on 5/4/2006
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XD> yes..it's true.. the baboon IS related to man..

Answer by Y
Submitted on 9/11/2006
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[For those unfamiliar with guitar: Logically one would expect all strings on a chromatic instrument to be tuned at equal intervals e.g. on a guitar, from lowest to highest, E,A,D,G,C,F. However, this is NOT the way a guitar is actually tuned - The two highest strings are not tuned to C and F, they are tuned to B and E, hence the question "Why?"] ANSWER: -To make it easier to play chords, arpeggios etc. without changing the position of the left hand. (Especially in E major or E minor, but other keys too.)

Answer by vby
Submitted on 1/30/2007
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hmnivy

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